Grammarholic Posted 11 years ago
Grammar
', because' vs 'because'
Is a comma needed before 'because' here? I'm told yes, but I don't think it is needed. I'm also told that because of the comma, or lack thereof, these sentences have two very distinct meanings.
He is not overweight, because he exercises.
v I'm told that this sentence means that he is NOT overweight. The reason is that he exercises.
He is not overweight because he exercises.
v I'm told that this sentence means he IS overweight, and is overweight despite the fact that he exercises. He is overweight for some other reason not mentioned in that sentence.
Do I really need the comma to make this distinction?
He is not overweight, because he exercises.
v I'm told that this sentence means that he is NOT overweight. The reason is that he exercises.
He is not overweight because he exercises.
v I'm told that this sentence means he IS overweight, and is overweight despite the fact that he exercises. He is overweight for some other reason not mentioned in that sentence.
Do I really need the comma to make this distinction?
Top answer
I suppose there may be a distinction. She's not dating him because he's rich. She's not dating him, because he's rich.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
0
I suppose there may be a distinction.
She's not dating him because he's rich.
She's not dating him, because he's rich.
Most people have the good sense to rephrase for clarity, however.
It's not for his money that she's dating him.
The reason she is not dating him is that he is rich.
CJ
She's not dating him because he's rich.
She's not dating him, because he's rich.
Most people have the good sense to rephrase for clarity, however.
It's not for his money that she's dating him.
The reason she is not dating him is that he is rich.
CJ
00
He is not overweight because he exercises; he is overweight because his exercises consist of pushing away from the dining table a dozen times a day.
00
