🔑 Key Difference

• “Since” is used to show a time connection or a reason, but it often implies a more casual or implied relationship between ideas.
• “Because” explicitly states the cause or reason behind something and is more direct.

Structured Breakdown

1. “Since” (Reason or Time)

Meaning:

• “Since” can mean because when explaining a reason, but it’s often used in a more formal or casual tone.
• “Since” can also indicate time, meaning “from a certain point in time.”

Examples (Reason):

• “Since it’s raining, we’ll stay inside.”
  (It’s raining → That’s why we’ll stay inside.)
• “Since you’re here, let’s start the meeting.”
  (You’re here → That’s why we can start.)

Examples (Time):

• “I’ve been learning English since 2020.”
  (From 2020 until now.)
• “It’s been years since we last met.”
  (A long time has passed since that moment.)

2. “Because” (Explicit Reason)

Meaning:

• “Because” is more specific and direct. It answers why something happens.

Examples:

• “I stayed home because it was raining.”
  (The rain is the direct reason.)
• “She’s happy because she got a promotion.”
  (The promotion is the direct cause of her happiness.)

Common Usage:

• “Because” is often used in both formal and informal settings to clarify reasoning.

🌟 Key Differences at a Glance

💡 Analogy

Think of “because” as a clear road sign pointing directly to the reason 🛑, and “since” as a gentle guide hinting at the reason 🚶.

📝 Practice Time!

Choose “since” or “because” to complete these sentences:

1. She’s been tired ______ she stayed up all night.
2. We’ve been best friends ______ kindergarten.
3. Let’s leave early ______ traffic might get bad later.
4. ______ the weather is nice, we’re going for a walk.

✅ Answers:

1. because
2. since
3. because
4. Since