BBC Learning English

Grammar Challenge
Catherine's Grammar Explanation:

British Broadcasting Corporation 2007

Because / because of
Catherine:
Hi Taka! You're right to say that the grammar was slightly different, although the
meaning was the same. Hina couldn't go out because she was ill. Hina said
because in the first one, and because of in the second one.
So, what's the difference between because and because of? Well, because is a
conjunction. That means it must be followed by a subject and verb. Listen to Hina:
Hina:

I couldn't go out because I had a cold.

Did you hear the subject and verb after because? She said 'I had a cold'. Listen
again:
Hina:

I couldn't go out because I had a cold.

Now because of isn't a conjunction, its a preposition. That means it must be

followed by a noun phrase, not a verb phrase. Here's Hina again:
Hina:

I couldn't go out because of my cold.

Did you catch the noun phrase? Hina said 'my cold'. Listen again:
Hina:

I couldn't go out because of my cold.

You could also use a gerund that's an verb plus 'ing' - after because of so Hina
could say:
Hina:

I couldn't go out because of having a cold.

A verb with ing often functions as a noun so you use it after because of.
Grammar Challenge
Because / because of

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BBC Learning English

Grammar Challenge
British Broadcasting Corporation 2007

So that's because with a verb phrase, and because of with a

noun phrase or a gerund.
Ok, that's all from me. Good luck with your grammar challenge!

Grammar Challenge
Because / because of

BBC Learning English

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