because and because of
§‘Because’ is a conjunction. It is used at the beginning of a clause, before a subject and verb.
§‘Because of’ is a two-word preposition, used before a noun or a pronoun.
üWe were late because it rained. (NOT ... because of it rained)

We were late because of the rain. (NOT ... because the rain)
üI did not go to school yesterday because I was ill.

I did not go to school yesterday because of my illness.


because and because of
§‘Because’ is a conjunction. It is used at the beginning of a clause, before a subject and verb.
§‘Because of’ is a two-word preposition, used before a noun or a pronoun.
üWe were late because it rained. (NOT ... because of it rained)

We were late because of the rain. (NOT ... because the rain)
üI did not go to school yesterday because I was ill.

I did not go to school yesterday because of my illness.
§just because ... (it) doesn't mean ...
§This is quite a common structure in informal speech.
üJust because you're older than me (it) doesn't mean you can do what you like.
üJust because I'm your brother (it) doesn't mean you can keep asking me for money.