24 Quick Fixes: For and Because, For and So

Tools

For and Because

For

You use for to show a purpose or intention. You don’t use for when you mean because.

  • I am going to the library for a new book.

Because

You use because to show a reason or result.

  • I am going to the library because I need need to do some research.

Practice

Quiz

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose for or because to complete each sentence. Remember to use appropriate capitalization if the word begins a sentence.

  1. The papers will stay together __________________ they are stapled.
  2. I’m staying __________________ I’m too tired to drive.
  3. I don’t know what I’m doing, so I will ask you __________________ help.
  4. Pencils are good __________________ you can erase mistakes.
  5. The computer has a lock __________________ security.
  6. We will eat indoors __________________ it’s so hot.
  7. I want to go home now __________________ I am finished.
  8. I’m going to the store __________________ a newspaper.
  9. Take the umbrella __________________ it’s raining.
  10. I dance __________________ I like to.

For and So

For

You don’t use for when you want to express purpose or reason.

  • Incorrect: He does extra work on the job for his boss will notice him.
  • Correct: He does extra work on the job so that his boss will notice him.

So

You use so if you want to show why when you want to show purpose or reason.

  • Incorrect: He does extra work on the job for his boss will notice him.
  • Correct: He does extra work on the job so that his boss will notice him.

Practice

Quiz

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose for or so to complete each sentence below. Remember to use appropriate capitalization if the word begins a sentence.

  1. I went to this community college __________________ a good education.
  2. I went to the party __________________ that I could talk with them in person.
  3. Take some money with you __________________ that you can buy groceries on your way home from work.
  4. I will buy new clothes __________________ my graduation.
  5. He likes to eat fruits and vegetables __________________ that he will be healthy.
  6. We got a Netflix account __________________ all of the good movies.
  7. I am saving my extra money __________________ a new computer.
  8. He is going home now __________________ he can make dinner for his wife and family.
  9. He works out __________________ he can be strong.
  10. He registers early __________________ that he can get good classes.

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