“This Is Because” – Definition and Synonyms
“This Is Because” – Definition and Part of Speech
The phrase this is because serves as a conjunction in English sentences. It introduces an explanation or reason for a preceding statement, linking cause and effect. By using this phrase, the speaker or writer aims to clarify why something happened or why they believe something to be true.
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| For | Implies causation directly, often more concise | “He was absent for he had the flu.” | Formal/Casual |
| Since | Indicates time or reason | “Since it rained, we will stay indoors.” | Both temporal and causal usage |
| Given that | More formal, introduces a conditional statement | “Given that it’s late, I suggest we leave.” | Academic/Professional |
| Owing to the fact that | Highly formal, often verbose | “Owing to the fact that the road was closed, we took an alternate route.” | Formal, Legal |
| Due to | Directly links a reason with an outcome | “The delay was due to unforeseen circumstances.” | Business/Formal |
Usage Notes
-
For: This synonym is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It often appears in written narratives or explanations where brevity is valued. For example, in business writing, one might say, “The project was delayed for logistical reasons.”
-
Since: Suitable for both causal and temporal contexts, making it a flexible choice. In academic papers, you may find sentences like, “Since the data shows an increase, we can conclude there is a trend.” It’s also common in casual conversation.
-
Given that: This phrase adds a formal tone to explanations, which makes it appropriate for legal documents or scholarly articles. For instance, in business proposals, one might write, “Given that our resources are limited, we must prioritize tasks.”
-
Owing to the fact that: Reserved for very formal writing or legal texts where explicitness is crucial. It may be less common due to its verbosity but offers clarity when needed.
-
Due to: Often used in business and professional settings to denote specific reasons behind outcomes. For example, “The meeting was postponed due to technical difficulties,” conveys clear causation in a concise manner.
Common Pitfalls
When using these synonyms for this is because, it’s important not to confuse them with their more temporal meanings (such as “since” referring only to time). Additionally, be cautious of verbosity when choosing highly formal alternatives like owing to the fact that; while precise, they can make sentences unnecessarily lengthy.
Final Recap
In summary, synonyms for this is because offer a range of options depending on the context and desired tone:
- Use for or due to in both formal and informal settings when brevity and clarity are needed.
- Choose since when you want flexibility between causal and temporal explanations.
- Opt for given that in academic writing where formality is required.
- Reserve owing to the fact that for highly formal contexts needing explicit detail.
Encourage readers to practice these synonyms by inserting them into their own sentences or dialogues. This will enhance understanding of subtle differences in meaning and usage, broadening effective communication skills across different settings.