LESSON NOTES: THE CONJUNCTION “BECAUSE”
1. Meaning of Because
Because is a conjunction used to join clauses and give a reason for something. It answers the question “Why?”
Example:
1.Asha is happy because she passed the examination.
The sentence explains why Asha is happy.
2. What Is a Clause?
A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb.
There are two main types of clauses used in sentences with because:
A. Main Clause (Independent Clause)
A main clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.
Examples:
1.Asha is happy.
2.John went to school.
3.The children are playing.
4.I stayed at home.
B. Subordinate Clause (Dependent Clause)
A subordinate clause does not express a complete thought on its own in the context of the sentence. It depends on the main clause to complete the meaning.
A clause beginning with because is called a subordinate adverbial clause of reason.
Examples:
1.Because she passed the examination.
2.Because he was sick.
3.Because the rain was heavy.
4.Because they were tired.
These clauses give reasons but normally need a main clause to complete the sentence.
3. How to Use “Because” to Join Clauses
We use because to connect a main clause with a subordinate clause of reason.
Structure:
Main clause + because + subordinate clause.
Examples and Clause Identification
Example 1: Asha is happy because she passed the examination.
Main clause: Asha is happy.
Conjunction: because
Subordinate clause: she passed the examination.
Example 2: John went to school because he wanted to learn.
Main clause: John went to school.
Conjunction: because
Subordinate clause: he wanted to learn.
Example 3: The children stayed indoors because it was raining.
Main clause: The children stayed indoors.
Conjunction: because
Subordinate clause: it was raining.
Example 4: I did not attend school because I was sick.
Main clause: I did not attend school.
Conjunction: because
Subordinate clause: I was sick.
Example 5: The teacher praised Juma because he answered the questions correctly.
Main clause: The teacher praised Juma.
Conjunction: because
Subordinate clause: he answered the questions correctly.
4. Using “Because” at the Beginning of a Sentence
We can also begin a sentence with because. In this case, the subordinate clause comes first, followed by the main clause.
Structure:
Because + subordinate clause + main clause.
Examples
Example 1: Because she was sick, Asha stayed at home.
Subordinate clause: Because she was sick.
Main clause: Asha stayed at home.
Example 2: Because it was raining, the pupils did not go outside.
Subordinate clause: Because it was raining.
Main clause: the pupils did not go outside.
Example 3: Because he studied hard, John passed the examination.
Subordinate clause: Because he studied hard.
Main clause: John passed the examination.
Important: When the subordinate clause beginning with because comes first, we usually put a comma after it.
5. Exercises
Exercise A: Identify the Clauses
For each sentence, identify:
The main clause.
The conjunction.
The subordinate clause.
1.Mary is crying because she lost her pen.
2.The farmer went home because it was getting dark.
3.We were happy because our team won the match.
4.Because he was tired, Peter went to bed early.
4.Because the teacher was absent, the pupils went home.
Exercise B: Join the Sentences Using “Because”Join each pair of sentences using the conjunction because.
1.Juma was absent. He was sick.
2.Amina passed the examination. She studied hard.
3.The children stayed indoors. It was raining.
4.The boy was punished. He came late.
5.I opened the window. The room was hot.
Exercise C: Complete the Sentences
Fill in the blanks with suitable reasons.
1.I went to bed early because __________.
2.The pupils were happy because __________.
3.Juma did not come to school because __________.
4.We carried umbrellas because __________.
5.The teacher praised Asha because __________.
6. Summary
Because is a conjunction of reason.
A main clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone.
A subordinate clause beginning with because gives a reason and depends on the main clause.
Because can appear in the middle or at the beginning of a sentence.
Use a comma when a subordinate clause beginning with because comes before the main clause.
Example to remember:
Because Juma studied hard, he passed the examination.
Subordinate clause: Because Juma studied hard
Main clause: he passed the examination
Conjunction: because
0 Comments: