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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
Since vs Because
Hi,
Can someone please clarify the correct usage of "since" and "because."
I know "since" is used to describe an event with respect to time. For eg, I have been programming since 2005.
However, I often see that it is also used as a conjunction. For eg, I did not work yesterday since I was ill.
Do you think "because" is a more appropriate choice than "since." Like, I did not work yesterday because I was ill.
When is it appropriate to use "since"?
Thanks
Tyro
Can someone please clarify the correct usage of "since" and "because."
I know "since" is used to describe an event with respect to time. For eg, I have been programming since 2005.
However, I often see that it is also used as a conjunction. For eg, I did not work yesterday since I was ill.
Do you think "because" is a more appropriate choice than "since." Like, I did not work yesterday because I was ill.
When is it appropriate to use "since"?
Thanks
Tyro
Top answer
Hi, yes, "since" can also mean "because", and it's commonly used with that meaning actually. I think there is a little difference between "because" and "since", but it's such a slight difference that I can't find an explanation. And I'm not even sure there IS a difference, to tell you the truth.
- Hi, yes, "since" can also mean "because", and it's commonly used with that meaning actually.
- I think there is a little difference between "because" and "since", but it's such a slight difference that I can't find an explanation.
- And I'm not even sure there IS a difference, to tell you the truth.
- Maybe "since" is usually used when you give a "reason" or an "excuse", and "because" has more to do with "causes".
- I don't know.
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9 Answers
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Hi,
yes, "since" can also mean "because", and it's commonly used with that meaning actually.
I think there is a little difference between "because" and "since", but it's such a slight difference that I can't find an explanation. And I'm not even sure there IS a difference, to tell you the truth. Maybe "since" is usually used when you give a "reason" or an "excuse", and "because" has more
yes, "since" can also mean "because", and it's commonly used with that meaning actually.
I think there is a little difference between "because" and "since", but it's such a slight difference that I can't find an explanation. And I'm not even sure there IS a difference, to tell you the truth. Maybe "since" is usually used when you give a "reason" or an "excuse", and "because" has more
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From a usage note in the American Heritage Dictionary:
"since is often a weak form of because, but its connotation of time implies that what it introduces makes the preceding matter follow by logical sequence or inference: He stayed behind since he had become ill."
I find that a since clause more often occurs at the beginning of a sentence while a
"since is often a weak form of because, but its connotation of time implies that what it introduces makes the preceding matter follow by logical sequence or inference: He stayed behind since he had become ill."
I find that a since clause more often occurs at the beginning of a sentence while a
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CalifJimSince I wasn't hungry, I didn't eat.On a similar note, do you think "as" would be more suited in the above sentence; As I wasn't hungry, I didn't eat.
I am wondering if we can ever construct "cause-effect" sentences without using "since," except for the ones where specific point of time is mentioned.
Thank you for your replies
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tyroOn a similar note, do you think "as" would be more suited in the above sentence; As I wasn't hungry, I didn't eat.It depends on the exact shade of meaning you want. The same dictionary cited above says that "as" is the very weakest of all the possibilities for indicating cause.
tyroI am wondering if we can ever construct "c
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CalifJimDo you have a few examples of the sort of thing you're talking about?Sorry, I don't have any examples that I can discuss about.
I mostly use "since" in sentences that talk about time that it doesn't come naturally to me when using it in cause-effect sentences. I prefer to use "as" or "because" instead. I always thought it was grammatically i
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Although 'since' and 'because' can both be used to indicate causality, 'since' also has a temporal meaning (e.g., "I haven't studied grammar since high school"). So, if you want to avoid ambiguity use 'since' to indicate a temporal dimension, and because to indicate a causal relation (e.g., "I don't understand this distinction because I haven't studied grammar").
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tyroI always thought it was grammatically incorrect to use "since."No. Not true. since often has the meaning of "given that" or "considering that".
Since you are making a trip to the store anyway, maybe you could pick up a pound of butter for me.
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[Given that / Considering that] you are making a trip ...
CJ
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Actually, Jim, there are pedantic prescriptivists out there who do say it's wrong to use "since" to mean "because."
I took an editing course, thinking it would be about, well, you know, editing. It was actually "Grammar for the uptight, rule-bound prescriptivists" full of guidance on how to "correct" things like this since/because issue, the use of "they" as a gender-neutral singular pro
I took an editing course, thinking it would be about, well, you know, editing. It was actually "Grammar for the uptight, rule-bound prescriptivists" full of guidance on how to "correct" things like this since/because issue, the use of "they" as a gender-neutral singular pro
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Grammar Geekthere are pedantic prescriptivists out there who do say it's wrong to use "since" to mean "because."Well, my high school and college English teachers have got a lot to answer for now!
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