This is a subordinating conjunctive phrase that answers the question why – pourquoi. A subordinating conjunction is a word which joins together a dependent clause and an independent clause. You can begin a sentence with parce que if you wish. Car is a synonym of parce que, and you may use them interchangeably.
Parce qu’il était en retard, il n’a pas mangé son petit-déjeuner.
Because he was late, he didn’t eat his breakfast.
Il a lu toute la nuit parce qu’il avait un examen le lendemain.
He read all night because he had an exam the next day.
2. Car – Because
This is a coordinating conjunction that answers the question why – pourquoi. This type of conjunction can join two verbs, two nouns, two adjectives, two phrases, or two independent clauses. You should not begin a sentence with car. Parce que is a synonym of car, and you may use them interchangeably.
Elle ne mange jamais de hamburgers car elle est végétarienne.
She never eats hamburgers because she is vegetarian.
Ils ont fait du stop car leur voiture est tombée en panne.
They hitchhiked because their car broke down.
3. Comme – Because, As, Since
In this lesson, we’ll consider comme as a conjunction though it can have many other uses. It is a synonym of puisque and car.
Comme sa copine était en retard, il a décidé de commander un coca en attendant.
As his girlfriend was late, he decided to order a coke while waiting.
Julie a mis ses lunettes de soleil comme elle avait mal aux yeux.
Julie put on her sunglasses as her eyes were hurting.
4. Puisque – Because, Since
Like parce que, this subordinating conjunction can be used to begin a sentence.
Je ne suis pas allé(e) au cinéma hier soir puisque je n’avais pas d’argent.
I didn’t go to the movies last night because I didn’t have any money.
Puisque tu écris si bien, c’est toi qui vas rédiger la lettre.
Since you write so well, you will write the letter.
5. À cause de – Because of
À cause de can only be followed by a noun, and it is often used to give negative credit to something. Remember to follow normal contraction rules when followed by definite articles (de + le = du / de + les = des).
Cette petite fille s’est fait gronder à cause de sa voisine qui bavardait.
This little girl was scolded because her neighbor was chatting.
C’est à cause du trafic important que cette ville est très polluée.
It is because of the heavy traffic that this city is very polluted.
6. Grâce à – Thanks to, Because of
Grâce à is often used to give positive credit to someone or something. Remember to follow normal contraction rules when followed by definite articles (à + le = au / à + les = aux).
C’est grâce à son père qu’il a découvert la musique cubaine.
It is thanks to his father that he discovered Cuban music.
Son français s’est amélioré grâce aux efforts qu’elle a fait depuis quelques mois.
Her French has improved as a result of her efforts over the past few months.
7. Du fait de – Because, Due to the fact
This is certainly a more formal way of saying because. You still need to follow normal contraction rules when followed by definite articles (de + le = du / de + les = des).
Du fait de la grave crise économique, le taux de chômage a beaucoup augmenté.
As a result of the severe economic crisis, the unemployment rate has risen sharply.
8. En raison de – Because of, Due to
Just like du fait, this is a formal way to say because.
En raison de l’annulation du vol en direction de New York, les passagers devront attendre quelques heures.
Due to the cancellation of the flight to New York, passengers will have to wait a few hours.
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