because of how things are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "because of how things are" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to explain a situation or reasoning based on the current state of affairs or circumstances. Example: "I decided to postpone the meeting because of how things are with the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

She's warm and friendly, yet insists she has become a misanthrope, "because of how things are now".

The Guardian - Books

The focus nowadays is a lot on the club because of how things are.

BBC

"It's because of how things are in this country; young people's material needs, the things we want and can't get here.

BBC

(South Peer Worker) In the London site Peer Workers could feel disempowered by the working arrangements: You end up feeling powerless a lot of the time because of how things are set up. (London Peer Worker) The step-up, step-down was supposed to be empowering to people, so they could stand down when they didn't feel able to work.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Facebook says that it's taken two years to roll this out because of the nature of how things are purchased off the back of ads on Facebook.

TechCrunch

It's also significant because it reflects the nature of how things are done in the office of 2013 -- running on various services assembled from the cloud.

Forbes

And I think that's because it's the breed of how things are now.

Huffington Post

Oracle's planned purchase of Taleo is the biggest sign yet of how things are changing because of cloud-based computing technology.

The New York Times

I think people are angry because this is such a flagrant violation of how things are supposed to work in America.

Los Angeles Times

"You have to face the reality of how things are.

BMC Medical Ethics

Horner's mother, Susan, had previously said: "He did say a few weeks ago that there was going to be a riot because of how things were inside.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "because of how things are" to provide a clear explanation for a decision or situation, especially when referring to a general or widely understood context. Be mindful of your audience; if you are writing to a more formal audience, you may consider alternatives like "due to the current situation".

Common error

Avoid using "because of how things are" excessively in formal or academic writing. It can sometimes sound vague or informal. Instead, opt for more precise language that clearly identifies the specific circumstances or factors contributing to the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "because of how things are" functions as a causal connector, linking a situation or decision to the prevailing circumstances. It introduces an explanation rooted in the current state, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "because of how things are" is a versatile phrase used to provide explanations based on the current state of affairs. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and general media. While it serves as a clear causal connector, writers should consider the formality of their context, opting for more precise alternatives like "due to the current situation" in formal or academic settings. Ultimately, its effectiveness lies in its ability to convey a reason rooted in present conditions, making it a valuable tool in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

due to the current situation

Replaces "because of how things are" with a more formal and concise expression.

given the present circumstances

Emphasizes the existing conditions as the reason for something.

in light of the existing conditions

Highlights the context that influences a decision or situation.

considering the state of affairs

Focuses on the overall situation as the determining factor.

owing to the way things stand

Uses a slightly more formal tone to indicate the cause.

as a result of the current climate

Highlights the prevailing atmosphere or environment as the cause.

because of the way things have turned out

Refers to a specific outcome or development that influences the present.

in view of the prevailing situation

Stresses the influence of the current context.

taking into account the present situation

Emphasizes considering the current state when making a decision.

considering how matters stand

Focuses on the present conditions affecting a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "because of how things are" in a sentence?

You can use "because of how things are" to explain a decision or situation based on the present conditions. For example: "I decided to postpone the meeting "because of how things are" with the project timeline."

What are some alternatives to "because of how things are"?

Some alternatives include "due to the current situation", "given the present circumstances", or "in light of the existing conditions". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality required.

Is "because of how things are" too informal for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "because of how things are" can sound informal for academic writing. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives like "due to specific factors" or "as a consequence of recent events".

What's the difference between "because of how things are" and "due to the circumstances"?

"Because of how things are" is a more general and sometimes less formal way to express a cause. "Due to the circumstances" is similar but often sounds slightly more formal and can imply a more specific set of conditions influencing the outcome.