English grammar
As (cause-first) vs because (cause-second); the thing is… for excuses
Put the cause first with as, and make (or spot) an excuse with the thing is.
From the scene Since he isn't answering…
In short
As can start a sentence with a reason; because usually comes after the main idea. The thing is… gives an excuse.
Your turn
Which one goes with because (the reason comes second)?
Options: the thing is, my phone was on silent · I'm not signing because I can't read · as he isn't answering, we'll leave a note
Show answer
because (the reason comes second) → I'm not signing because I can't read
How it works
As can open the sentence to give a reason, just like since: as he isn't answering, we'll leave a note.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
(blank) it's so important, I'll read it to you.
Options: As · Unless · So
Show answer
As it's so important, I'll read it to you.
Como es tan importante, se la leo yo.
Good to know
Because normally comes after the main idea: I'm not signing because I can't read without glasses. 'The thing is…' introduces a justification or an excuse.
as = since (reason-first) as he isn't answering, we'll leave a note
Javi
Well, as he isn't answering, we'll leave him a note in the letterbox.
Pues como no contesta, le dejamos una nota en el buzón.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Well, (blank), we'll leave him a note in the letterbox.
Options: I'm not signing because I can't read · my phone was on silent · as he isn't answering
Show answer
Javi
Well, as he isn't answering, we'll leave him a note in the letterbox.
Pues como no contesta, le dejamos una nota en el buzón.
because (the reason comes second) I'm not signing because I can't read
Ramón
I'm not signing because I can't read a thing without glasses.
No firmo porque no leo nada sin gafas.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank) a thing without glasses.
Options: I'm not signing because I can't read · As he isn't answering, we'll leave a note · The thing is, my phone was on silent
Show answer
Ramón
I'm not signing because I can't read a thing without glasses.
No firmo porque no leo nada sin gafas.
the thing is… (an excuse) the thing is, my phone was on silent
Ramón
Hello! The thing is, my phone was on silent.
¡Buenas! Es que tenía el móvil en silencio.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Hello! (blank).
Options: As he isn't answering, we'll leave a note · I'm not signing because I can't read · The thing is, my phone was on silent
Show answer
Ramón
Hello! The thing is, my phone was on silent.
¡Buenas! Es que tenía el móvil en silencio.
as + a known fact as he's the owner
Your turn
What goes with as he's the owner?
Options: as = since (reason-first) · because (the reason comes second) · as + a known fact
Show answer
as he's the owner → as + a known fact
because (a plain, genuine reason) he doesn't want to sign because he's scared
Common mistake
Not so or although here. The reason comes second.
I'm not signing because I can't read a thing without glasses.
No firmo porque no leo nada sin gafas.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| as = since (reason-first) | as he isn't answering, we'll leave a note |
|---|---|
| because (the reason comes second) | I'm not signing because I can't read |
| the thing is… (an excuse) | the thing is, my phone was on silent |
| as + a known fact | as he's the owner |
| because (a plain, genuine reason) | he doesn't want to sign because he's scared |
More lines from the story
- NuriaAs it's so important, I'll read it to you.Como es tan importante, se la leo yo.
- NuriaOn silent for three days? Some excuse.¿Tres días en silencio? Menuda excusa.
- RamónThe thing is... I don't hear very well either. What were you saying?Es que... tampoco oigo muy bien. ¿Qué decías?