Level A1

Subordinating: because (reason)

We stayed home because it rained.

We stayed home because it rained. The reason comes right after because.

Forms

• We stayed home because it rained. — because answers why, and the reason comes after it
• Because it rained, we stayed home. — the reason can come first, and then a comma stands before the result
• It rained, so we stayed home. — so gives the result, and one linking word is enough in a sentence

A common mistake

Wrong: Because it rained, so we stayed home.

Right: Because it rained, we stayed home.

A common mistake is Because it rained, so we stayed home. One linking word is enough: Because it rained, we stayed home.

More examples

She is happy because it is her birthday.

A reason with because: She is happy because it is her birthday.

It was cold, so we closed the window.

A result with so: It was cold, so we closed the window.