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syoshioka99
Joined: 28 Oct 2005
Posts: 185
Location: Korea
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 Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 9:46 pm Post subject: the difference b/w because & for |
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(1) He was drowned (because/for) he fell off the pier.
(2) He was drunk, (because/for) he fell off the pier.
(question)
In #1, I think the correct one is 'because.' and in #2, both.
Could you please tell me why we cannot put 'for' in #1?
Satoru
Tochigi, Japan
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Anuradha Chepur
Joined: 20 May 2006
Posts: 933
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| Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 1:23 am Post subject: |
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In #1, use 'because'.
"because" is used with the reason clause, so in #2, say, "He fell off the pier, because he was drunk."
"for" could be a secondary choice in both. |
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Anuradha Chepur
Joined: 20 May 2006
Posts: 933
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| Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 6:26 am Post subject: |
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| Maybe you're right. You can't put 'for' in #1, going by intuitions. It is difficult to say why, though. In prepostions/conjunctions, nobody knows the whole story. |
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syoshioka99
Joined: 28 Oct 2005
Posts: 185
Location: Korea
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| Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 7:23 am Post subject: Dear Dr. Anuradha Chepur |
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You seem to have two different opinions regarding this quesiton.
Which do YOU think would say the correct choice(s)?
(1) He was drowned (because/for) he fell off the pier.
(2) He was drunk, (because/for) he fell off the pier.
Maybe you're right. You can't put 'for' in #1, going by intuitions. It is difficult to say why, though. In prepostions/conjunctions, nobody knows the whole story.
(Question) Is this a second thought? I mean you thought you could use both 'because and for' in both #1 and #2 when you first read the sentences?
(Question) I teach English as a non-native speaker. What should I teach my kids about this topic?
Satoru
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Anuradha Chepur
Joined: 20 May 2006
Posts: 933
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| Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 12:20 am Post subject: |
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In #1, putting 'for' wouldn't sound normal. It could be something to do with the meaning. The sentence actually means he drowned after falling off the pier (he fell and he drowned). The drowning is 'subsequent' to the fall rather than 'on account of'. One can say, 'he drowned, for he didn't know swimming'.
In #2, the falling off is on account of drinking, so you may put 'for', though 'because' is the more natural/common choice.
| Quote: |
| (Question) Is this a second thought? I mean you thought you could use both 'because and for' in both #1 and #2 when you first read the sentences? |
No, it's the other way round. When I first read it, I thouht 'for' is not ok in #1. On second thoughts I felt why not use 'for' in both.
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| (Question) I teach English as a non-native speaker. What should I teach my kids about this topic? |
This is a bad choice of sentences for teaching conjunctions. If this has been thrust on you by a poorly designed course book/exercise, God help you. See what best you can do.
Good luck! |
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syoshioka99
Joined: 28 Oct 2005
Posts: 185
Location: Korea
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| Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 12:30 am Post subject: thank you Dr. Anuradha Chepur! |
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Thank you very much
Satoru
Japan |
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