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Pedants' corner

As vs Because

4 replies

Chewbecca · 23/02/2013 11:32

DH bought a birthday card that read:

'the peas went on strike...

As they were fed up working for peanuts'

The use of 'as' grates on me, I feel it should be 'because'. Though it probably wouldn't fit the space available in the card!

But, is the use of 'as' actually wrong or just a style preference?

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tak1ngchances · 23/02/2013 16:48

Here's the explanation from the BBC:

Because is used when the reason is the most important part of the sentence or utterance. The because clause usually comes at the end:
'I went to Spain last summer because I wanted the guarantee of sunshine on every day of my holiday.'


As and since are used when the reason is already well known and is therefore usually less important. The as or since clause is usually placed at the beginning of the sentence:
'As the performance had already started, we went up to the balcony and occupied some empty seats there.'
'Since John had already eaten, I made do with a sandwich.'

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Chewbecca · 24/02/2013 11:16

Thanks. So, wrong or style preference?

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tak1ngchances · 24/02/2013 16:41

It seems it is wrong

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tak1ngchances · 24/02/2013 16:41

...so you are right! Grin

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