Since vs. Because: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 6, 2023
"Since" can indicate time or causation, while "Because" provides a reason or causation.
Key Differences
"Since" is a versatile word in the English language. When employed in sentences, it can indicate a starting point in time, highlighting the onset of a particular event or period. For example, someone might say they've known a person since 2010, pointing to the duration of their acquaintance. However, "Since" also serves as a conjunction to signify causation, much like "Because."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
"Because," on the other hand, is more straightforward in its purpose. Primarily, it provides a reason or justification for an action, situation, or event. "Because" elucidates the why behind a statement, offering clarity on the motivation or cause. For example, a student might explain they're tired because they studied all night.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
When comparing the two, "Since" is more multifaceted, straddling the worlds of time and reason. This dual role can occasionally lead to ambiguity if not used with care. "Because," meanwhile, is firmly rooted in explaining reasons and causes, with little room for misinterpretation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Another subtle distinction is in their nuanced usage. For instance, when explaining the inception of a longstanding tradition, one would typically use "Since." However, when offering the core reason behind a decision, "Because" is the go-to choice.
Janet White
Nov 04, 2023
Both words are vital in everyday communication, offering context, reasons, and timelines to our conversations. While "Since" gives depth in terms of duration and causation, "Because" delivers clarity on reasons and justifications.
Harlon Moss
Nov 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Conjunction Use
Can introduce cause or reason
Specifically introduces a cause or reason
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Temporal Aspect
Indicates a starting point in time
Does not have a time-related function
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Ambiguity
Can be ambiguous if context isn't clear
Directly points to a reason, less ambiguous
Sara Rehman
Nov 04, 2023
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Since and Because Definitions
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Since
From then until now or between then and now
They left town and haven't been here since.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Since
After some point in the past; at a subsequent time
My friend has since married and moved to California.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Because
(by ellipsis) Used alone to refuse to provide a full answer a question begun with "why", usually taken as an anapodoton of the elided full phrase "Because I said so".
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Since
During the period subsequent to the time when
He hasn't been home since he graduated.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Because
By or for the cause that; on this account that; for the reason that.
I hid myself because I was afraid.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Since
Continuously from the time when
They have been friends ever since they were in grade school.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Because
As is known, inferred, or determined from the fact that.
It must be broken, because I pressed the button and nothing happened.
I don't think he is a nice person, because he yells at people for no reason.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Since
Inasmuch as; because
Since you're not interested, I won't tell you about it.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Since
From a specified time in the past.
I met him last year, but haven't seen him since.
A short/long time since
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Because
On account of, because of.
He rejected me because revenge, I guess.
It doesn't work because reasons.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Since
From: referring to a period of time ending in the present and defining it by the point in time at which it started, or the period in which its starting point occurred.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Since
Continuously during that period of time.
I have known her since last year.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Because
In order that; that.
And the multitude rebuked them because they should hold their peace.
Because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Since
From a definite past time until now; as, he went a month ago, and I have not seen him since.
We since become the slaves to one man's lust.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Since
In the time past, counting backward from the present; before this or now; ago.
How many ages since has Virgil writ?
About two years since, it so fell out, that he was brought to a great lady's house.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Since
When or that.
Do you remember since we lay all night in the windmill in St. George's field?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Since
From the time of; in or during the time subsequent to; subsequently to; after; - usually with a past event or time for the object.
The Lord hath blessed thee, since my coming.
I have a model by which he build a nobler poem than any extant since the ancients.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Since
Seeing that; because; considering; - formerly followed by that.
Since that my penitence comes after all,Imploring pardon.
Since truth and constancy are vain,Since neither love, nor sense of pain,Nor force of reason, can persuade,Then let example be obeyed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Since
Continuously from a past point
She's been running since she heard the news.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
FAQs
Is "Because" used to denote time?
No, "Because" indicates reason or causation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Is "Because" always followed by a reason?
Typically, yes, it provides justification.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Can "Since" be ambiguous?
Yes, if the context doesn't clarify time or reason.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
When is "Since" used in time context?
To indicate an ongoing action from a past point.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Can "Since" indicate a reason?
Yes, similar to "Because," it can give a reason.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Can "Since" indicate continuous action?
Yes, like "She's been singing since morning."
Janet White
Nov 04, 2023
Does "Because" clarify ambiguity?
Often, by providing the reason behind an action.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 04, 2023
How does "Since" relate to duration?
It marks the starting point of a duration.
Janet White
Nov 04, 2023
Does "Since" always need a past tense verb?
Often, but not always, depending on context.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Is "Since" synonymous with "From"?
Not always, but in some contexts related to time, they're similar.
Janet White
Nov 04, 2023
Can "Because" be used without "of"?
Yes, "because of" and "because" can have different structures.
Harlon Moss
Nov 04, 2023
Are "Since" and "Because" interchangeable?
Sometimes, but context and clarity are crucial.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 04, 2023
Can "Because" be used in questions?
Rarely, but it's more common in answers.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 04, 2023
Can "Since" refer to a past event?
Yes, like "Since the concert, he's been happier."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Is "Because" always necessary for reasoning?
No, other words like "as" or "for" can also give reasons.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 04, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
