Why vs. Because — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 3, 2023
"Why" is a question word seeking reasons or explanations. "Because" is a conjunction providing the reason or explanation in response.
Difference Between Why and Because
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Why" is fundamentally an interrogative adverb, used predominantly to form questions. It delves into the reason, purpose, or cause behind a particular situation or action. By using "why", we often aim to understand the underlying motives or causes for something observed or stated.
"Because", on the other hand, serves as the bridge to answer questions posed by "why". It's a conjunction that introduces the cause or reason for an action or event. Essentially, when one asks "why", the reply often starts with "because", followed by the justification or rationale.
The relationship between "why" and "because" is intrinsically one of inquiry and response. "Why" indicates a quest for knowledge, a desire to understand, or a simple curiosity. It is the prompt that nudges individuals to provide insight or clarity on a matter.
Conversely, "because" facilitates that clarity. It indicates causality and reason. It provides the groundwork for explaining phenomena, actions, or decisions. When someone poses a "why" question, they're typically looking for a "because" answer to satisfy their curiosity or clear their doubts.
In the English language, the synergy between "why" and "because" exemplifies the balance between inquiry and explanation. One word instigates the search for understanding, while the other satiates that search by providing the necessary details or rationale.
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Comparison Chart
Word Type
Interrogative Adverb
Conjunction
Function
Asks for reason or explanation
Provides reason or explanation
Position
Begins questions
Begins answers or explanations
Relation to Answer
Seeks it
Gives it
Examples
Why are you late?
I am late because of traffic.
Compare with Definitions
Why
The reason or cause for which.
The reasons why he succeeded are clear.
Because
Used to introduce a word or phrase that stands for a clause expressing an explanation or reason.
He must have gone out, because his car is not in the driveway.
Why
As a result of which; on account of which.
The reason why the product was recalled.
Because
Since; as.
Because it's raining, we should stay inside.
Why
An interrogative expressing inquiry about the cause or reason for something.
Why did the chicken cross the road?
Because
On account of; by reason of.
He went to the store because of the sale.
Why
For what reason or purpose
Why did he do it?
Because
As a result or consequence of something.
She was late because of traffic.
Why
(with reference to a reason) on account of which; for which
The reason why flu jabs need repeating every year is that the virus changes
Because
For the reason that; due to the fact that.
He left because he was bored.
Why
Expressing surprise or indignation
Why, that's absurd!
Because
For the reason that; since.
Why
Used to add emphasis to a response
‘You think so?’ ‘Why, yes.’
Because
(archaic) For the reason that.
Why
A reason or explanation
The whys and wherefores of these procedures need to be explained to students
Because
On account of, for sake of.
My life is ruined because of you!
Why
For what purpose, reason, or cause; with what intention, justification, or motive
Why is the door shut? Why do birds sing?.
Because
(by ellipsis) Used alone to refuse to provide a full answer a question begun with "why", usually taken as an anapodoton of the elided full phrase "Because I said so".
Why
The reason, cause, or purpose for which
I know why you left.
Because
By or for the cause that; on this account that; for the reason that.
I hid myself because I was afraid.
Why
Usage Problem On account of which; for which.
Because
As is known, inferred, or determined from the fact that.
It must be broken, because I pressed the button and nothing happened.
I don't think he is a nice person, because he yells at people for no reason.
Why
The cause or intention underlying a given action or situation
Studying the whys of antisocial behavior.
Because
(obsolete) So that, in order that.
Why
A difficult problem or question.
Because
On account of, because of.
He rejected me because revenge, I guess.
It doesn't work because reasons.
Why
Used to express mild surprise, indignation, or impatience.
Because
By or for the cause that; on this account that; for the reason that.
Why
(interrogative) For what cause, reason, or purpose.
Because
In order that; that.
And the multitude rebuked them because they should hold their peace.
Because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Why
Introducing a complete question.
Why is the sky blue?
Why did you do that?
I don’t know why he did that
Tell me why the moon changes phase.
Why
Introducing a verb phrase (bare infinitive clause).
Why spend money on something you already get for free?
Why not tell him how you feel?
Why
Introducing a noun or other phrase.
Why him? Why not someone taller?
Why
(relative) For which cause, reason, or purpose.
That's the reason why I did that.
Why
(fused relative) The cause, reason, or purpose for which.
That is why the sky is blue.
Why
Reason.
A good article will cover the who, the what, the when, the where, the why and the how.
Why
An exclamation used to express pleasant or unpleasant mild surprise, indignation, or impatience.
Why, that’s ridiculous!
Why, how kind of you!
Why
For what cause, reason, or purpose; on what account; wherefore; - used interrogatively. See the Note under What, pron., 1.
Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Why
For which; on account of which; - used relatively.
No ground of enmity between us knownWhy he should mean me ill or seek to harm.
Turn the discourse; I have a reason whyI would not have you speak so tenderly.
Why
The reason or cause for which; that on account of which; on what account; as, I know not why he left town so suddenly; - used as a compound relative.
If her chill heart I can not move,Why, I'll enjoy the very love.
The how and the why and the where.
Why
A young heifer.
Why
The cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase `the whys and wherefores'
Why
Question word; what is the reason (`how come' is a nonstandard variant);
Why are you here?
How come he got an ice cream cone but I didn't?
Why
Used to express surprise or indignation.
Why, that's outrageous!
Why
With reference to the reason or cause.
He declined the job, but didn't specify why.
Common Curiosities
What is the primary function of "why"?
"Why" is used to ask about reasons or explanations.
How is "because" typically used in sentences?
"Because" introduces the cause or reason for an action or event.
Can "why" be used outside of questions?
Yes, "why" can also refer to reasons in statements, e.g., "The reasons why he left are unclear."
Does "because" always follow "why"?
Not always, but it's common for "because" to provide answers to "why" questions.
Can "because" start a sentence?
Yes, e.g., "Because it was raining, the event was canceled."
Is "why" always followed by a question mark?
Mostly, but not when it's used in statements referring to reasons.
Can "because" be used without a preceding "why" question?
Absolutely, "because" can provide a reason without a direct "why" prompt.
Is "why" only used for negative situations?
No, "why" can inquire about both positive and negative situations.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
