Conjunctions
What are the differences in use between because, as and since, and though, although and even though?
because, as and since
though, although and even though
because, as and since
Because, as and since are used to answer the question: ‘Why?’. They join two clauses in the same sentence:
Joe resigned because he wanted to spend more time with his family.
AND because, as and since show the relationship between the ideas in two clauses:
A: Why did you resign from such a well-paid job, Joe?
B: Because I wanted to spend more time with my family.
Because is more common than as and since when the ‘reason’ is the most important thing. The because-clause usually comes after the main clause:
I went to Cyprus for a holiday last October because I knew it would be warm and sunny every day I was there.
As and since are used when the reason is already well-known and/or less important. The as or since-clause often comes at the beginning of the sentence and is separated from the main clause by a comma:
As my family had finished dinner when I got home, I went to this really good burger bar.
( I’m telling you about the burger bar. It’s not so important ‘why’ I went there).
Since it’s your birthday, I’ll make you breakfast in bed (I’m going to make you breakfast.
(I know, and you know, it’s your birthday)
Note! In conversation, so is often used instead of since and as. The so-clause comes after the main clause.
My family had finished dinner when I got home, so I went to this really good burger bar.
though, although and even though
Though, although and even though are used to show a contrast between two clauses:
Our new neighbours are quite nice (this is good) though their two dogs bark all day long. (this isn’t good)
We can use though or although with no difference in meaning. But, some differences are:
Though is more common than although in conversation or writing.
Though (but not although) can come at the end of a sentence:
My new bike is really fast. I don’t like the colour, though.
Though (but not although) can be used as an adverb:
I’m not good at maths but I can help you with your geography, though, if you want.
The meaning of though is similar to however, but though is much more common than however in conversation.
Even though can be used to make the contrast between two clauses stronger:
Dad got back from work really late, even though he had promised to take mum to the cinema.
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