Because, since, as

Because, since, as

cause and effect

Cause & effect relationship

• When you want to explain why something happens, you can use a clause of reason introduced by a conjunction (because, as and since)

Because

The reason is very important in the sentence.

The students could go home earlier because the teacher was ill.

Because the teacher was ill, the students could go home earlier.

As

The reason is already known.

As we read, we learn.

Since

The reason is already known. (more formal than as)

Since we were in the computer lab, our English has improved.

So

To introduce an effect, we use so. This word can be only at the middle of a sentence.

Make space to store things, so your home is less messy.

Multiple Choice

1. ______________ it was dark and rainy, I couldn’t see the road signs well.

• because

• as

• since

• so

Multiple Choice

2. The kitchen was flooded, ______________ we had to go to a restaurant

• because

• since

• as

• so

Multiple Choice

3. I can’t lend you any money ______________ I don´t have any.

• because

• since

• so

• as

Multiple Choice

______________ we don’t have to study today, let’s go to a picnic

• since

• because

• as

• so