Because using “since” as a conjunction can be confusing, use “because” instead
While “since” can be used to denote causation, using the word in such a manner can lead to confusion.
- Confusing: Since we won the contract, we drank
- Not confusing: Because we won the contract, we drank.
The first example might be ok if you are referring to the events of the previous evening. But what if the contract was awarded three years ago? A reader might think you’re on one hecukva bender.
To minimize ambiguity, avoid using “since” when you can use “because” instead.
Often writers use “since” as a conjunction as the first word in a sentence because they don’t think it’s ok to start a sentence with “because” (I was taught that rule in elementary school). There’s nothing wrong, however, with doing so.
Tags: As, Because, Conjunction, Grammar, Since
2 Comments
Gisele on July 10th, 2010
Please excuse typos during previous rant: construction and grammar are mis-spelled.
My writing focuses on travel and culture. I've contributed to The Wall Street Journal, Fox News, Air Canada's enRoute, BlackBook, Budget Travel, Deadspin, and Louisville Magazine. I'm also the editor-in-chief of Louisville.com and BlackBook's Louisville City Editor.
Gisele on July 10th, 2010
The use of “because” is much more correct than the use of “since,” but do you not encounter far too many uses of the word “as” instead of either “since” or “because” in a causative sentence onstruction? It is driving me nuts.
To use your example, “As we won the contract, we drank.” This misuse seems to be taking on popularity on blogs, and even in print. I was reading a bio last night and the author had used it with such frequency that I had to toss the book. “As we lived in the country, we did not experience the same privations . . .”
Then there are the folks who stick a comma in front of the word, “as,” as if this overused form of punctuation is a prophylactic against bad grammer (the grammar antidote equivalent to ketchup on bad food).
“I did not purchase this item, as I already own one.”
Rant over.