Since vs. Because
Are “since” and “because” interchangeable or is there a difference between them? This quick explanation will help you put this hot-button issue to rest once and for all.
Q: I've always been told I have to use "since" when referring to time and "because" when referring to cause. Is that true?
A: While "because" does imply cause, "since" can imply time or cause. What does that mean? It means that most of the time these words are synonymous and you can use either one.
Since my dog is so hairy, I have to get its hair cut regularly.
Because my dog is so hairy, I have to get its hair cut regularly.
Both of these sentences are correct. The only trap you have to watch out for when using "since" is ambiguity.
Since we had breakfast, we were filled with energy.
This lets you wonder, were we filled with energy because of breakfast or just after breakfast?
Brian A. Klems is the former Senior Online Editor of Writer’s Digest, and author of Oh Boy, You’re Having a Girl (Adams Media/Simon & Schuster). Follow him on Twitter @BrianKlems.
