Giving Reasons
Adverb Clauses
Adverb clauses show cause and effect relationships. Adverb clauses can either begin a sentence, or end a sentence. If the adverb clause begins the sentence, place a comma after the adverb clause. No comma is necessary if the adverb clause finishes the sentence.
Because
An adverb clause with 'because' provides the reason for the action taken in the main clause. Adverb clauses with 'because' generally end a sentence. However, they can also begin a sentence.
Examples:
She isn't going to do a self assessment because she knows she'll be terminated on Friday.
She isn't going to step down because she doesn't perceive a conflict of interest.
Since
'Since' has the same meaning as 'because'.
An adverb clause with 'since' provides the reason for the action taken in the main clause. Adverb clauses with 'since' generally end a sentence. However, they can also begin a sentence.
Examples:
The consultant did not advise us to pursue the project since adequate funding wasn't available.
He feels it isn't possible to say since the committee hasn't arrived at a short-term goal.
Prepositions
Because of
Adverb cases beginning with 'because of' are followed by a noun or noun phrase. Adverb clauses with 'because of' generally end a sentence. However, they can also begin a sentence.
Examples:
The San Diego Continuing Education Foundation helped find funding for us because of our income level.
He has become a better person because of his social goals.
Due to
Adverb cases beginning with 'due to' are followed is followed by a noun or noun phrase. Adverb clauses with 'due to' generally end a sentence. However, they can also begin a sentence.
Examples:
Due to the use of clever sound bites, public participation was suppressed."
Due to their mission to represent the public interest, they opposed the global corporate agenda."