✨ Lesson 5: The Conjunction "because" (Giving Reasons)
We have learned to connect ideas with 'and' (to add) and 'but' (to contrast). Today, we will learn a very important conjunction1 for giving a reason2: because.
The word 'because' answers the question "Why?". It connects a result3 with the reason for that result.
The Main Structure
The most common way to use 'because' is to give the result first, then the reason.
[Result] + because + [Reason].
- I am tired because I woke up very early.
- The streets are busy because there are many tourists in Siem Reap.
- He passed the test because he studied hard.
Starting a Sentence with 'Because'
You can also start a sentence with 'because' to give the reason first. When you do this, you MUST use a comma ( , ) to separate the two parts of the sentence.
Because + [Reason] , + [Result].
- Because I woke up very early, I am tired.
- Because there are many tourists in Siem Reap, the streets are busy.
Answering "Why?" Questions
'Because' is the natural way to answer a question that starts with "Why?".
Friend: Why are you learning English?
You: I am learning English because I want a better job.
Friend: Why didn't you come to the party?
You: Because I was sick.
🧠 Practice Quiz: Match the Reason
Match the result with the correct reason and connect them with 'because'.
Results:
1. I am hungry...
2. She is wearing a coat...
3. He is saving money...
Reasons:
A. ...it is cold outside.
B. ...he wants to buy a new moto.
C. ...I didn't eat breakfast.
Answers:
1 - C: I am hungry because I didn't eat breakfast.
2 - A: She is wearing a coat because it is cold outside.
3 - B: He is saving money because he wants to buy a new moto.
📝 Homework: Answer "Why?"
Answer these questions with a full sentence using 'because'.
Example: Why do people visit Siem Reap? → People visit Siem Reap because they want to see Angkor Wat.
1. Why is it important to do homework?
→ ________________________________________________.
2. Why are you happy today?
→ ________________________________________________.