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Diamondrg Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

for / because

Can "for" when used in reason clause be used at the beginning of the first sentence?

1 - Because he is getting old, he can't run as fast as he used to.

2 - For he is getting old, he can't run as fast as he used to.

What I want to learn is whether 2 is possible but rare or totally impossible.
  

Top answer

It is impossible. As is an alternative to Because.

  • It is impossible.
  • As is an alternative to Because.
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22 Answers
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It is impossible.

As is an alternative to Because.
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and I would like to ask whether "for" can be used in answer to a question like "because"?

A: Why can't he run as fast as he used to? B: Because / For he is getting old.
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Unfortunately not!

"For" presents a reason for something previously said by the same speaker:

1. I have no intention of buying a cat. For the cat is an idle creature, and much inclined to lechery.

"Because" presents a reason for something previously said or something that is about to be said, or answers the question "why":

2. "Why don't you buy a cat?" "Because
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Nona The Brit
It is impossible.

As is an alternative to Because.

I don't think that as can answer the question "why."
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Teo
Nona The Brit
It is impossible.

As is an alternative to Because.

I don't think that as can answer the question "why."

I believe it is possible.

Q: Why are you late to work?

A: As it is raining outside, I am late to work.
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According to Michael Swan's Practical English Usage, Third Edition, since and as cannot be used to answer the question "why."
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I see. Do you see anything wrong in my Q & A, grammatically?
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As and since are used when the reason is already known to the listener/reader, or when it is not the most important part of the sentence.

As it's raining again, we'll have to stay at home.

Since he had not paid his bill, his electricity was cut off.

Because puts more emphasis on the reason, and most often introduces new in
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Hello Teo,

One of the meanings of 'as': 'for the reason that' or 'because'.

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