Problems With Connectors (5): Cause Connectors.

(They decided to stay at home [because] [the weather] [was bad])

- They decided to stay at home
- (because): because
- (S): the weather
- (V): was bad

[OR]

(They decided to stay at home [because of] [the weather])

- They decided to stay at home
- (because of): because of
- (Noun): the weather

Avoid using (because of) before a subject and verb. Avoid using (because) before a noun which is not followed by a verb.

Examples:

Incorrect: Classes will be canceled tomorrow (because) a national holiday.
Correct: Classes will be canceled tomorrow (because) (it is) a national holiday.

[OR]

Correct: Classes will be canceled tomorrow (because of) (a national holiday).

Incorrect: She was absent (because of) (her cold was) worse.
Correct: She was absent (because) (her cold was) worse.

[OR]

Correct: She was absent (because of) (her cold).

Incorrect: John's Family is very happy (because) (his being awarded) a scholarship.
Correct: John's Family is very happy (because) (he has been awarded) a scholarship.

[OR]

Correct: John's Family is very happy (because of) (his being awarded) a scholarship.

Incorrect: She didn't buy it (because of) (the price was) too high.
Correct: She didn't buy it (because) (the price was) too high.

[OR]

Correct: She didn't buy it (because of) (the price).

Incorrect: It was difficult to see the road clearly (because) (the rain).
Correct: It was difficult to see the road clearly (because) (it was raining).

[OR]

Correct: It was difficult to see the road clearly (because of) (the rain).