Conjunctions: So and Because

Let’s look at when to use so and because in English.

So has various meanings. It can be used for emphasis, as in, wow, that cake is so big! It can take on the same meaning as also. Peter likes pizza, and we so do we. As one of the seven coordinating conjunctions, it is always proceeded by a comma. It tells us the purpose or result of the main clause. For example:

We needed a loaf of bread, so we bought one at the store. This sentence explains why we bought a loaf of bread at the store.

Because is a subordinating conjunction. It explains the reason or cause of the main clause.

Joseph didn’t eat much today because he felt sick. Here, the speaker is telling us the reason why Joseph didn’t eat much.

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