Because and As are both essential conjunction in the English language. Their uses are very important. Though sometimes ambiguous people often use the words to address the same meaning and they also have a lot of differences.
Because vs As
The main difference between Because and As is that because introduces a reason for an action done and addresses the direct cause whereas as introduces also a reason but not necessarily the cause.
Because it tells the reason why something happens and Because stands for a cause. Because is used as a preposition and conjunction.
While As describes how that happened and it represents for a reason and not cause. As is used as a preposition, conjunction, and adverb. We shall observe the examples soon.
These two words are often used interchangeably by most people and even learners. But to say Because and As has an independent meaning and we shall look into it carefully.
Comparison Table Between Because and As (in Tabular Form)
| Parameter of Comparison | Because | As |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | The word because is used as both preposition and conjunction. | The word As is used as a preposition, conjunction, and adverb. |
| Syllable | Because is a two-syllable word. | As is a one-syllable word. |
| Cause | Because is used to introduce a reason for an action. It is the direct cause. | As also introduces a reason but not the direct cause necessarily. |
| Questions | We use because of questions and asking proposals. | As the clause is used mainly at the beginning of the sentence and never in question format. |
| Ambiguity | Because is never ambiguous. | As is mostly ambiguous. It is used when two incidents happen at the same time. |
When to Use the Word Because?
Because is a two-syllable with no ambiguity. It is used mainly in the middle of the sentences.
Because is used to introduce a reason for an action. It is the direct cause. Because has more force or power or than the word As.
Because is primarily introduced as an action or remedy for the situation in references in the same sentences. Because is more commonly used than as,
both in writing and speaking and even thinking.
We can use a because clause on its own without the help of the main clause in speaking or informal writing.
Because is used as a preposition and conjunction with a different tone of language. It is never used to compare anything.
Uses of Because:
Conjunction: He is slow because he is ill.
Preposition: He is slow because of his illness.
Direct cause:
- The glass broke because it fell from the table.
- I did it because you told me.
Other uses:
- Her mother shall sleep with us in the meantime because she has no lights in her house.
- I shall take an umbrella because it is raining outside.
When to Use the Word As?
As one syllable with no ambiguity. It is used mainly in the beginning of the sentences.
The word As is used as a preposition, conjunction, and adverb. As also introduces a reason but not the direct cause necessarily.
As will be introduced as a phrase or a clause of action or comparison to a condition that might not be stated. Because is more commonly used than as, both in writing and speaking and even thinking.
Conjunction: He washed the dishes as I cleaned the floor.
Preposition: The news came as a shock to our family.
Other uses:
- I hope they have decided to come as I wanted to hear about their mysterious story.
- It will be as simple as solving the algebra sums.
Main Differences Between Because and As
The key differences between them are listed below:
- Because is used to indicate a direct cause of the reason whereas As also denotes reason but not necessarily as the direct cause.
- Because is used with the main clause in the middle of the sentence but As is used with the main clause at the beginning of the sentence.
- Because is two syllables and not ambiguous. While As is one syllable with ambiguity.
- We use because mainly in question formats but as is used two joins two incidents that are related.
- Because directly places the situation or intends the doer to answer whereas As explains how the incident happens itself.
Conclusion
So, which one do you feel is the right fit for you – because or as? Always make sure that both these terms link to grammar and they expect you to use it properly.
Both because and As are used to define reasons and cause of incidents. Should remember that because it has a cause-effect tone.
Because tells the reason why something happens and As describes how that happened and it represents for a reason.
The common people often mistake it and its usage is always mismatched. Even people with good knowledge are expected to mistake it frequently.
Thus now you have a clear concept of these two grammatical terms. Use wisely!
References
- https://www.tolearnenglish.com/exercises/exercise-english-2/exercise-english-91529.php
- https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/as_3