that's because

USAGE SUMMARY

'that's because' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce an explanation or reason for a statement. For example, "I'm very tired today - that's because I stayed up late last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that's because?

Forbes

That's because the secret's out.

Independent

That's because he has.

Independent

That's because Lucy cares.

The New York Times

That's because they are.

Independent

That's because it's free.

The New York Times - Tech

That's because — hello!

The New York Times

That's because of Mike.

The New York Times - Sports

That's because it was.

The New Yorker

That's because it works.

The New York Times - Health

"That's because she didn't.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that's because" to clearly and directly explain the reason behind a statement or situation, ensuring your reasoning is easily understood by the reader.

Common error

While "that's because" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives such as "this is due to" or "consequently" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that's because" functions as a causal connector, linking a statement with its explanation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it introduces the reason for something previously stated. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in various contexts, reinforcing its role as a direct explainer.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that's because" is a common and grammatically sound causal connector used to provide explanations. As Ludwig AI indicates, it effectively introduces the reason behind a statement. Analysis of Ludwig's examples shows that its usage is prevalent in news and media sources, and while acceptable in many contexts, it may be replaced by more formal alternatives in professional or academic writing. The phrase is designed to clarify and justify, making it a valuable tool for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is why

Replaces "because" with "is why", shifting the emphasis slightly but maintaining the causal relationship.

the reason is

Directly states that what follows is the explanation or cause.

that's the reason why

Adds emphasis by explicitly stating "the reason why", making the explanation more direct.

this is due to

Uses a more formal tone to introduce the cause or reason for something.

it follows that

Implies a logical consequence or deduction, presenting the explanation as a natural result.

consequently

Offers a concise adverbial alternative, indicating a direct result or effect.

as a result

States the explanation as a direct outcome or consequence of a preceding event.

therefore

Provides a formal connector, emphasizing a logical conclusion or deduction.

hence

A more formal alternative to "therefore", indicating a logical consequence.

owing to the fact that

A formal and somewhat lengthy alternative, emphasizing the factual basis of the explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "that's because" in a sentence?

Use "that's because" to introduce the reason or explanation for a preceding statement. For example, "I'm tired, "that's because" I stayed up late."

What are some alternatives to "that's because"?

You can use alternatives like "that is why", "this is due to", or "as a result" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "that's because"?

Starting a sentence with "that's because" is generally acceptable in informal writing and speech. However, in formal writing, it's often better to rephrase the sentence for a more polished tone, using alternatives like "the reason is".

What's the difference between "that's because" and "because"?

"That's because" is typically used to follow up on a statement and provide an immediate explanation. "Because" can be used more broadly within a sentence to introduce a reason or cause. The choice often depends on the desired flow and emphasis in your writing.