1
Name direct cause
Identify the factor producing an outcome.
Example
The survey ended early because of heavy rain.
because of
/bɪˈkɒz əv/ · bih-KOZ uvcause phrase
As a result of; introduces a noun phrase naming a cause.
Use because of to signal this exact relationship between ideas: as a result of; introduces a noun phrase naming a cause.
What because of Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Explain a condition
Give the reason a state exists.
Example
Visibility was poor because of smoke.
3
Attribute a difference
Link variation to a causal factor.
Example
The samples differ because of their storage conditions.
Use because of Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The survey ended early because of heavy rain.
Visibility was poor because of smoke.
The samples differ because of their storage conditions.
Precision Matters
Because of overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
because of
vs.Signals as a result of; introduces a noun phrase naming a cause.
as a result
Means because of what preceded; introduces a consequence.
because of
vs.Signals as a result of; introduces a noun phrase naming a cause.
because
Means for the reason that; introduces a clause naming a cause.
because of
vs.Signals as a result of; introduces a noun phrase naming a cause.
attributable to
Means capable of being explained as the result of a particular cause.
because of
vs.Signals as a result of; introduces a noun phrase naming a cause.
accordingly
Means therefore, or in a way that corresponds to the circumstances.
Test because of in Context
The rainfall is the noun phrase naming the cause of the closure.
1
The excavation closed for two days ___ unusually heavy rainfall.