What's the difference between "because" and "so"?

Because + reason
So + result

Study the examples below, and then make your own.

Because + reason
A: I’m going to buy gloves.
B: Really? Why?
A: Because it’s cold outside.

She runs once a week
because she wants to stay healthy.
He didn’t go out because he didn’t feel good

So + result 
A: It’s cold outside today.
B: So?
A: So, I’m going to buy gloves.

She wants to stay healthy, so she runs once a week.
He didn’t feel good, so he didn’t go out.

Commas: Use a comma before the “so” clause.
X – She wants to stay healthy so she runs once a week. 
O – She wants to stay healthy, so she runs once a week.

Because can also start a sentence. Use a comma.
Because it was so hot, I turned on the air conditioner.
Because of the train delay, she was late for work.

BE CAREFUL
“Because” is used to join reasons and results. The following examples are not correct. They only show the reason and we don’t know the result.  
X – Because he wants to stay healthy. 
X – Because she wants to save money. 
X – Because they want to increase sales. 

Like this entry? Did I forget anything?

because so English grammar
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