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For Life
2009.11.25(Review of 2001.01.17 edition)

Hello! Are you ready for your Wednesday WordMaster? Well, let's get right down to it then, shall we?

The single word “because” is usually followed by an explanation of the reason for something, in the form of a full sentence. Add the word “of”, however, and the reason can often be expressed in just a word or two. Neat trick, don't you think?

Today's LessonCATEGORY: 間違いやすいボキャブラリー
BECAUSE OF   ～の理由で、～のために

Explanation

  • We use because of to explain why something happens.

    Be Careful[1]! Unlike “the reason why”, this expression is immediately followed not by WHAT happens, but by WHY it happens.

    Be Careful[2]! Unlike “because”, because OF is followed by a noun or noun phrase, not a full sentence.
  • because of は、あることが起きた理由を説明するときに使う表現です。

    注意１： the reason why と違い、この表現のすぐ後には、起こったことではなく、起こった理由が続きます。

    注意２： because と違い、because of の後には、文ではなく、名詞か名詞句が続きます。

BECAUSE OF

examples

  1. I was late for my appointment because of the traffic.
    (= because the traffic was heavy)
  2. a: Who won the game last night?
    b: The game was cancelled.
    a: Why?
    b: Because of the rain. (= because it was raining)
  3. I bet you get stared at a lot because of your height. (= because you are so tall)
  4. I can tell that she's smart because of the way she speaks.

英会話レッスンThat's all for now!