In that/because--very confusing

Question

Hi, I am confused about the following:Using the Internet is critical in that it can provide the user with information.orUsing the Internet is critical because it can provide the user with information.Using the Internet is important in that it can provide the user with information.orUsing the Internet is important because it can provide the user with information.From what I have read, "in that" seems to be the correct one, but many well-known writers seem to use "because."Very confused.  Please help!!

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Using the Internet is critical in that it can provide the user with information.

or

Using the Internet is critical because it can provide the user with information.

Using the Internet is important in that it can provide the user with information.

or

Using the Internet is important because it can provide the user with information.

From what I have read, "in that" seems to be the correct one, but many well-known writers seem to use "because."

What gives you the idea that 'in that' is the correct choice?

Both are fine here. There's often no real difference.

But I feel 'in that' suggests more that you are taking about the nature or essence of something. That's why 'in that' is good in your examples. Information is the essence of the Internet.

eg Tom is going to buy a car because it is cheap.

eg Tom is going to buy a car in that it is a good form of transportation.

Clive

Dimsumexpress · Answer

AnonymousUsing ~~the~~ Internet is critical because it can provide the user with information.

The above is not really syntactical in my opinion. "The" is not necessary.

Using internet is crucial to my work because it provdies me with important information I need. OK.

Using internet is a great way to find information you need. OK.

Internet can provide information users are looking for. Ok

AlpheccaStars · Answer

dimsumexpresshe above is not really syntactical in my opinion. "The" is not necessary.
Using internet is crucial to my work because it provdies me with important information I need. OK.
Using internet is a great way to find information you need. OK.
Internet can provide information users are looking for. Ok

The is necessary in these sentences. Internet is a count noun.

Using the Internet is crucial to my work because it provides me with important information I need.

Using the Internet is a great way to find (the) information you need.

The Internet can provide information...

Dimsumexpress · Answer

Hi A-star, Your comment is well taken. Maybe now I am too confused. I did some Googling with " using Mthe internet" and "using internet" respectively. There are plenty of web usages which sounded reasonable enough on both side. My feeling is this. There is one "internet" which I use as a common noun. I am sure your point is valid. I am just now feeling a little mixed up with some of the web usages which chose not to use "the" in the passage. I understand contexts have a lot to do. So are you saying my examples are considered wrong? Thanks for your comments.

Using Internet | prometheus-usa.com (missing image)

www.prometheus-usa.com/tag/using-internetAs everybody knows the development of using internet is increasing rapidly in these years. It can be used to solve our daily life problem, include in loans. Now ...''

Using Internet Communications — University of Massachusetts Boston (missing image)

ocw.umb.edu/communication-studies/using-internet-communications enhanUsing Internet Communicationces students' theoretical understanding of electronic communication and their ability to communicate as professionals, .

www.autoquotenow.com › ... › http://www.google.com/url?url=http://www.autoquotenow.com/articles/automobile-insurance-quotes&rct=j&sa=X&ei=ekmJTovxIYLhiAKd6pCkDA&ved=0CDgQ6QUoADAAOEY&q=%22using+++%22&usg=AFQjCNGleCA-qopEgA6wse1R0gWBe5yJpA&cad=rjaUsing internet effectively for auto insurance quotes. By Jasper Ericks Published: Monday, August 1st, 2011. Getting auto insurance quote is not as direct as it ...

Mister Micawber · Answer

Yes, those all are invalid examples of your point:

As everybody knows the development of using internet is increasing rapidly in these years. It can be used to solve our daily life problem, include in loans. Now ...''-- This has many problems (underlined) and was obviously written by a functional illiterate.

ocw.umb.edu/communication-studies/using-internet-communications

enhan Using Internet Communicationces students' theoretical understanding of electronic communication and their ability to communicate as professionals -- This is evidently a course title or book title, and 'internet' is just an adjective. The plural noun 'communications' does not require an article.

Using internet effectively for auto insurance quotes. By Jasper Ericks Published: Monday, August 1st, 2011. Getting auto insurance quote is not as direct as it ...-- This too is a brochure or article title, from which function words are often omitted.

In that/because--very confusing

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