1. The terms "because" and "because of" are both used to indicate reasons, but they have distinct usages.
2. "because" is a conjunction that introduces a subordinate clause to explain a reason and typically precedes the main clause.
3. For instance, "I went back not because of the rain, but because I was tired." In this sentence, "because" leads a clause that provides the true reason for returning.
4. "because of" is a prepositional phrase that follows a noun, pronoun, gerund, or a clause introduced by "what," indicating a specific cause or situation.
5. In the same example, "because of what he said" specifies the exact cause for blushing, which is what he said.
6. In summary, "because" is used with clauses, while "because of" is used with prepositional phrases, and both are employed to express reasons, although in different positions and contexts within a sentence.
