Representing when, where, how and why

Representing why

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Adverbial clauses with because are often used to explain the reason why:

A few chose to leave because they were unhappy about corrupt practices at the institution. (SCMP 6/4/94)

Mathematics is a strange subject because it seems to be incredibly hard to teach. (Bank of English)

There seems to be a misconception that because cannot be used to begin a sentence. To see a relevant teacher's question, click on this icon  .

Because can certainly be used to start a sentence:

Because he was unmarried, his parents are also entitled to $36,000 from the contributory Widows and Children's Pension Scheme for male civil servants. (SCMP 4/9/92)

In this example, the because clause comes before the main clause.

Note that in answering questions in conversation, it is very normal to start a sentence with because introducing a subordinate clause , with no main clause :

A:	Why was tin sheeting so popular a roof material in Africa?
B:	Because it didn't rot. (Bank of English)
A:	Why?
B:	Because it's hotter. (Bank of English)

While it is possible to begin a sentence with because, students should not overuse this pattern. In particular, students should be careful not to overuse a conversational style in "serious" compositions such as arguments. Some students tend to ask questions, which they then answer with Because or It is because, as if in conversation with themselves:

Such sentences can be rewritten along the following lines:

For further information about using because at the beginning of a sentence, see Linking clauses by subordination: Expression reason.

 Introduction
 Using adverbial clauses beginning with because
 Choosing between because and it is because
 Choosing between it is because and this is because
 Using prepositional phrases