English Has a New Preposition, Because Internet

The Atlantic ^ | NOV 19 2013 | MEGAN GARBER

[Borges]

Let's start with the dull stuff, because pragmatism.

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."

You probably know it better, however, as explanation by way of Internet—explanation that maximizes efficiency and irony in equal measure. I'm late because YouTube. You're reading this because procrastination. As the linguist Stan Carey delightfully sums it up: "'Because' has become a preposition, because grammar."

[Westbrook]

I thought the new preposition was “like”.

[Charles Henrickson]

Because, just because.

[Right Brother]

I’m addicted to the computer because Free Republic.

[Charles Henrickson]

Ich bin ein Becauser.

[agere_contra]

We can’t call the Dems Nazis because Hitler.

[NonValueAdded]

Because, that’s why.

[Charles Henrickson]

Fans of “of” are offended, because “because.”

[C210N]

Wow! This is just incredible... Let me try it out, and put her for a spin...

You can keep your Doctor. Because.

You can keep your plan. Because.

Hey... It works!!

[Charles Henrickson]

I pause to take up the cause of "of" in a "because" clause! (Applause!) We oughta draw up some laws against the flaws of a raw "because"!

[MrB]

That makes me queasy.

[Red Badger]

Was like what?.................;^)

[DJ MacWoW]

I Found Your Wallet And Donated..........Because!

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[James C. Bennett]

That makes me queasy.

In that case, revert to a more original English:

Feeling better already?

:^)

[HiTech RedNeck]

Yum. No Olde Micro-wave to cook them in, however. Modern improvements mean something.

Do it in a “coffin.” Heh heh. They mean a pie crust, I think.

[HiTech RedNeck]

This is a weird sort of language I have never come across before. I know of people who talk about things that “need done” rather than “need to be done.” But I have never heard of “because” being used to precede a noun or noun phrase. But there’s no reason we could not have a grammar constructed that way, because very flexible human ingenuity (duck’n & runn’n).

[mikrofon]

I’m only posting this due to because just.

[oh8eleven]

Ich bin ein Becauser.
All your Because belong to us.

[mikrofon]

All your grammar because us...

[tet68]

Your Honor, my client is innocent because of the
because clause.