Grammar-Quizzes › Connectors › Connective Prepositions › Because vs. Though

Because vs. Though

Express reasoning—cause-effect or noncause-effect

Reason vs. Contrary Reasoning

REASON / CAUSE-EFFECT
Because expresses a logical reason (cause) for the situation (effect) in the main clause. The reason is what we would expect to occur. These words have a similar meaning: since, as, now that, for the reason that. Because is a connective preposition, which relates additional (non-essential) information to the main clause.
EFFECT	CAUSE
Justin wore his winter pants	because it was snowing.
Justin rode his bike to school	as his car was snowed in. (under snow)
He likes to walk in the snow	since it is a special winter experience.
He put on his parka	for¹ he felt cold. ¹ rarely used in US English
Justin can make a snowman	now that there is snow on the ground.
The mayor apologized	inasmuch as the snow removal was behind schedule. (late)
The mayor declared a holiday	for the reason that no one could get to work.

CONTRARY REASONING / NONCAUSE-EFFECT
Though expresses an unexpected outcome or illogical reasoning for the situation in the main clause. The outcome is not what we would expect to occur. These words have a similar meaning: although, even though. Though is a connective preposition, which relates additional (non-essential) information to the main clause.
EFFECT	NON-CAUSAL / CONCESSION
Justin wore his winter pants	though it was warm outside. just because he felt like it.
Justin rode his bike to school	even though the snow was slippery.
He likes to walk in the snow	although his nose gets cold. (concession)
He put on his parka	regardless of the fact (that) he did not feel cold.
Justin made an excellent snowman	despite the fact (that) he had never made one before.
The mayor apologized	in spite of the fact (that) snow removal was not his responsibility.
The mayor declared a holiday,	yet some people went to work anyway.

Cause-Effect Terms

CAUSE EFFECT → NO CAUSE-EFFECT
REASON (connective prep) effect–cause "for the reason that"	He's a skilled worker because he applies himself. "for the reason that" The idea in the clause after because adds a reason for the state or situation in the main clause.
CONTRAST (coordinator) situation–no related cause "however" "except"	He's a skilled worker but he doesn't apply himself. "in contrast" and "except that" The idea in the in the clause after but adds (coordinates) an exception, a contrary example or idea. See Contrast Connectives.
CONTRAST (connective prep) situation–no related cause "give in on a point"	He's a skilled worker though he could take a few more courses to improve his skills. (with a small fault that) The idea in the clause after though admits something that does not logically fit with the previous statement—giving in on a point (a fault) that does not follow in logic. See Contrary Logic.
CONCESSION (connective prep) situation–no logical cause "unexpectedly, unexplainably"	He's a skilled worker though he hasn't had much experience or education. "unexpectedly" The idea in the clause after though expresses an opinion or is action that is a not a logical or an expected response to the situation in other clause—no cause-effect. See Contrary Reasoning.
CONDITIONAL (adverb) precondition before cause-effect If A then B, if B then C	You're a skilled worker, and you want me to promote you. I'd like you to do me a favor though. "do this first" I know you want me to take you skiing. It has to snow though. "this must occur first however" Do this first, then the someone/something will occur to cause the desired situation (effect).

CAUSE EFFECT → NO CAUSE-EFFECT

REASON (connective prep)

effect–cause

"for the reason that"

He's a skilled worker because he applies himself. "for the reason that"

The idea in the clause after because adds a reason for the state or situation in the main clause.

CONTRAST (coordinator)

situation–no related cause

"however" "except"

He's a skilled worker but he doesn't apply himself. "in contrast" and "except that"

The idea in the in the clause after but adds (coordinates) an exception, a contrary example or idea. See Contrast Connectives.

CONTRAST (connective prep)

situation–no related cause

"give in on a point"

He's a skilled worker though he could take a few more courses to improve his skills. (with a small fault that)

The idea in the clause after though admits something that does not logically fit with the previous statement—giving in on a point (a fault) that does not follow in logic. See Contrary Logic.

CONCESSION (connective prep)

situation–no logical cause

"unexpectedly, unexplainably"

He's a skilled worker though he hasn't had much experience or education. "unexpectedly"

The idea in the clause after though expresses an opinion or is action that is a not a logical or an expected response to the situation in other clause—no cause-effect. See Contrary Reasoning.

CONDITIONAL (adverb)

precondition before cause-effect

If A then B, if B then C

You're a skilled worker, and you want me to promote you. I'd like you to do me a favor though. "do this first"

I know you want me to take you skiing. It has to snow though. "this must occur first however"

Do this first, then the someone/something will occur to cause the desired situation (effect).

adjunct — elements not required by an expression to complete its meaning

connective prepositional phrase: People were hurt connective prep phrase [prep because content clause[ they could not get away.]]

concede (V) – admit something to be true; to give away a point; concession (N) – yield, give away, give up, admit defeat; concessive (Adj) – tending to concede

concession – (grammar term) admitting that something doesn't logical fit, something is an exception, or something is conditioned

inasmuch as (double Prep) — to the extent that; used to explain the way in which what you are saying is true. He was a good leader, inasmuch as he got the opposing parties to settle their differences.

non-essential — not required for the structure to make sense; the structure or expression can stand alone with out it

reason (V) — form conclusions, inferences or judgments from facts or propositions ; reasoning (N) – the process of forming conclusions

reasoning (N) — manner of thinking, perhaps unique or different

slippery (Adj) — causing one to slide, possibly fall.

(Aarts 155) (Huddleston 725-734) (Swan 49.4, 94)

Related pages on cause-effect: Cause-Effect Review, But / But still, Connector Review

Cause-Effect

Initial Position

Emphasis on Cause

CAUSE–EFFECT
A clause with because at the beginning of the sentence (before the main clause), emphasizes the causal-situation ("the reason") with a logical reaction or response following it in the main clause.
CAUSE	LOGICAL EFFECT
Because it was snowing,	he wore his winter pants
Since it will be snowing harder soon,	we need to leave now

NO CAUSE–EFFECT
A clause with though at the beginning of the sentence emphasizes the illogical reaction or response that follows in the main clause.
CAUSE	ILLOGICAL EFFECT
Though it was snowing, It was snowing.	he wore his shorts. Even so, he wore his shorts.
Although it will be snowing harder soon,	we need to stay and get our work done.

though – expressing a challenge

See Grammar Notes below for terms for because and though.

Cause-Effect

Transitions

Connective Adverbs

AN EXPECTED OUTCOME
Expressions such as for this reason and as a consequence transition the reader from a sentence with a given situation to a second sentence with a logical reason for the situation in the main clause A comma is used after the transition word.
CAUSE	LOGICAL EFFECT
It was raining.	For this reason, we moved our picnic indoors.
It was sunny.	Consequently, we had to wear sunscreen.
It was bright.	As a result, we had to wear sun glasses to drive.
The weather was delightful.	As a consequence, we went hiking.

AN UNEXPECTED OUTCOME
Similarly, expressions such as nevertheless and nonetheless transition the reader from a sentence with a given situation to a second sentence with a contrary reason for the situation in the main clause. A comma is used after the transition word.
CAUSE	ILLOGICAL EFFECT
It was raining.	Nevertheless, we went on a picnic.
It was cloudy.	Even so, we got sunburned.
The sky was overcast.	Nonetheless, we wore sun glasses while driving.
The weather was miserable.	In spite of that, we went hiking.

See Expected Effect: Because; Unexpected effect: Nevertheless

Cause-Effect

Connective prepositional complement

Because of / In spite of + Noun Phrase ("adverbial prepositions")

BECAUSE OF + NP
Because of, due to, on account of, or owing to is followed by noun phrase expressing a logical reason for the action in the main clause. The action in the main clause is expected under these circumstances.
EFFECT / SITUATION	CAUSE
MAIN CLAUSE	ADJUNCT PREP PHRASE
CLAUSE	PREP + NP
Schools were closed	because of the snow.
The pipes froze	due to the cold temperature
People stayed indoors	on account of the bad weather
Mail service way delayed	owing to the bad weather

IN SPITE OF + NP
In spite of, despite or regardless of is followed by a noun phrase expressing a contrary reasoning for the action in the main clause. The action in the main clause is unexpected under these circumstances.
EFFECT / SITUATION	CONCESSION / NOT A CAUSE
MAIN CLAUSE	ADJUNCT PREP PHRASE
CLAUSE	PREP-PREP + NP
Schools remained open	in spite of the snow.
The pipes did not freeze	in spite of the cold temperature.
People were out and about	despite the bad weather.
The mail will be delivered	regardless of the bad weather.

(PP) prepositional phrase; (NP) noun phrase

See Because of / In spite of , Changing clauses to noun phrases and Grammar Notes for terms.

Cause-Effect

Because of -ing

Because of / In Spite Of + Gerund Clause

BECAUSE OF + NP
Because of (due to, on account of, owing to) is a double-preposition that is complemented by a noun phrase (NP) or gerund clause expressing reason for the action in the main clause.
EFFECT	REASON
Schools were closed	because of not having any heat in the rooms. (there being no heat.)
The pipes froze	due to not being insulated well.
People stayed home	on account of their wanting to keep warm.
Mail service was delayed	owing to being unable to drive in the snow.
Airplanes were grounded	due to the runways being covered with snow

IN SPITE OF + NP
In spite of (despite, regardless of) is a double-preposition that is complemented by a noun phrase (NP) or gerund clause expressing contrary reasoning for the action in the main clause. ("concession")
EFFECT	CONTRARY REASONING
Schools remained open	in spite of having no heat in the rooms.
The pipes did not freeze	in spite of not being insulated well.
People were out and about	despite their wanting to keep warm.
The mail was delivered	regardless of being unable to drive in the snow.
Airplanes took off	despite the runways being covered with snow

insulated (Adj) – to cover or protect something with a material that stops electricity, sound, heat etc from getting in or out

See Because of / In spite of

Cause–Effect

Position and punctuation

Initial vs. Mid Position

INITIAL-POSITION CLAUSE
A comma is placed after connective preposition and its clause when it is placed before the main clause.
REASONING	EFFECT
Because we were cold,	we went inside.
Though we wanted to stay,	he made us leave.
On account of the frost,	we put the car in the garage.

MID-POSITION CLAUSE
No comma is required when the connective preposition and its clause is placed after the main clause. (See exception below.)
EFFECT	REASONING
We went inside	because we were cold.
He made us leave	though we wanted to stay.
We put the car in the garage	on account of the frost.

Also see Using Commas general rules.

Not…Because

Limit negation to the main clause (Advanced)

"Not…Because" – an exception for using a comma

BECAUSE AS AN ADJUNCT CLAUSE
A negative in the main clause negates the reason clause, "something else is the cause", "not because X". Whether or not the verb in the main clause (effect-clause) is also negated depends on the context and cultural interpretation.
NOT NEGATES THE REASON IN THE BECAUSE-CLAUSE
Daphne did not buy the phone because her sister had one. (*ambiguous) Her sister having a phone was not the reason for her buying a phone. It was for some other reason.
TWO INTERPRETATIONS OF THE EFFECT-CLAUSE → She bought the phone not because her sister had one. → She didn't buy the phone not because her sister had one.
LOGIC / CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING Imagine a situation with two competitive sisters who are envious of each other's possessions, and they want to have the same things. However, in this case, Daphne puts aside her envy and buys a phone for another reason ( a reason having nothing to do with her sister.) Most people interpret the effect as: She bought it.
ONLY / JUST MODIFY THE REASON CLAUSE
She only bought the phone because her sister had one. → She bought the phone only because her sister had one.
I'm not just doing it because you told me to (do it). (ambiguous) → I'm doing it not just because you told me to do it.. Your telling me to do it is not the only reason for my doing it. There are other reasons as well.

BECAUSE AS AN ADJUNCT CLAUSE

no comma A negative in the main clause negates the reason clause, "something else is the cause", "not because X". Whether or not the verb in the main clause (effect-clause) is also negated depends on the context and cultural interpretation.

NOT NEGATES THE REASON IN THE BECAUSE-CLAUSE

not negates because-clause
Daphne did not buy the phone because her sister had one. (*ambiguous)

Her sister having a phone was not the reason for her buying a phone. It was for some other reason.

TWO INTERPRETATIONS OF THE EFFECT-CLAUSE

→ She bought the phone not because her sister had one.

→ She didn't buy the phone not because her sister had one.

LOGIC / CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING

Imagine a situation with two competitive sisters who are envious of each other's possessions, and they want to have the same things. However, in this case, Daphne puts aside her envy and buys a phone for another reason ( a reason having nothing to do with her sister.)

Most people interpret the effect as: She bought it.

ONLY / JUST MODIFY THE REASON CLAUSE

not negates because-clause
She only bought the phone because her sister had one.

→ She bought the phone only because her sister had one.

not negates because-clause
I'm not just doing it because you told me to (do it). (ambiguous)

→ I'm doing it not just because you told me to do it..

Your telling me to do it is not the only reason for my doing it. There are other reasons as well.

BECAUSE AS A SUPPLEMENTAL CLAUSE
A comma may be used to set off the because-clause from the negation ("not") in the main clause. The comma clarifies meaning by removing the because-clause from the influence (scope) of the negation in the main clause. The because-clause becomes a comment (an add-on).
NOT NEGATES ADJACENT VERB ONLY
She did not buy the phone, because her sister had one. Her sister having a phone was the reason for her not buying one. She didn't need one too. She could use her sister's phone.
ONE INTERPRETATION OF THE EFFECT-CLAUSE → She didn't buy the phone because her sister had one.
LOGIC / CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING Imagine a situation in which Daphne and her sister are not competitive, and they share their possessions. In this case, Daphne can use her sister's phone so she has no need to buy another phone. The effect is: She did not buy it.
ONLY / JUST MODIFY THE IMMEDIATE VERB
She only bought the (one) phone, because her sister had a phone. (She limited her purchase.)
I'm not doing it, just because you told me to (do it) . Your telling me to do it is the only reason that I'm not doing it.

ambiguous (Adj) — can be understood in more than one way

cell phone (US-Eng); mobile phone (BR-Eng)

An adjunct clause is more closely related to the verb (and the negative) in the main verb. A supplemental clause is loosely related to the verb in the main clause; it is more like a comment.

Reason "Scope and Focus" (Huddleston 732 28 i.)

See Negative Cause-Effect with diagrams.

Also see Pop-Q "Neg Cause" and Pop-Q "Not because".

Common Mistakes

Errors and Solutions

ERROR
*The skier wanted to compete though he broke his ankle. Unclear - How did he compete with a broken ankle? "Though" means he did. "But" means he didn't.
*Since its March, its raining here. The meaning for "since" is unclear.
*Because he felt tired. Incomplete sentence or thought

SOLUTION
The skier wanted to compete, but he broke his ankle. He wasn't able to compete. Though the skier broke his ankle, he was able to compete. He was able to compete the event– unexpected, a miracle!)
#1 It has been raining here since March. since – duration; from then until now #2 Since it is March (spring), it's raining here. since – because, reason; rain is expected in March
Because he felt tired, he went to bed. Add a main clause for the reason clause. Because he felt tired was not a reason for skipping class. Add a predicate (verb phrase). The reason he missed class was because he was tired. Add a subject and predicate.

SOLUTION

The skier wanted to compete, but he broke his ankle.
He wasn't able to compete.

Though the skier broke his ankle, he was able to compete.
He was able to compete the event– unexpected, a miracle!)

#1 It has been raining here since March.
since – duration; from then until now

#2 Since it is March (spring), it's raining here.
since – because, reason; rain is expected in March

Because he felt tired, he went to bed.
Add a main clause for the reason clause.

Because he felt tired was not a reason for skipping class. Add a predicate (verb phrase).

The reason he missed class was because he was tired. Add a subject and predicate.

▼ Hide Grammar Notes

Grammar Notes (Advanced)

Traditional and Linguistic Description

Traditional / ESL and Linguistic Descriptions

TRADITIONAL GRAMMAR	LINGUISTIC DESCRIPTION
In traditional grammar, because, as, since, inasmuch as are called subordinating conjunctions. The conjunction introduces a dependent clause giving a reason for the situation in the main (independent) clause. (Azar 365) Because, a subordinating conjunction, joins one clause with a particular situation to another clause with an expected, predictable or logical outcome. Though, a subordinating conjunction, joins one clause with a particular situation to another clause with an outcome that is contrary to expectation (i.e., illogical, irrational). Because and though are conjunctions (Swan 49, 94)	In linguistic description—because, as, since, though, and inasmuch as—have been re-assigned to the category of Preposition, a category which takes a wide variety of complements (NP, N, AdjP, AdvP, PP, Predicative Complement, Clause, etc.) See Prep Complements. The prepositions— because, as, since, inasmuch as—take finite clauses expressing reason as their complements. Prepositions may also take PPs (prepositional phrases) as their complements as with double-preposition expressions—because of, due to, on account of, owing to, in view of. The prepositional phrase is an adjunct (adds nonessential information) to the subject and predicate of the main clause. "Prepositions and Preposition Phrases" (Huddleston 598-617); Cause and result (Huddleston 725-733) ; Reason (Huddleston 731); Adjuncts of Concession though (Huddleston 734)
GRAMMAR TERMS	SYNTACTIC DESCRIPTION
Main clause: Justin wore his winter pants Adverb clause: because it was snowing. (conjunction + clause) because of the snow. (prep + object noun) Justin wore his pants adverb clause[because clause[it was snowing] ]	Matrix clause: Justin wore his winter pants Adjunct prepositional phrase: because it was snowing. (PP + finite clause) because of the snow. (PP + PP + NP) because of it being so cold. (PP + PP + nonfinite clause) Justin wore his pants adjunct prep phrase [prep because clause[it was snowing]]
REED-KELLOGG DIAGRAM	TREE DIAGRAM

CATEGORIES: NP –noun phrase; N – noun; VP – verb phrase; V – verb; Det – determiner; PP – prepositional phrase; P – preposition; AdvP – adverb phrase; Adv – adverb; AdjP– adjective phrase; Adj – adjective

FUNCTIONS: Subject: Subject, Predicate: Predicator (V) Complements: (elements required by verb) Object, Indirect Object, Predicative Complement Adjuncts: (optional modifiers) Adj, Adv

Works Cited

Aarts, Bas. Oxford Modern English Grammar. Oxford UP, 2011.
Azar, Betty Schrampfer, and Stacy A. Hagen. Understanding and Using English Grammar. 4th ed., Pearson Education, 2009.
Huddleston, Rodney D., and Geoffrey K. Pullum. The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language. Cambridge UP, 2002.
Swan, Michael. Practical English Usage. 3rd ed., Oxford UP, 2005.

Practice 1

New Car

Complete the sentences with connectors.

Select the response from the list that best completes the sentence.
Compare your response to the feedback by clicking the "check" or "check 1-10" button.

Justin bought a new car he wanted a better one.

Feedback 1

Justin bought a new car he already have another good one.

Feedback 2

Justin sold his old car he doesn't need it anymore.

Feedback 3

Justin bought a car that has only two seats there are four people in his family.

Feedback 4

Justin bought a car that has only two seats he wants to be able to use the carpool lanes.

Feedback 5

Justin likes to drive it with the top down he sun-burns easily.

Feedback 6

The car came with an pod adapter Justin didn't order it.

Feedback 7

The cigarette lighter is useful you can plug accessories into it.

Feedback 8

Consumer's Report rated this car very high it is so reliable.

Feedback 9

10.

the car has had a few problems, Consumer's Report rated it very high.

Feedback 10

Practice 3

Congressional Representation

Edit for errors. (Add a comma if necessary.)

Edit the sentence(s) in the text box.
Compare your response to the feedback by clicking the "check" or "check 16-20" button.

16.

Even though there are 60 million Hispanics in the U.S. not many are in Congress.

Edit 16

Feedback 16

17.

Because their issues need to be considered young Hispanics want more representation.

Edit 17

Feedback 17

18.

Because English is the “language of the land” many people feel that all U.S. citizens should be able to speak it.

Edit 18

Feedback 18

19.

Some people have fewer opportunities to learn English since everyone in the family speaks their native language.

Edit 19

Feedback 19

20.

Despite changes the system isn’t perfect yet.

Edit 20

Feedback 20

Because vs. Though

Express reasoning—cause-effect or noncause-effect

Reason vs. Contrary Reasoning

Cause-Effect Terms

Cause-Effect

Initial Position

Emphasis on Cause

Cause-Effect

Transitions

Connective Adverbs

Cause-Effect

Connective prepositional complement

Because of / In spite of + Noun Phrase ("adverbial prepositions")

Cause-Effect

Because of -ing

Because of / In Spite Of + Gerund Clause

Cause–Effect

Position and punctuation

Initial vs. Mid Position

Not…Because

Limit negation to the main clause (Advanced)

"Not…Because" – an exception for using a comma

Common Mistakes

Errors and Solutions

Errors and Solutions

Grammar Notes (Advanced)

Traditional and Linguistic Description

Traditional / ESL and Linguistic Descriptions

Works Cited

Practice 1

New Car

Complete the sentences with connectors.

Practice 2

Election

Correct or Incorrect?

Practice 3

Congressional Representation

Edit for errors. (Add a comma if necessary.)