Giving Reasons

Because

When something is important for us and we want to give a reason for it, we use because.•Because they did not pay me back, had to borrow money from the bank.•Because my alarm-clock did not go off, I nearly missed my flight.•Why are you crying? I’m crying because I lost my

mother’s pearl earrings.

As and Since

When we use as and since to give reason it means that the listener is already familiar with the reason. •As we arrived late, we had to wait for the next train.•Since I was thirsty, I had to drink some water first.

For

Same as because, for also introduces a new reason to the listener. For-clauses cannot be used in the beginning of the sentence.

•I had to stay home and nurse my sick child– for she was too sick to go to school.

Therefore and So

• Therefore can be used to give reasons instead of so in formal English. It can come at the beginning of the clause or after the first word or phrase; or before the main verb:

• This hotel is too expensive for us; therefore, we will need to find another one.

• I was having very bad results, so I transferred to another school.