Since vs. Because: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on December 27, 2023
"Since" refers to time from a point in the past until now, or to give a reason. "Because" is used specifically to give a reason or cause.
Key Differences
Since is often used to mark the start of a period or point in time, while because is used to express causation or reasoning. Since implies a time relationship, whereas because indicates a logical relationship.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
In the context of giving reasons, since can be more subtle, sometimes suggesting a background reason, whereas because directly states the cause. Since is less forceful than because when explaining reasons or causes.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Grammatically, since can be used as a conjunction, adverb, or preposition, whereas because is used as a conjunction. Since has a broader range of use, while because is more focused on causation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Since can introduce a clause with a past event leading up to the present, while because introduces a clause that directly causes the main statement. Since often relates to time, while because is strictly for reason.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
In spoken English, since can sound more formal or literary, whereas because is straightforward and commonly used. Since may require the listener to infer the connection, while because clearly states it.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Contextual Usage
Past event leading to present, formal
Direct causation, common in speech
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
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Since and Because Definitions
Since
From a particular time in the past until now.
Since 2010, the city has grown rapidly.
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Dec 15, 2023
Because
For the reason that; indicating causation.
She smiled because she was happy.
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Dec 15, 2023
Since
Because; given that a certain fact is true.
Since you're not interested, we'll go without you.
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Dec 15, 2023
Because
Expressing the cause of an action or event.
He left early because he felt ill.
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Dec 15, 2023
Since
Continuously after a past event.
He's been teaching since graduating from college.
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Dec 15, 2023
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Because
To give a reason or explanation.
The event was canceled because of the storm.
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Dec 15, 2023
Since
Considering that, implying a reason.
Since it's raining, we should stay indoors.
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Dec 15, 2023
Because
Indicating the reason or motive behind something.
We must hurry because time is running out.
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Dec 15, 2023
Since
In the period following the time when.
Since our last meeting, much has changed.
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Dec 15, 2023
Because
Showing the reasoning or justification for an action.
She's studying hard because she wants to pass the exam.
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Dec 15, 2023
Since
From then until now or between then and now
They left town and haven't been here since.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Since
After some point in the past; at a subsequent time
My friend has since married and moved to California.
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Dec 13, 2023
Because
(by ellipsis) Used alone to refuse to provide a full answer a question begun with "why", usually taken as an anapodoton of the elided full phrase "Because I said so".
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Dec 13, 2023
Because
By or for the cause that; on this account that; for the reason that.
I hid myself because I was afraid.
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Dec 13, 2023
Since
During the period subsequent to the time when
He hasn't been home since he graduated.
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Dec 13, 2023
Because
As is known, inferred, or determined from the fact that.
It must be broken, because I pressed the button and nothing happened.
I don't think he is a nice person, because he yells at people for no reason.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Since
Continuously from the time when
They have been friends ever since they were in grade school.
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Dec 13, 2023
Since
Inasmuch as; because
Since you're not interested, I won't tell you about it.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Because
On account of, because of.
He rejected me because revenge, I guess.
It doesn't work because reasons.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Since
From a specified time in the past.
I met him last year, but haven't seen him since.
A short/long time since
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Dec 13, 2023
Because
By or for the cause that; on this account that; for the reason that.
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Dec 13, 2023
Since
From: referring to a period of time ending in the present and defining it by the point in time at which it started, or the period in which its starting point occurred.
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Dec 13, 2023
Because
In order that; that.
And the multitude rebuked them because they should hold their peace.
Because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
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Dec 13, 2023
Since
Continuously during that period of time.
I have known her since last year.
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Dec 13, 2023
Since
From a definite past time until now; as, he went a month ago, and I have not seen him since.
We since become the slaves to one man's lust.
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Dec 13, 2023
Since
In the time past, counting backward from the present; before this or now; ago.
How many ages since has Virgil writ?
About two years since, it so fell out, that he was brought to a great lady's house.
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Dec 13, 2023
Since
When or that.
Do you remember since we lay all night in the windmill in St. George's field?
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Dec 13, 2023
Since
From the time of; in or during the time subsequent to; subsequently to; after; - usually with a past event or time for the object.
The Lord hath blessed thee, since my coming.
I have a model by which he build a nobler poem than any extant since the ancients.
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Dec 13, 2023
Since
Seeing that; because; considering; - formerly followed by that.
Since that my penitence comes after all,Imploring pardon.
Since truth and constancy are vain,Since neither love, nor sense of pain,Nor force of reason, can persuade,Then let example be obeyed.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is the primary function of 'since'?
To indicate the start of a time period or give a reason.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
What is the main use of 'because'?
To express causation or a reason for something.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Is 'because' only used for giving reasons?
Yes, it specifically states the cause or reason.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
How does 'since' relate to time?
It refers to the period from a past point until now.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Is 'because' more direct than 'since'?
Yes, 'because' directly states the reason.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Can 'since' be used in place of 'because'?
Sometimes, when implying a reason, but not always.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
How is 'since' used as an adverb?
To denote the time elapsed from a point in the past until now.
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Dec 27, 2023
Can 'since' be used in hypothetical situations?
Yes, especially when reasoning or speculating.
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Dec 27, 2023
Does 'since' always imply causation?
Not always; it often indicates time or a less direct reason.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Is 'because' used in formal writing?
Yes, it's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Is 'because' used in causal relationships?
Yes, it's primarily used to denote cause and effect.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Can 'since' introduce a past event affecting the present?
Yes, it often links past events with current situations.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Does 'because' always need a clear cause?
Yes, it typically requires a clear and direct cause.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Do 'since' and 'because' have the same strength in reasoning?
No, 'since' is often subtler, while 'because' is more direct.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
What synonyms can replace 'because'?
Words like 'for', 'as', or 'due to' in specific contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Is 'because' straightforward in giving reasons?
Yes, it's clear and straightforward.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
Are there synonyms for 'since'?
Yes, like 'as' or 'given that' in its reasoning sense.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 27, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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