'Because'를 사용하여 이유 설명하기
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'because' to connect an action to its reason, answering the question 'Why?'.
- Use 'because' before a full subject + verb clause: 'I slept because I was tired.'
- No comma is needed when 'because' is in the middle of the sentence.
- If you start with 'because', you MUST use a comma after the first clause.
Overview
because라는 단어가 바로 그 이야기를 들려줄 수 있는 티켓이에요. 어떤 행동(결과)과 그 동기(이유)를 연결하는 가장 흔한 방법이죠. because가 없다면, 우리의 대화는 끊어진 사실들의 나열처럼 느껴질 거예요.I am late. The bus crashed.(나 늦었어. 버스가 고장 났어.) 마치 로봇이 뉴스를 전하는 것처럼 들리죠!
because를 넣으면 여러분은 이야기꾼이 됩니다: I am late because the bus crashed. (버스가 고장 나서 늦었어.) 이제 친구가 진짜 상황을 이해하게 되죠. because를 영어의 «다리»라고 생각해보세요. 듣는 사람을 '무슨 일이 일어났는지'에서 '왜 일어났는지'로 안내해 주니까요.How This Grammar Works
because는 종속 접속사예요. 말이 좀 거창하게 들리지만, 단순히 문장의 두 부분을 연결해 준다는 뜻이에요. 한 부분은 주요 아이디어(independent clause, 독립 절)이고, 다른 부분은 설명(dependent clause, 종속 절)이에요.because의 마법은 항상 이유를 소개한다는 점이에요. 아무 데나 막 던져 넣으면 안 돼요. Why?(왜?)라는 질문에 답하는 문장 부분 바로 앞에 와야 하죠.because I stayed up gaming,«(게임하느라 밤새워서 피곤해)라고 하면 게임이 이유가 되죠. 만약 순서를 바꿔서 »I stayed up gaming because I'm tired,"(피곤해서 밤새 게임했어)라고 하면, 친구들이 당신의 휴식 방법이 정말 특이하다고 생각할 거예요! 현대 영어에서는 문자, 이메일, 심지어 밈(meme)에서도 끊임없이 사용돼요.Because kids.(애들 때문에.)라는 캡션이 달린 걸 볼 수도 있어요. 이건 유행하는 줄임말이지만, A2 레벨인 여러분은 일단 완전하고 문법적으로 정확한 문장부터 집중할게요. 인스타그램 라이브에서 백덤블링을 시도하기 전에 걷는 법부터 배우는 것과 같아요.Formation Pattern
because로 문장을 만드는 데는 두 가지 주요 방법이 있어요.
because + [주어] + [동사] + [이유의 나머지 부분].
I missed the call because my phone was on silent. (내 폰이 무음이라서 전화를 못 받았어.)
because 앞에 콤마(,)를 찍지 않아요.
Because + [주어] + [동사] + [이유], + [결과/행동].
Because the Wi-Fi was down, I couldn't join the Zoom meeting." (와이파이가 끊겨서 줌 회의에 들어갈 수 없었어.)
because로 문장을 시작할 때는 이유를 나타내는 절 뒤에 반드시 콤마를 찍어야 해요. 독자가 본론으로 들어가기 전에 숨을 좀 고를 수 있게 해주는 거죠.
Why are you laughing?(왜 웃어?)
Because this meme is hilarious. (이 밈이 너무 웃겨서.)
because만 단독으로 자주 써요. 격식 있는 에세이에서는 문장 파편(sentence fragment) 취급을 받겠지만, 왓츠앱에서는 완벽하게 괜찮아요. 하지만 아이엘츠(IELTS) 시험에서는 쓰지 마세요. 점수가 스냅챗 메시지처럼 사라질지도 몰라요.
When To Use It
because를 쓰게 될 거예요. 가장 흔한 상황들은 다음과 같아요:- Making Excuses: "I can't go to the gym
becauseI'm 'busy' (watching Netflix)." (나 '바빠서'(넷플릭스 보느라) 헬스장 못 가.) - Giving Compliments:
I like your profile picture
(너 정말 행복해 보여서 프로필 사진 맘에 든다!)becauseyou look so happy! - Explaining Feelings: "I'm stressed
becausemy exam is tomorrow." (내일이 시험이라 스트레스 받아.) - Justifying Choices:
I bought these shoes
(세일 중이라서 이 신발 샀어.)becausethey were on sale. - Social Media Captions:
Traveling to Bali
(현실 도피가 필요해서 발리로 여행 감.)becauseI need a break from reality. - Job Interviews:
I want this job
(코딩에 열정이 있어서 이 일을 원합니다.)becauseI am passionate about coding. - Gaming:
We lost the match
(핑이 너무 높아서 경기 졌어!) (게이머들의 고전적인 변명이죠).becausemy ping was too high!
Why?라고 물으면, because가 가장 먼저 출동해요. 문법계의 119 같은 존재죠—재난(상황)을 설명해야 할 때면 언제나 거기 있거든요.Common Mistakes
- 1The
Because ofTrap: 많은 사람이because와because of를 헷갈려 해요.
because+ 완전한 문장 (주어 + 동사):I stayed home
(비가 와서 집에 있었어.)becauseit rained.because of+ 명사:I stayed home
(비 때문에 집에 있었어.)because ofthe rain.- 실수:
I stayed home
(이건 마치 유아에게 말하는 것처럼 들려요).becausethe rain.
- 1The Comma Drama: 앞서 언급했듯이, 문장 중간에 있는
because앞에는 콤마를 찍지 마세요.
- 틀림: "I'm late,
becauseI slept in." - 맞음: "I'm late
becauseI slept in." (늦잠 자서 늦었어.)
- 1Starting and Stopping:
because로 문장을 시작해 놓고 뒷부분을 마무리하는 걸 까먹지 마세요.
- 틀림:
(배고팠기 때문에.)BecauseI was hungry. - 맞음:
I ate a sandwich
(배고파서 샌드위치를 먹었어.)becauseI was hungry.
- 1Overusing It: 전문적인 글쓰기에서는 모든 문장에
because를 쓰지 않도록 노력하세요. 글이 반복적으로 보여요. 마치 모든 인스타그램 게시물에 똑같은 필터를 쓰는 것과 같아요—결국 사람들은 지루해할 거예요.
Contrast With Similar Patterns
Becausevs.So: 이 둘은 동전의 양면과 같아요.because는 이유를,so는 결과를 소개해요.- 이유 중심: "I'm hungry
becauseI didn't eat breakfast." (아침을 안 먹어서 배고파.) - 결과 중심: "I didn't eat breakfast,
soI'm hungry." (아침을 안 먹었어, 그래서 배고파.) so는 전진 기어,because는 후진 기어라고 생각해보세요.
Becausevs.As/Since: 이것들은because보다 더 격식 있는 표현들이에요.- 캐주얼: "I'm staying in
becauseit's cold." (추워서 안에 있을래.) - 격식:
(날씨가 좋지 않으므로, 실내에 머무르겠습니다.) (19세기 시인이나 아주 진지한 변호사처럼 보이고 싶다면 이걸 쓰세요).Asthe weather is inclement, I shall remain indoors.
Becausevs.Due to:Due to는 매우 격식 있는 표현이고 보통to be동사 뒤에 따라와요.The delay was
(지연은 심한 교통 체증 때문이었습니다.)due toheavy traffic.- 술집에서 친구한테 이렇게 말하진 않겠죠. 그냥 "I'm late
becausethe traffic sucked."(차가 너무 막혀서 늦었어)라고 할 거예요.
Quick FAQ
because로 문장을 시작해도 되나요?
네! 첫 번째 부분 뒤에 콤마 찍는 것만 기억하세요.
Because I was tired, I went to bed. (피곤해서 자러 갔어.)
cause랑 because랑 같은 건가요?
말할 때나 문자 할 때는 맞아요. 사람들은 종종
cause나 "'cause«라고 해요. 하지만 글을 쓸 때는 항상 전체 단어를 쓰세요. »Cause«는 절친용, »because"는 상사용이에요.
because는 항상 이유를 설명해야 하나요?
보통은 그렇죠. 하지만 현대 슬랭(인터넷 용어)에서는 전치사처럼 쓰기도 해요: "I'm tired because Monday." (월요일이라서 피곤해.) 재밌긴 하지만, 학교에서는 쓰지 마세요!
because가 왜 그렇게 중요한가요?
그게 없으면 여러분은 그냥 사실만 나열하는 거예요. 그게 있으면 여러분의 논리를 설명하는 거죠. 여러분을 단순한 데이터 포인트에서 개성 있는 사람으로 바꿔준답니다.
Sentence Structure with 'Because'
| Position | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Middle
|
Result + because + Reason
|
I'm eating because I'm hungry.
|
|
Beginning
|
Because + Reason + , + Result
|
Because I'm hungry, I'm eating.
|
|
Negative
|
Result + because + Negative Reason
|
I'm sad because you aren't here.
|
|
Question
|
Why + Question Form + because...?
|
Why are you late? Because I missed the bus.
|
Informal Contractions
| Full Form | Short Form | Usage |
|---|---|---|
|
because
|
'cause
|
Spoken English / Songs
|
|
because
|
bc
|
Texting / Social Media
|
|
because
|
cos / coz
|
British Informal Spoken
|
Meanings
A conjunction used to introduce a clause that explains the reason or cause for something mentioned in the main clause.
Direct Cause
Explaining the physical or logical cause of an event.
“The grass is wet because it rained.”
“He failed the test because he didn't study.”
Motivation/Justification
Explaining the personal reason or motive behind a human action.
“I called you because I missed you.”
“She went to the store because she needed milk.”
Informal Shortening
Using 'cause' or 'bc' in casual speech or texting.
“I'm staying home 'cause I'm tired.”
“I can't go bc I have work.”
Reference Table
| 구조 | 목적 | 예시 | 참고 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Main clause + because clause
|
Giving a reason for the main clause
|
I'm happy `because` it's Friday.
|
쉼표 필요 없어요.
|
|
Because clause + comma + main clause
|
Emphasizing the reason
|
`Because` it's raining, we'll stay inside.
|
쉼표가 꼭 필요해요!
|
|
Answering 'Why?' questions
|
Providing a direct reason
|
Q: Why are you late? A: `Because` the bus was slow.
|
짧은 대답에 자주 사용돼요.
|
|
Because vs. Because of
|
Connecting a full clause (S+V) vs. a noun
|
I'm tired `because` I worked late. / I'm tired `because of` the work.
|
'Because of' 뒤에는 명사나 명사구가 와야 해요.
|
|
Informal shorthand
|
Quick texting
|
Can't meet `bc` I'm busy.
|
아주 비공식적인 대서만 써요.
|
격식 수준 스펙트럼
The event was delayed because the weather conditions were unfavorable. (Weather delay)
The party was late because it was raining. (Weather delay)
We're late 'cause of the rain. (Weather delay)
Late bc rain is trash. (Weather delay)
'Because'의 힘
기능
- Reason 왜 어떤 일이 일어나는지
- Explanation 세부 사항 명확히 하기
구조 1
- Main Clause + Because Clause 쉼표 불필요
- Example I'm happy because it's Friday
구조 2
- Because Clause, + Main Clause 쉼표 필요
- Example Because it's raining, we stayed in
흔한 실수
- No comma (initial) 'because'가 문장 시작할 때
- Because + So 둘 다 사용하지 마세요
- Because of + Clause 명사/명사구 필요
'Because' vs. 'So' vs. 'Because of' 비교
'Because' 사용 흐름도
어떤 일이 왜 일어났는지 설명하고 싶으신가요?
이유가 완전한 문장(주어 + 동사)인가요?
'because'가 전체 문장을 시작하나요?
일상생활 속 'Because' 상황
일상적인 설명
- • 왜 늦었는지
- • 왜 행복한지
- • 왜 특정 것을 선택했는지
디지털 생활
- • 'bc'로 문자 보내기
- • 넷플릭스 줄거리 이유
- • 게임 핑계
학업/직장
- • 프로젝트 결정 정당화
- • 지연 설명하기
- • 발표 이유 말하기
개인적인 선호
- • 특정 노래를 좋아하는 이유
- • 특정 음식을 선호하는 이유
- • 취미를 선택한 이유
수준별 예문
I am sad because I am tired.
She eats because she is hungry.
I like him because he is funny.
They run because they are late.
I'm wearing a coat because it's cold outside.
Because the shop was closed, I went home.
He is studying hard because he has an exam.
We are happy because we won the game.
I decided to move because I wanted a better life.
Because I hadn't seen her for years, I didn't recognize her.
The flight was cancelled because there was a pilot strike.
I'm telling you this because I trust you.
The project failed not because of a lack of money, but because we lacked time.
I didn't go because I was tired, but because I had work to do.
Because the evidence was inconclusive, the case was dismissed.
She's successful because she never gives up on her dreams.
It must be late, because the streetlights have already come on.
Just because you're older doesn't mean you're always right.
Just because... doesn't mean...
The economy is struggling, largely because of global supply chain issues.
I'm hesitant to join, simply because I don't have the bandwidth right now.
The theory is flawed, if only because it ignores the fundamental laws of physics.
He resigned, not because he was forced out, but because his integrity demanded it.
Because of the sheer volume of data, the analysis took months to complete.
I'm doing this because... well, because science.
혼동하기 쉬운
Learners mix up the cause and the result.
They both give reasons, but 'since' also refers to time.
자주 하는 실수
I am late because the rain.
I am late because it is raining.
Why you are late? Because I missed bus.
Why are you late? Because I missed the bus.
Because I was tired, so I went to bed.
Because I was tired, I went to bed.
Because it was raining I stayed home.
Because it was raining, I stayed home.
I didn't go because of I was sick.
I didn't go because I was sick.
The reason is because...
The reason is that...
문장 패턴
I am ___ because ___.
Because it was ___, I ___.
I can't ___ because I have to ___.
Real World Usage
Can't come bc I'm sick.
I am a good leader because I listen to my team.
No cheese, please, because I have an allergy.
Living my best life because I finally graduated!
My head hurts because I didn't sleep.
The flight is delayed because of a technical issue.
쉼표(,)는 여러분의 친구예요!
'because'와 'so'를 함께 쓰지 마세요!
I was tired, so I went to bed.또는
I went to bed because I was tired.
'Because'로 짧게 대답하기
Why are you smiling? Because I heard a funny joke!
문자 메시지 약어 'bc'
Smart Tips
Imagine they are two magnets that repel each other. You can only have one in your sentence!
Read the sentence out loud. If you start with 'Because', you naturally pause in the middle—that's where the comma goes.
Use 'bc' or 'cause' for friends, but never for your boss!
Try starting the sentence with 'Because' instead of always putting it in the middle to vary your writing style.
발음
The Weak 'Because'
In fast speech, the first syllable 'be-' is very short, sounding like /bɪˈkəz/ or even just /kəz/.
Stress Pattern
The stress is on the second syllable: be-CAUSE.
Comma Pause
Because it was raining [pause], I stayed home.
The slight rise in pitch before the comma signals more information is coming.
암기하기
기억법
B-E-C-A-U-S-E: Big Elephants Can Always Understand Small Elephants.
시각적 연상
Imagine a giant bridge labeled 'BECAUSE'. On one side of the river is the 'Action' (running) and on the other side is the 'Reason' (a lion). The bridge connects them.
Rhyme
Don't use 'so' and 'because' together, or you'll be wrong in any weather!
Story
A boy was late for school. He told his teacher, 'I am late `because` my alarm broke.' The teacher asked 'Why?' again. He said, '`Because` I dropped it.' Now he uses `because` to explain everything.
Word Web
챌린지
Write 3 sentences about your day using 'because'. One must start with 'Because' and use a comma!
문화 노트
In many English-speaking schools, children are taught 'never start a sentence with because.' This is a myth to prevent fragments, but it is perfectly fine in adult writing if the sentence is complete.
The 'Because [Noun]' meme (e.g., 'Because science') is used to give a humorous, short explanation for something complex.
English speakers often use 'because' to soften a 'no' answer. Just saying 'No' is rude; adding a reason makes it polite.
From Middle English 'bi cause', a loan-translation of Old French 'par cause'.
대화 시작하기
Why did you choose to learn English?
Why is your favorite city so special to you?
Why do you think some people prefer cats over dogs?
일기 주제
자주 하는 실수
Test Yourself
I'm learning English ___ I want to travel.
Find and fix the mistake:
Because it was raining I took an umbrella.
Translate into English: 'Estoy cansado porque trabajé mucho.'
Answer starts with: ["I...
Choose the correct sentence:
Score: /4
연습 문제
8 exercisesI am wearing a sweater ___ I am cold.
Find and fix the mistake:
Because I was late, so I missed the meeting.
We stayed home ___ the rain.
happy / because / I / am / passed / I / the / test
1. I'm tired. 2. I'm eating. 3. I'm happy.
Choose the correct sentence.
I'm learning English ___ I want a better job.
Find and fix the mistake:
I am late because the traffic was.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesI couldn't go to the party ___ my illness.
She learned Spanish quickly ___ she lived in Madrid for a year.
He was hungry, because he ate a big meal.
Because of she studied hard, she passed the exam.
Choose the best option:
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: 'Ella sonríe porque está feliz.'
Translate into English: 'Debido a que el tráfico era intenso, llegamos tarde a la reunión.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the actions with their reasons:
Match the results to their reasons:
Score: /12
자주 묻는 질문 (8)
Yes! It is perfectly natural. Just remember to put a comma after the first part of the sentence. Example: `Because I was tired, I went to sleep.`
Usually, no. In standard English, we don't put a comma before `because` when it's in the middle. Example: `I'm happy because it's Friday.`
`Because` introduces the reason (I'm eating `because` I'm hungry). `So` introduces the result (I'm hungry, `so` I'm eating).
In casual speaking and texting, yes. In formal writing or exams, always use the full word `because`.
In informal speech, people sometimes say 'Because!' as a way of refusing to give a reason. However, usually, you should follow it with a sentence.
Use `because of` when the reason is just a noun. Example: `I'm late because of the rain.` Use `because` when the reason is a full sentence: `I'm late because it is raining.`
Yes, they are very similar. `Since` is slightly more formal and often used when the reason is already known by the listener.
It is a common abbreviation for 'because' used to save time while typing on mobile phones.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
porque
English uses 'why' for questions and 'because' for answers; Spanish uses 'por qué' and 'porque'.
parce que
French has more distinct words for 'because' depending on formality (car vs parce que).
weil
Word order: English is 'because I AM tired', German is 'weil ich müde BIN'.
から (kara) / ので (node)
Position: Japanese puts the 'because' word *after* the reason; English puts it *before*.
لأن (li'anna)
Arabic 'because' often attaches directly to the subject pronoun (e.g., 'because-he').
因为 (yīnwèi)
Redundancy: Chinese uses 'Because... so...' together; English only uses one.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
관련 동영상
You Learned the Solar System Wrong
How a Video Game Gave Antarctica Its Flag
You Are Not Where You Think You Are
How to Use Subordinating Conjunctions for Better English
ENGLISH with James · engVid
Subordinating Conjunctions | Learn about how to use subordinating conjunctions
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Conjunctions for Kids | Learn about coordinating, correlative, and subordinating conjunctions
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