Because of means “as a result of” or “on account of”. After because of, the reason is a noun or a pronoun: because of the rain, because of him. The phrase is neutral and sounds equally good in conversation, in letters and in essays.
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because of + noun/pronoun; Because of + noun, + clause; because + subject + verb; Because of this, + clause
- Because of the strike, all trains to the airport were cancelled on Monday.
- I didn't sleep well last night because of the noise from the flat upstairs.
- Many young families are leaving the city centre because of rising rents.
What changed
First versionI was late for the meeting because the traffic on the bridge.
RevisionI was late for the meeting because of the traffic on the bridge.
Because and because of mean the same, so it is easy to put because straight before a noun. But because needs a whole clause after it, with a subject and a verb. Before the noun the traffic you need because of, so of was added.
To link two separate sentences, because of this is handy: The bridge was closed. Because of this, we had to drive round the lake. In official texts, due to or owing to often replace because of with the same meaning: The office is closed due to repairs.
Your turn
The football match was postponed ___ the heavy snow that fell overnight.
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because of — After the gap comes the heavy snow that fell overnight. Fell belongs only to the extra detail “that fell overnight”; the main part, the heavy snow, is a noun phrase without a verb of its own. Before it you need because of. Because would need a full clause: because it snowed heavily overnight.
Write to a friend and explain why you missed a get-together or a celebration. Give the reason with because of and suggest another day.
Sorry I missed your birthday dinner because of a late shift at work. How about lunch on Saturday?
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