but simply because

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but simply because" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a reason or explanation that is straightforward or uncomplicated. Example: "I chose to leave the meeting early, but simply because I had another commitment to attend to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But simply because we don't explicitly ask these questions doesn't mean they aren't answered.

The New Yorker

Not because of what happened on Saturday, but simply because he is not yet good enough.

The Guardian - Sport

Not because it's untrue, but simply because it is so inadequate to his true influence.

The Guardian - Arts

But simply because the woman in question, Laura Wade-Gery, is 50.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not because it is more important, but simply because they speak English.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not because I want to, but simply because I have to".

The New York Times - Books

Not because I was particularly good at them, but simply because I enjoyed them.

The Guardian - Opinion

But simply because it was easy enough, I pulled out a couple of different groups of spices and herbs.

The New York Times - Food

I married Dasa [Dagmar] not to replace Olga but simply because we love each other and want to live together".

The Guardian

I use the term hostile dominant culture not to sensationalise or provoke, but simply because it is fact.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not because of any special "inside information" gleaned from the gay grapevine, mind, but simply because they "can tell".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but simply because" to clearly and directly introduce a straightforward reason, especially when contrasting it with a more complex or assumed explanation.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "but simply because" can sound slightly informal in highly formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "however, due to" or "rather, as a result of" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

But simply because functions as a causal connector, linking two contrasting ideas where the second clause provides a direct, uncomplicated reason for the first. It often contrasts with an expected or more complex explanation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but simply because" is a grammatically sound and common phrase used to introduce a straightforward reason or explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral contexts; more formal writing may benefit from alternative phrasings. Its function is to provide clarity by contrasting a simple reason with potentially more complex alternatives. It appears most frequently in news and media, reflecting its utility in explaining events and opinions concisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but merely because

Replaces "simply" with "merely", suggesting a more basic or less complex reason.

but solely because

Similar to "only because", emphasizing that there are no other reasons involved.

but entirely because

Stresses the completeness of the reason, indicating no other factors are relevant.

but purely because

Emphasizes the lack of any other influencing factors besides the stated reason.

but precisely because

Emphasizes the accuracy and exactness of the reason being provided.

but only because

Highlights that the stated reason is the sole reason.

but just because

More informal alternative, suitable for casual conversation.

but essentially because

Suggests that the stated reason is the most important or basic reason.

but fundamentally because

Indicates the reason is a core or underlying cause.

but largely because

Indicates that the reason is a major contributing factor, though perhaps not the only one.

FAQs

How can I use "but simply because" in a sentence?

The phrase "but simply because" is used to introduce a straightforward reason, often contrasting it with a more complicated one. For example, "I chose this option, but simply because it was the most practical".

What can I say instead of "but simply because"?

You can use alternatives such as "but merely because", "but only because", or "but just because" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but simply because"?

While starting a sentence with "but" is acceptable in modern English, using "but simply because" to begin a sentence might sound less formal. It's generally better to connect it to a previous clause for smoother flow.

What's the difference between "but simply because" and "just because"?

"But simply because" is often used to explicitly contrast a simple reason with an implied more complex one. "Just because" is a more general way of stating a reason, without necessarily implying a contrast.