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Pavlides Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

start sentence with 'because' as a reply

Is it okay to start a sentence with because as a reply to someone?

Example:

Q) Why do you know she likes tennis?
A) Because Tom told me.

Is this proper written English?
  

Top answer

Joe Kerr Is this okay in written English? Your example is obviously spoken English, so I am not sure what you are thinking about. Sentences beginning with subordinating conjunctions are a part of some written genres and author styles, but it is a poor habit to cultivate, particularly for learners.

— Mister Micawber

  • Joe Kerr Is this okay in written English?
  • Your example is obviously spoken English, so I am not sure what you are thinking about.
  • Sentences beginning with subordinating conjunctions are a part of some written genres and author styles, but it is a poor habit to cultivate, particularly for learners.
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3 Answers
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Joe KerrIs this okay in written English?
Your example is obviously spoken English, so I am not sure what you are thinking about. Sentences beginning with subordinating conjunctions are a part of some written genres and author styles, but it is a poor habit to cultivate, particularly for learners.
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Yes, it's part of a dialogue in my English language book. So isn't it also written English as well? I've also receives text messages from friends and they reply with same starting their sentences with because. In a text do you recommend this reply below for learners?

"Why won't you go?"
"Because I'm busy."
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Joe Kerr So isn't it also written English as well?
Obviously not: it is formatted as a dialogue.
Joe KerrIn a text do you recommend this reply below for learners?"Why won't you go?""Because I'm busy."
In a text message, that is fine. Throw in a couple of emoji as well—texting is the second lowest form of English after graff
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