Difference Between Since and Because (with Comparison Chart)

Conjunctions are linking words, that are used in sentences to combine two words, clauses, phrases, or sentences. Since and because are two causal conjunctions, which tells you why someone does something. ‘Since‘ can be used in two different ways in a sentence, i.e. it either talks about ‘time’, or it gives the ‘reason for something’.

On the contrary, ‘Because‘ refers to ‘by cause of’. Further, both in written and spoken English, because is more common than since when it comes to giving a reason. Now, let’s have a look at the examples given below to understand the two terms better:

I am happy because I got a distinction in all the subjects in my High School examination. Or
Since I got a distinction in all the subjects in my High School examination, I am happy.

In the given example, the two words are used in the same context, but they are placed differently. In the first sentence, the reason for happiness is the most important part, that’s why we’ve used because, as it indicates the only reason for happiness. However, the next sentence also gives reason for happiness, but that does not seem too strong, as in the case of because.

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Since	Because
Meaning	Since means 'from the particular time in the past, until now' and 'in the view of the fact that'.	Because is used to mean 'on account of' or 'for the reason that'.
Reason	Less Important	Very Important
Position	Beginning or Middle of the sentence	Middle of the sentence
Questions	It is not used in questions.	It is used in questions.
Examples	Since everything was going according to the plan, there is no need to worry.	Steffy refused to drink alcohol at the party, because it was against her principles.
	Since my mobile battery is weak, it discharges easily.	Mary didn't attend the class because she was ill.
	Since we just had breakfast, we don't feel hungry.	They are late because they met an accident.

Definition of Since

The conjunction ‘since’ can be used in different contexts in a sentence. Hence it can be used in a variety of ways. It either talks about the reason or causes for something, or it expresses a specific time in the past when something took place, until now. The points given below explains the usage of since:

From a certain time in the past, until now, i.e. beginning at a particular point or time in the past, which still continues:
- Peter and Alex are studying together since third grade.
- You have been fat since I saw you last.
- I shifted to another flat since I last talked to you.
- Since the new process introduced, the employee’s productivity has become better.
For indicating reason or explanations:
- I had coffee since it was the only beverage available at the shop.
- Since you have finished your work, you can go and play with friends.
- Since contestants came on time, we can start the game.

Definition of Because

The word ‘because’ is subordinating conjunction which is used in a sentence to add an explanation, cause or reason for the happening of any incident. So, the clause introduced using ‘because’ is a subordinating clause, which adds to the meaning of the main clause and therefore completes the sentence. Let’s have a look at the examples given below:

To give a reason:
- James said that he could not play cricket because his hand is fractured.
- Alisha is sad because her cousins went to a picnic, without her.
- We missed the beginning of the movie because we reached late at the theatre.
- Just because I picked your call doesn’t mean I forgave you.
To indicate facts, in the sense that’s why you believe that a particular thing is true:
- She is not in a mood to talk, because she has not even replied to our messages.
- They had a fantastic road trip because they all belonged to the same age group.

Further the word ‘because of‘ means ‘due to‘ or ‘as a result of‘, which also highlights the cause that led to a particular event. Hence, it focuses on the consequence. See examples below:

John’s application was rejected because of late submission of the application.
Tarun was able to join the army, because of his patience and persistence

Key Differences Between Since and Because

The difference between since and because are discussed in the points given below:

We use the word ‘since’ in our sentence either to talk about a specific time or point in the past which still continues or to explain something, i.e. why a person does something or why did this happen? Conversely, we use the word ‘because’ to state a reason, cause or explanation for something, i.e. why something is taking place, or occurring?
When we use ‘since’ in our sentence, the reason is not given much importance, because the receiver in the communication is quite aware of the reason. As against, ‘because’ it emphasizes the reason, as the receiver in the communication has no idea of the reason.
To introduce a reason, since is used at the beginning of a sentence. But it can also be used in the middle of the sentence to indicate ’till now’. On the other hand, because it can be used in the middle of the sentence to give a reason. Although we can also use it at the beginning of the sentence, but only in spoken English, otherwise it is going to be grammatically incorrect.
If you ask a question and you also put up the explanation or cause, in that question, we use because and not since.

Examples

Since

Since I am in the middle of something, I cannot come right now.
I have gained seven kilograms since I stopped exercising.
She has been working in this company since 2014.

Because

I know Shriya was not at home because I saw her in the market.
He didn’t get admission to the college because he was late to submit the application.
I am not coming with you, because I am tired.

How to remember the difference

So, since and because both the words are used to express a logical connection amidst two events, but because is important as compared to since, in the sense that since indicates an indirect or not so important cause and effect relationship.