Bc is short for because. People use it in messages and on social media to give a quick reason; you may also see b/c. It's a purely written abbreviation: out loud, people say because.
Could you drop bc into a text?
Write a short message — we'll show the mistakes right away and suggest how to say it more naturally.
The check is taking longer than usual. Your feedback will appear here automatically.
bc + clause (bc I was tired); bc of + noun (bc of the rain); b/c
- Can't come tonight bc I've got an early shift tomorrow.
- We took a taxi bc of the rain, the bus stop was flooded.
- I'm learning Spanish bc we're moving to Valencia next year.
What changed
First versionWe cancelled the picnic bc the rain.
RevisionWe cancelled the picnic bc of the rain.
Like because, bc introduces a whole clause: bc it was raining. Before a noun, you need bc of, just as you'd say because of the rain. So of has been added after bc.
In speech, because is often shortened to 'cause, and in informal British texting people write cos: I'm staying in tonight, cos I'm really tired. In a message to a teacher or colleague, and certainly in an IELTS essay, write because in full, and in Speaking, just say because.
Your turn
I skipped the gym today ___ my knee still hurts after Sunday's run.
Show the answer
bc — Your sore knee is the reason for skipping the gym, and bc introduces a reason. Tho means though: it would present the pain as something you skipped the gym in spite of, which makes no sense.
Write to a friend saying you can't make it to a get-together. Name the day and explain the reason with bc.
Sorry, I can't make it to your barbecue on Saturday bc my cousin is getting married.
Learn to use new words without mistakes
Write phrases with the words you are learning. LetsWords shows mistakes in usage and grammar, suggests corrections and explains them, and review helps the words stick.