this is because

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is because" is a valid and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to introduce a reason or explanation for something that has been previously mentioned. For example: I used to be afraid of the dark, but now I'm not. This is because I learned that darkness is just an absence of light.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is because, well... everywhere is dangerous.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is because, for, (3.4).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

This is because, well, we can.

WikiHow

Part of this is because parties adapt.

The New York Times

This is because nominations can take time.

The Economist

This is because they did not exist).

The New Yorker

This is because it can be "hyperpolarised".

The Economist

This is because of transport constraints.

The Economist

"This is because he is vulnerable.

Independent

This is because Jeeves was his "butler".

Independent

This is because governments wish to survive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse; while common, varying your sentence structure with alternatives can improve the overall readability and sophistication of your writing.

Common error

Avoid constructions like "The reason is because..." as they are redundant. Instead, choose either "The reason is..." or "This is because..." for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is because" functions as a causal connector, linking a statement to its explanation. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in providing reasons for various phenomena, actions, or opinions. It serves to introduce a clause that explains why something is the case.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is because" serves as a versatile causal connector, widely used to introduce explanations across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and its frequency across diverse sources like news, science, and academia underscores its utility in written English. While effective, writers should avoid overuse and be mindful of potential redundancies to maintain clarity. Considering semantically similar options, like "this is due to" or "the reason for this is", can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is due to

Replaces "because" with "due to", offering a slightly more formal tone.

this is a result of

Indicates a consequence, emphasizing the outcome of a preceding cause.

this stems from

Suggests that something originates or develops from a particular source or cause.

the reason for this is

Emphasizes the explanation, drawing attention to the underlying cause.

this arises from

Indicates that something emerges or originates as a consequence of something else.

that is why

Provides a direct causal link, often used to summarize a preceding explanation.

this can be attributed to

Suggests that something is caused or influenced by a particular factor or source.

this is on account of

Offers a reason or explanation, highlighting the influencing factor.

the explanation for this is

Specifically points to an explanation, focusing on the underlying cause or rationale.

therefore

Indicates a logical conclusion or consequence, derived from preceding statements.

FAQs

How can I use "this is because" in a sentence?

Use "this is because" to introduce an explanation or reason for a statement you've just made. For example, "I prefer tea over coffee; this is because I find the taste more soothing."

What phrases can I use instead of "this is because"?

You can use alternatives like "this is due to", "the reason for this is", or "that is why" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "this is because"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "this is because" when providing an explanation that directly follows or relates to a previous statement. However, ensure the connection is clear to avoid confusion.

What's the difference between "this is because" and "due to"?

"This is because" introduces a clause that explains a previous statement, while "due to" functions as an adjective, often followed by a noun or noun phrase. For example, "The delay was due to unforeseen circumstances" vs. "The delay occurred; this is because unforeseen circumstances arose."