The word "because," in standard English usage, is a subordinating conjunction, which means that it connects two parts of a sentence in which one (the subordinate) explains the other. In that capacity, "because" has two distinct forms. It can be followed either by a finite clause (I'm reading this because [I saw it on the web]) or by a prepositional phrase (I'm reading this because [of the web]). These two forms are, traditionally, the only ones to which "because" lends itself.
I mention all that ... because language. Because evolution. Because there is another way to use "because." Linguists are calling it the "prepositional-because." Or the "because-noun."
I'm a sucker for this kind of stuff. This is language changing before our very eyes - and thanks to the internet, it happens out in the open, in an easy documentable way, and at an incredibly fast pace.
Technology leaves nothing untouched.
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Member since:
2013-08-29
I would much prefer for this phenomenon to be limited to the silly realm of the Internet (where I actually find it amusing) and not be made official. I suppose it is not a huge issue, though - it's not like I'll be forced to use it.
There is far worse butchering done to English than this. Mine as well. Manner of fact. For all intensive purposes. I would settle for the prepositional "because" over those any day.