because of

Meaning

'Because of' is a two-word preposition used to introduce the reason for something. In academic writing, it links an outcome to its cause and must be followed by a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase rather than a full clause. It is essential for explaining causal relationships in research papers and essays.

Examples

• The experiment was postponed because of a sudden power outage in the laboratory.

  The experiment was postponed because of a sudden power outage in the laboratory.

• Many species are facing extinction because of rapid habitat loss.

  Many species are facing extinction because of rapid habitat loss.

• Because of the economic crisis, the government had to reduce funding for scientific research.

  Because of the economic crisis, the government had to reduce funding for scientific research.

• The student struggled with the assignment because of a lack of clear instructions.

  The student struggled with the assignment because of a lack of clear instructions.

• The researchers modified their hypothesis because of the unexpected survey results.

  The researchers modified their hypothesis because of the unexpected survey results.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The project failed because of the team did not collaborate.

  ✓ The project failed because the team did not collaborate.

  Learners often follow 'because of' with a full clause (subject + verb). 'Because of' is a preposition and must only be followed by a noun phrase. Use 'because' if you want to include a verb.

• ✗ Because of the weather was bad, the field trip was canceled.

  ✓ Because of the bad weather, the field trip was canceled.

  If you use 'because of', you must change the clause ('the weather was bad') into a noun phrase ('the bad weather'). Otherwise, simply use 'because'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The study was highly successful ___ the dedication of the research team.

  💡 This preposition links the success to a noun phrase ('the dedication...').

  Show answer

  because of

• ___ budget constraints, the university cannot purchase new laboratory equipment.

  💡 Start the sentence with this preposition to explain the reason for the lack of equipment.

  Show answer

  Because of

• The crop yields decreased significantly ___ the prolonged drought.

  💡 Use the two-word preposition that introduces the cause ('the prolonged drought').

  Show answer

  because of