Linkers for reason

The following are linking expressions that we use to give reasons for why something has occurred.

Because / because of

The difference between these two words is that because is followed by a subject + verb, and because of is followed by a noun:

  • I like Madrileños because they are fun.
  • I like Madrileños because of their fun-loving nature.
  • The flight was cancelled  because the air-traffic controllers were on strike.
  • The flight was cancelled because of the air-traffic controllers' strike.

Be careful with it!
  • I chose this school because is near where I work.😡
  • I chose this school because it is near where I work.😍

Due to / owing to

Both due to (= because of) and owing to are followed by a noun. They are quite formal.
  • Emergency services were overwhelmed with calls due to the severe storms.
  • The PM resigned owing to lack of support from many of his ministers.

Due to the fact that

Due to the fact that is followed by subject + verb. It's not such a common expression.
  • Many businesses have closed down due to the fact that rents have increased dramatically.


Since / as ( = because)
  • I'll give you a lift since your car is at the mechanic's.
  • I phoned Helen yesterday as I hadn't heard from her for ages.

That's (the reason) why
  • Money. That's the reason why we had an argument.
Be careful!
  • My ex. She's the reason because I'm not going to the party.😡
  • My ex. She's the reason why I'm not going to the party.😍

On account of

On account of  is followed by noun / verb-ing.
  • They moved house on account of their dispute with the neighbours.
  • He got the job on account of being the son of a prominent businessman,

Comments

José said…
Hi Graham,

I have read the article about the lion hugger. (I suppose hugger is the comparative of hug. In Spanish = abrazo). I have seen the video, it’s impressive. The lion gave him a so strong hut so that he didn´t need it eating him, because the lion almost kill him. I prefer that this lion doesn´t love me. This’s an example proves there are loves what kill. It’s not my cup of tea. It’s better get on with pigeons, for instance. I hope that other animals not imitate this behaviour with human beings. If a horse or a cow did it would be tragic.

See you.
Graham said…
Hi José,

Compared to humans, I think animals are far less likely to forget kindness shown to them. This story demonstrates that.

And it's not the first time a lion is so affectionate:
http://madteachergraham2.blogspot.com.es/2011/05/christian-lion.html


I have read the article about the lion hugger. (I suppose hugger is the comparative of hug. In Spanish = abrazo). Noooo! - a hugger is someone who hugs.
I have seen the video, it’s impressive. The lion gave him such a strong hug that he didn´t need to eat him, because the lion almost killed him. ... an example that proves there are loves which kill. It’s not my cup of tea. It’s better to get on with pigeons, for instance. I hope that other animals do not imitate this behaviour with human beings. If a horse or a cow did, it would be tragic.