Because it is a term that can be used in different ways.
Because it is a word that, depending on the place it occupies in the sentence, its spelling and its intonation, can be a conjunction, a noun or an interrogative expression. Here we tell you what each case is and how to differentiate one from the other.
When it is used as a conjunction , because it is formed with the words “for” and “that” written without leaving space between them. It serves to unite terms or propositions that are linked by a certain circumstance. This word is part of the so-called improper conjunctions , since it serves to link sentences that have a dependence on each other. It can also be classified as a subordinating conjunction , a group in which those words are found that allow the cause to be linked to the main proposition in a sentence.
Depending on each case, conjunctions can be classified as: causal or final . Causal conjunctions are characterized by linking two terms for a reason or cause; while final conjunctions are characterized by linking two words with a certain purpose.
Uses of because as a conjunction
In the case of because it can be causal when it serves to argue the reasons why a certain event did or could not take place. Some examples may be: “I arrived late because the train was late” (if the train had not arrived late, the subject -me- would have arrived at the stipulated time), “My leg hurts because I got hit playing soccer” ( If he had not hit me, my leg would be healthy), “I say what I want because I am free to do so” (if I were not free to express myself, I should take care of everything I say).
When because is used in a final conjunction it serves to argue the purpose of carrying out a certain action or not. Among the examples we can give are: “Let us pray that it will not get colder,” “People clamored for the artist to return.”
To identify between both types of conjunction we can replace because with so that ; If the sentence continues to make sense, it is a final conjunction; Otherwise, we are facing a causal conjunction.
It is important to note that the classification of this word can change completely if an accent is added to the E : why. In this case we will be faced with a noun that can be synonymous with a reason or argument: “When I heard the reason for your decision, I understood everything,” “I would like to know the reasons for the measure.”
Because it is usually used as a conjunction.
Its use in exclamations and questions
On the other hand, when the two words that make up this conjunction appear separately, they function as a different expression that serves to ask or demand the reasons why a certain event has taken place or to express surprise at something.
It is a sequence that is formed with the preposition "for" and "what" which in this case has an accent to differentiate it from its use as a relative or as a conjunction. In this case, what has exclamatory or interrogative characteristics depending on the sign or intonation that accompanies it. “Why didn't you come to the party?” . “What beautiful streets we were on.” “I would like to understand why you get that way.” It is worth mentioning that although in this last example the term is also used with an interrogative connotation, it is not accompanied by question marks because it is an indirect question; Despite this, the concept must be written separately and with the accent in it in the same way as in direct questions or exclamations .
Taking into account all these expositions, it is very important that before determining whether we should write because or why, we understand what the function of the criterion is within the sentence and, based on that basis, we resolve our mystery.