Choosing because or so to connect ideas – English 2AC
Use because to explain a reason and so to introduce a result, without mixing the two patterns.
1. Give a reason with because
In «I stayed home because I was tired», the part after because explains why I stayed home. Because joins the reason clause to the main clause.
2. Give a result with so
In «I was tired, so I stayed home», the result comes after so. Notice that the order of the information changes.
3. Avoid doubling the connector
In the simple pattern practised here, do not write «Because I was tired, so I stayed home». Choose «Because I was tired, I stayed home» or «I was tired, so I stayed home».
Summary diagram
Worked example
«The bus was late, so we waited.» The late bus is the reason and waiting is the result. The same idea can be written: «We waited because the bus was late».
6 exercises with answers
Try the exercise before opening the answer.
Exercise 1
Complete: I took an umbrella … it was raining.
Show answer
because.
Exercise 2
Complete: It was raining, … I took an umbrella.
Show answer
so.
Exercise 3
Rewrite with because: I was hungry, so I ate.
Show answer
I ate because I was hungry.
Exercise 4
Correct: Because it was cold, so we closed the window.
Show answer
Because it was cold, we closed the window.
Exercise 5
In «I study because I want to improve», which part gives the reason?
Show answer
I want to improve.
Exercise 6
Write a sentence using so about an empty bottle.
Show answer
Example: The bottle was empty, so I filled it with water.