so & because

[sarah O.]

Hi I want to know how to explain when to use So & Because to ESL studants.

[jlinger]

So projects into the future; because ("it be-caused by") introduces a result of something that has occurred in the past.

I go to school SO I can learn to read.
I can read BECAUSE I went to school

[Raymott]

Here’s another way of looking at it:
They’re logically opposite (Inverse).

Take the proposition:
If A, then B. (A -> B)

B happens because A happens.
A happens, so B happens.

You can plug anything into A and B providing A implies B, such as
I studied hard (A), so I passed the exam (B)
I passed the exam (B) because I studied hard (A).

I watch TV (B) because I like the shows (A).
I like the shows (A), so I watch TV (B).


And you could add jlinger's example.



That’s only one meaning of “so” though.

[jlinger]

That's right, you old so and so.