Have you noticed that the word because has been transformed in speech? Once only a subordinating conjunction, in recent years, people have started to use because as a preposition. For example, “It’s hot outside because . . . summer.” Or “I can’t write clear English sentences because . . . lazy.” Add one word after because, and apparently you’re done communicating—let others do all the guesswork. As long as you understand, everyone will understand too, right?
Wrong. This slang usage of because is okay in speech, but it isn’t a good idea in writing. It’s one of those linguistic changes that likely evolved from text messaging, along with abbreviated words, lack of punctuation, and writing in pictures (although I’m not so sure hieroglyphic-like communication is evolutionary). Luckily I haven’t yet seen because used as a preposition in formal writing—but I fear it’s only a matter of time before I do.
Why use more than one word to give a complete explanation when you can assume people will understand what you mean? Because people won’t understand what you mean, and this is the purpose of written communication—to convey your ideas clearly.
Think about writing a cover letter for a job: “I believe I would be an asset to your company because . . . skills.” Or think about explaining facts, “The results of the study support our hypothesis because . . . research.” Your readers can’t guess what you mean.
Although it has become common, the use of because as a preposition is still incorrect in standard English. If you want to, go ahead and use because as a preposition when you speak. Because evolution. Because Internet. Because time. But in writing, stick to the formal usage of because, and give your readers an explanation. Because confusion. Because clarity. Because literacy.
