1) 关于 because:语气最强,表示直接原因,可用于回答 why 提出的问题、引导表语从句、用于强调句等,而其余三者均不行:
“Why didn’t he come?” “Because he was ill.” “他为什么没来?”“因为他病了.”
My stomach hurts because I have eaten too many apples.我肚子痛,因为苹果吃得太多.
That’s because you can’t appreciate music.这是因为你不能欣赏音乐.
It is because he is honest that I like him.是因为他诚实我才喜欢他.
(2) 关于 since 与 as:
a.两者所表示的原因都是人们已知的,即对已知事实提供理由,而不是表示直接原因.since 比 as 语气稍强,且比 as 略为正式,它们引导的从句通常放在主句之前,有时也放在主句之后:
As you weren’t there,I left a message.由于你不在那儿,我留了个口信.
Since you are wrong,you should apologize.你既然错了,就应该道歉.
b.since 可用于省略句,而其他三者不行:
Since so,I have nothing to say.既然如此,我无话可说.
(3) 关于 for:是并列连词(其余三者为从属连词),它有时可表示因果关系(通常要放在主句之后,且可与 because 换用);有时不表示因果关系,而是对前面分句内容的解释或推断(也要放在主句之后,但不能与because 换用).比较:
The ground is wet,for (=because) it rained last night.地面是湿的,因为昨晚下过雨.
It must have rained last night,for the ground is wet this morning.昨晚一定下过雨,你看今天早上地面是湿的.(此句不能用 because 代 for)