because, so, but, although

A2 · Elementary Joining sentences Questions 10

The rule

because gives the reason and so gives the result — the same two facts, in opposite order: I was late because the train was cancelled. The train was cancelled, so I was late. but and although both mark a contrast, but although can start the sentence and but cannot. because of takes a noun, not a whole sentence: because of the traffic.

Pattern

result because reason · reason, so result · …, but … · Although …, … · because of + noun

Examples

I was late because the train was cancelled.
The train was cancelled, so I was late.
Although it rained, we enjoyed the day.
We were late because of the traffic.

Common mistakes

Wrong: We were late because the traffic.

Right: We were late because of the traffic.

because needs a whole sentence; because of takes a noun.
Wrong: Although it rained, but we enjoyed it.

Right: Although it rained, we enjoyed it.

Do not use although and but in the same sentence.

Practice questions

Try each one yourself first, then open “Show answer” for the solution and the reason.

1Fill in the gap.

I stayed at home _____ I felt ill.
1. because of
2. so
3. although
4. because
Show answer

Answer: D I stayed at home because I felt ill.

The reason takes because.
2Fill in the gap.

The shop was closed, _____ we went to the market.
1. so
2. although
3. because
4. because of
Show answer

Answer: A The shop was closed, so we went to the market.

The result takes so.
3Fill in the gap.

_____ the flat is small, it is very light.
1. But
2. Although
3. Because
4. So
Show answer

Answer: B Although the flat is small, it is very light.

A contrast at the start takes Although.
4Fill in the gap.

The class was cancelled _____ the snow.
1. because of
2. so
3. although
4. because
Show answer

Answer: A The class was cancelled because of the snow.

A noun follows because of.
5Fill in the gap.

It was expensive, _____ it was worth it.
1. although
2. but
3. so
4. because
Show answer

Answer: B It was expensive, but it was worth it.

A contrast in the middle takes but.
6Choose the correct sentence.
1. I could not come although I was working.
2. I could not come because of I was working.
3. I could not come so I was working.
4. I could not come because I was working.
Show answer

Answer: D I could not come because I was working.

A whole sentence follows because.
7Choose the correct sentence.
1. Although he was tired, he finished the job.
2. Although he was tired, so he finished the job.
3. He was tired, although he finished the job because.
4. Although he was tired, but he finished the job.
Show answer

Answer: A Although he was tired, he finished the job.

Although alone marks the contrast.
8This sentence is wrong. Choose the fix.

Which sentence is wrong?
1. We stayed in because of the rain.
2. We stayed in because it was raining.
3. We stayed in because of it was raining.
4. It was raining, so we stayed in.
Show answer

Answer: C We stayed in because of it was raining.

because of cannot take a sentence.
9This sentence is wrong. Choose the fix.

Which sentence is wrong?
1. It was cheap because it was old.
2. It was cheap, so we bought two.
3. It was cheap, and it was good.
4. It was cheap, because it was good.
Show answer

Answer: D It was cheap, because it was good.

because must give a real reason.
10Put the words in the right order.

I took a taxi because I was late

Show answer

Answer: I took a taxi because I was late.

Result, because, reason.

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The rule

Examples

Common mistakes

Practice questions

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