Linking clauses by subordination

Expressing reason

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Using because

The most common way in which clauses are joined to express reason is by means of because. Normally because comes in the second part of the sentence, especially when it introduces new information :

There are an estimated 600 oil wells burning. Millions of barrels of oil are going up in flames. The job to stop the fires is made more difficult because the areas around the oil fields are not yet secured. (Bank of English)

However, because may occur at the beginning of a sentence when the information contained in the because clause is not considered as important as the information carried in the main clause of the sentence:

We recognized our commitment to making theatre accessible to all young people regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds. Because we are so committed to creating a theatregoing tradition in young people, much of what we do is geared to them. (Bank of English)

In this example, the because clause comes first in the second sentence because it is summarising the previous sentence and contains no new information.

Using because
Using as and since