Because Peter had not returned his books in time

[Bassim]

I am wondering if my sentence sounds natural. Would you please correct my mistakes?

Because Peter had not returned his books in time, he had to pay an overdue charge.

 

[GoesStation]

It's okay. Can you use "because" to rephrase it without a comma?

 

[Bassim]

Would it be correct if I rephrase my sentence like this?

Peter had to pay an overdue charge because he had not returned his books in time.

 

[GoesStation]

Yes. That's exactly what I had in mind.

 

[andrewg927]

You could also say "he did not return..."