How to use 'because'?

Question

When I was writing, I always failed in using 'because'. For example, can I use 'the chief reason is becasue that the author does not take into account other alternatives'? or 'it is because that the author does not take into account other alternatives'? I do not understand the difference between these two usages. Which is correct?

Another questions: can I use 'patients who suffer from muscle injuries'? or 'patients who suffer muscle injuries'? does suffer equals to suffer from?

any+singular noun or plural noun? When to plus singular noun and when to plus plural noun?

Mr Wordy · Accepted Answer

xiazhichenFor example, can I use 'the chief reason is becasue that the author does not take into account other alternatives'? or 'it is because that the author does not take into account other alternatives'? I do not understand the difference between these two usages. Which is correct?

"The chief reason is because that the author..." -- Wrong (you do not need "that" with "because").

"The chief reason is because the author..." -- You may hear sentences like this from native speakers, but to me it's not quite right. You do not need both "reason" and "because".

"The chief reason is that the author..." -- OK.

"It is because that the author..." -- Wrong (for the same reason as the first sentence).

"It is because the author..." -- OK.

xiazhichenAnother questions: can I use 'patients who suffer from muscle injuries'? or 'patients who suffer muscle injuries'? does suffer equals to suffer from?

They are similar but not quite identical. "suffer from" tends to refer to a condition that recurs or persists over a period of time. "suffer" tends to refer to a single event or incident. In your example, "suffer" seems more suitable.

How to use 'because'?

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