Explaining the difference between Because & Why 2

[UniqueFD]

My older children (7 & 10 years old), for a reason I cannot fathom, seem to confuse these two words and, short of pointing out each missuse as it happens, I cannot think of a simple way of explaining the difference. Can anyone offer a suggestion that they will understand?

Child 1: "Excuse me please, you're standing in the way".
Child 2: "That's why I'm waiting for the bathroom".

Child 2 means because not why.

Tony
___________________________________________________
Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Solomon)

 

[sleipnir214]

You might try telling them that "why" is used when you want to get some information from someone and "because" is used when you want to give some information to someone.


Want the best answers? Ask the best questions!

TANSTAAFL!!

 

[jebenson]

Also, you can explain that because is used to explain the cause of whatever is being asked or talked about.

I used to rock and roll every night and party every day. Then it was every other day. Now I'm lucky if I can find 30 minutes a week in which to get funky. - Homer Simpson

 

[Stella740pl]

And I think Child2 just wanted to say:"I'm waiting for the bathroom; that's why [I'm standing in the way].

 

[PaulTEG]

It's all part of growing up ...
--Paul

cigless ...

 

[SantaMufasa]

The dilemma you face with your children results from their blurring the nuances of difference between why and because. Child 2 could have a valid case for responding the way s/he did, given the correct question. Had Child 1 said,

Child 1: "From the way you are dancing, you should probably empty your bladder."

Child 2: "That's why I'm waiting for the bathroom".

The nuance of difference that you can explain to Child 2 is that s/he should use:

why when they are explaining or inquiring about motive for something. Analysis of Child 2's situation when s/he uses "why": "I am waiting for the bathroom so that I can stand in your way."

because when they are explaining the cause of something, without concern for reasoning, justification, or motive. Analysis of Child 2's situation when s/he uses "because": "My waiting here for the bathroom blocks your way...I am standing in the way because I am waiting for the bathroom."

This nuance of difference is a difficult concept. But if you explain the meaning in the above example, the differing meanings show how silly the use of "why" is in that situation.

Your situation reminds me of the confusion that the current younger generation has with the word "all" as a verb, which acts as a synonym for the verb "said":

Like, I talked to my boyfriend and he's all, "Wanna go out tonight?" and I'm all, "Yeeaah, like what else would I be doing if we didn't go out?" and he's all, "Can you be ready in 20 minutes?" and I'm all, "What is your damage? It'll take me at least an hour to get ready."

Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)

http://www.dasages.com

Do you use Oracle and live or work in Utah, USA?
Then click here to join Utah Oracle Users Group on Tek-Tips.

 

[lespaul]

my mom charges my kids 25¢ each time they say "all" like that! Drives her CRAZY!!!


Leslie

Anything worth doing is a lot more difficult than it's worth - Unknown Induhvidual

 

[tunsarod]

Good on ya Mom!

Leslie, you might tell her she should also charge 25c for inapropriate use of "like". As in, "I was like standing by the bar." or, "I was like really bored. Know what I mean."

Rod

 

[TheRogue]

Children learn their language by example so as long as you get the words the right way round they (eventually) will.

 

[Stella740pl]

Children learn their language by example so as long as you get the words the right way round they (eventually) will.

Yes, they do. Only not always by parents' example.
All those "all" and "like" they learned from their friends. And it could be good or bad.

If my daughter learned English by my example, she would still be speaking with very noticeable accent - and she does not. And if she learned Russian only by my example, she would not make all those mistakes that she does. But she needs more than just example to fix those - I constantly correct her and explain why.

 

[lespaul]

She charges for all kinds of grammatical errors:

Where is my _______ at? Between the a and the t. 25¢
(it was hard just typing that question!!)

The "all", "like", and most especially "She was all like" - multiple infraction single incident!!

I got the same corrections as a kid (but didn't get the fines!) and I do them too. I know they don't do it nearly as much as most other kids because we stay on them!


Leslie

Anything worth doing is a lot more difficult than it's worth - Unknown Induhvidual

 

[UniqueFD]

Sleipnir214 & SantaMufasa:
I am now even more attuned to this mistake since reading your posts, as I am eager to pass on your words of wisdom. Thanks for the helpful suggestions.

Tony
___________________________________________________
Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Solomon)

 

[stormbind]

This is inevitably going to raise some eyebrows in this particular forum, but what I love about English (most notably Commonwealth English) is that the language is continually evolving. Each generation of writer enjoys the freedom to lay down new rules that may contradict those recorded in established dictionaries. This is fine with me, and I am thankful to previous generations for taking full advantage of the situation.

I hope Child2 grows up to be a prominent author

--Glen

Memoria mihi benigna erit qui eam perscribam