Editor's Corner

It may be a holiday week, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to make it easy on you! Rather than talking turkey, today I’m going to delve into a couple of words people seem to have trouble with: since and because. The trouble comes from the times where these words seem to be interchangeable, so let’s review their similarities and differences. (The definitions are from Merriam-Webster; the examples are mine.)

since

1. continuously, from a time in the past until the present
People have been enjoying the food at Blue’s Crab Shack since 1959.

2. before the present time: ago
The rose sachet has been in the drawer for so many years, it has since lost any trace of fragrance.

3. after a time in the past: subsequently
In 1612, an adobe wall (since decayed) was built around the entire settlement.

because

1. since: for the reason that: on account of the cause that
We shouted with glee because the puppies were so cute.

2. that: the fact that: on account of being
Because bananas are mushy and gooey I can’t stand eating them.

Helpful hint: If you can’t decide whether you should use since or because, think of since referring to time and because referring to causation. For example:

· Since I discovered this four leaf clover, I’ve found a pot of gold, I’ve seen three double rainbows, and I’ve married a leprechaun.

· Because I found this four leaf clover, my luck is bound to improve.

Kara Church

Technical Editor, Advisory