Focus on Words

Trouble spot
Because is followed by a clause: He left his wallet at home because he was
careless.
Because of is followed by a noun or –ing form: Because of his carelessness/
because of his being careless he left his wallet at home.
6. Choose the right connective.
1. We stopped playing tennis because of /because the rain.
2. It was all because of /because her that we got into trouble.
3. We had to hurry indoors because of /since it was raining.
4. I am late owing to /because the traffic.
5. We didn’t arrive until seven o’clock because of /because the traffic was terrible.
6. She found the exam easy due to /because she had worked hard during the course.
7. He can’t drive because of /because his illness.
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