as, because, since, for, and in that
All four of these words can be used to refer to the reason for something. They are not used in the same way.
1. as and since:
As and since are used when the reason is already known to the listener/reader, or when it is not the most important part of the sentence. As - and since - clauses often come at the beginning of sentences. often come at the beginning of sentences.
As it's raining again, we'll have to stay at home. Since he had not paid his bill, his electricity was cut off.
As - and since - clauses are relatively formal; in an informal style, the same ideas are often expressed with so. It's raining again, so we'll have to stay at home.
2. because:
Because puts more emphasis on the reason, and most often introduces new information which is not known to the listener/reader. Because I was ill for six months, I lost my job.
When the reason is the most important part of the sentence, the because - clause usually comes at the end. It can also stand alone. Since and as cannot be used like this. Why am I leaving? I'm leaving because I'm fed up ! (NOT..... I'm leaving as/since I'm fed up!) "Why are you laughing? " "Because you look so funny".
A because - clause can be used at the end of a sentence to say how one knows something can be used at the end of a sentence to say how one knows something. You didn't tell me the truth, because I found the money in your room. ( = .... I know because I found....)
3. for
For introduces new information, but suggests that the reason is given as an afterthought. A for - clause could almost be in brackets. For - clauses never come at the beginning of sentences, and cannot stand alone never come at the beginning of sentences, and cannot stand alone. For, used in this sense, is most common in a formal written style. I decided to stop and have lunch - for I was feeling hungry. 4. in that used after a statement to begin to explain in what way it is true I've been lucky in that I have never had to worry about money.
[此贴子已经被作者于2006-9-30 23:21:04编辑过] |