The word because is one of the most common ways to explain a reason or cause.
It connects an action, event, or situation with the reason behind it: “She stayed home because she was sick.”
Although it is correct and natural, repeating because can make writing feel predictable. That is why writers often look for alternatives that better match the tone, sentence structure, or context.
The best alternative depends on what you are writing. Since and as can work well in neutral writing, while given that and considering that can sound more professional.
In formal writing, expressions such as owing to the fact that or inasmuch as may be appropriate, although some are more wordy than necessary.
This guide explains which alternatives genuinely replace because, which only work in certain sentence structures, and how to use each one naturally.
Quick Answer
The closest common alternatives to because are since, as, given that, considering that, seeing that, and for. However, not all are interchangeable. Because of, due to, owing to, and on account of express reason but are normally followed by a noun or noun phrase rather than a complete clause.
Quick List: Alternatives to Because
Closest and Most Useful Alternatives
- Since
- As
- Given that
- Considering that
- Seeing that
- Now that
- For
- Inasmuch as
- Due to the fact that
- Owing to the fact that
- On the grounds that
- In view of the fact that
Prepositional Alternatives
- Because of
- Due to
- Owing to
- On account of
- As a result of
- As a consequence of
- On the basis of
Shorter Cause-and-Effect Expressions
- Since
- As
- Due to
- Owing to
- Because of
- Given
- Thanks to
- As a result of
Some of these are not direct grammatical substitutes for because. For example, because can introduce a complete clause, but because of must normally introduce a noun phrase: “We canceled the trip because it rained” becomes “We canceled the trip because of the rain.”
Formal Alternatives to Because
Formal writing often benefits from precise transitions, but a formal alternative is not automatically better. In many cases, because remains the clearest choice. Use more formal expressions when they genuinely fit the style and sentence structure.
Given That
Meaning:
Means “because it is true that” or “taking this fact into account.”
Explanation:
Given that introduces a fact that provides a reason for something. It is especially useful in professional, academic, and analytical writing.
Example:
Given that the deadline has been moved forward, we need to complete the report today.
Best Use:
Reports, business writing, academic discussion, explanations, and decisions based on known facts.
Worst Use:
Very casual conversation, where it may sound more formal than necessary.
Tone:
Professional, analytical, and neutral.
Considering That
Meaning:
Means “taking into account the fact that.”
Explanation:
This expression introduces a circumstance that helps explain or justify a conclusion.
Example:
Considering that the roads were flooded, arriving on time was difficult.
Best Use:
Professional explanations, essays, discussions, and reasoned arguments.
Worst Use:
Simple sentences where because would be shorter and clearer.
Tone:
Neutral to formal.
Inasmuch As
Meaning:
Means “because” or “to the extent that.”
Explanation:
Inasmuch as is a highly formal expression. It is grammatically valid but uncommon in everyday modern English.
Example:
The proposal was accepted inasmuch as it addressed the committee’s main concerns.
Best Use:
Very formal prose, legal-style writing, historical writing, or highly formal arguments.
Worst Use:
Casual emails, ordinary conversation, and simple educational writing.
Tone:
Very formal and somewhat old-fashioned.
On the Grounds That
Meaning:
Means “because of the stated reason.”
Explanation:
This phrase emphasizes the reason or justification behind a decision, claim, or action.
Example:
The request was rejected on the grounds that the documentation was incomplete.
Best Use:
Formal decisions, policies, official explanations, and legal or administrative contexts.
Worst Use:
Simple everyday statements.
Tone:
Formal and authoritative.
Due to the Fact That
Meaning:
Means “because.”
Explanation:
This is a formal-sounding alternative that introduces a complete clause. However, it is often unnecessarily wordy. In many cases, because or due to produces a cleaner sentence.
Example:
The event was postponed due to the fact that severe weather was expected.
Best Use:
Situations where a deliberately formal structure is needed, although a shorter alternative is usually preferable.
Worst Use:
Concise professional writing, where unnecessary words can reduce clarity.
Tone:
Formal and bureaucratic.
Owing to the Fact That
Meaning:
Means “because of the fact that.”
Explanation:
It introduces a reason in a formal way. Like due to the fact that, it can be replaced with a shorter expression in many sentences.
Example:
Owing to the fact that several employees were absent, the meeting was rescheduled.
Best Use:
Formal reports or explanatory writing.
Worst Use:
Conversational English and concise writing.
Tone:
Formal.
In View of the Fact That
Meaning:
Means “because of the fact that” or “considering that.”
Explanation:
This phrase focuses attention on an existing fact that influences a decision or conclusion.
Example:
In view of the fact that demand has increased, the company will expand production.
Best Use:
Formal reports, official statements, and analytical writing.
Worst Use:
Simple communication where because or given that would be more natural.
Tone:
Formal and official.
For
Meaning:
Can mean “because” when used as a conjunction.
Explanation:
For can introduce a reason, but this use is literary, traditional, or somewhat old-fashioned in modern English. It should not be confused with the much more common preposition for.
Example:
We should leave now, for the storm is approaching.
Best Use:
Literary writing, storytelling, speeches, or deliberately formal prose.
Worst Use:
Modern business emails and everyday conversation.
Tone:
Literary, formal, or old-fashioned.
Semi-Formal and Neutral Alternatives
Since
Meaning:
Means “because” when it introduces a reason.
Explanation:
Since is one of the most natural alternatives to because. It can also refer to time, so context matters.
Example:
Since you have already finished the report, you can send it to the manager.
Best Use:
Everyday writing, professional communication, essays, and conversation.
Worst Use:
Cases where the reader might confuse it with the time meaning of since.
Tone:
Neutral and natural.
As
Meaning:
Can mean “because” when introducing a reason.
Explanation:
As is common in written English, especially when the reason is already known or less important than the main statement.
Example:
As the office was closed, we returned the documents the next morning.
Best Use:
Formal and neutral writing.
Worst Use:
Sentences where as could easily be misunderstood as referring to time, manner, or comparison.
Tone:
Neutral to formal.
Seeing That
Meaning:
Means “because” or “given the fact that.”
Explanation:
It introduces an obvious or relevant circumstance that explains an action.
Example:
Seeing that everyone had arrived, the teacher started the lesson.
Best Use:
Conversation and informal-to-neutral writing.
Worst Use:
Highly formal academic or legal writing.
Tone:
Conversational and natural.
Now That
Meaning:
Means “because a new situation has occurred.”
Explanation:
Now that is more specific than because. It normally indicates that a changed circumstance has created a reason for the next action.
Example:
Now that the exams are over, we can relax.
Best Use:
Everyday conversation and informal writing.
Worst Use:
When there has been no meaningful change in circumstances.
Tone:
Natural and conversational.
Given
Meaning:
Means “considering” or “taking into account.”
Explanation:
Given can introduce a noun phrase rather than a full clause.
Example:
Given the limited budget, the team chose a simpler design.
Best Use:
Business, academic, and analytical writing.
Worst Use:
When the reader needs a full explanation rather than a brief reason.
Tone:
Neutral and professional.
Informal and Casual Alternatives
English does not have many truly informal one-word synonyms for because. Instead, casual speech often uses shortened forms or conversational expressions.
’Cause
Meaning:
A shortened spoken form of because.
Example:
I stayed home ’cause I wasn’t feeling well.
When It Sounds Natural:
Casual conversation, text messages, dialogue, lyrics, and informal online communication.
When to Avoid It:
Academic assignments, business emails, formal reports, and professional documents.
Tone:
Very casual.
Since
Meaning:
Can naturally replace because in everyday speech.
Example:
Since you’re here, let’s start.
When It Sounds Natural:
Conversation, informal messages, and everyday writing.
When to Avoid It:
Only when the sentence could be unclear because since might mean “from a past time.”
Tone:
Neutral and conversational.
Seeing That
Meaning:
Means “because this situation is true.”
Example:
Seeing that you’re already finished, you can help me with this.
When It Sounds Natural:
Conversation and friendly discussion.
When to Avoid It:
Formal academic or legal documents.
Tone:
Conversational.
True Synonyms vs. Contextual Alternatives
Not every expression that communicates a reason is a direct synonym for because. This distinction matters because changing the wording can change grammar, emphasis, or meaning.
| Type | What It Means | Can It Replace the Original? |
|---|---|---|
| True synonym | Expresses the same basic reason relationship | Usually |
| Near synonym | Has almost the same meaning but a different emphasis or tone | Often, depending on context |
| Contextual alternative | Works in certain situations but adds another idea | Sometimes |
| Broader expression | Indicates cause or reason more generally | Only in suitable structures |
| Narrower expression | Gives a more specific type of reason | Only when that specific meaning is intended |
For example, since can often replace because: “Since it was raining, we stayed inside.” However, because of is not grammatically identical. It requires a noun phrase: “We stayed inside because of the rain.”
Similarly, due to expresses cause, but it normally modifies a noun or noun phrase rather than functioning exactly like a conjunction. That is why “The flight was delayed due to fog” works naturally, while replacing because mechanically with due to can create an incorrect sentence.
Business Writing
Business writing usually benefits from clarity more than unnecessary formality. Because, since, given that, considering that, due to, and because of are useful choices.
Example 1
Because the supplier has confirmed the shipment, we expect delivery on Friday.
This is clear and direct.
Example 2
Given that the supplier has confirmed the shipment, we expect delivery on Friday.
This sounds slightly more analytical and emphasizes the confirmed fact.
Example 3
Due to the supplier’s confirmation, we expect delivery on Friday.
This structure is concise, but it changes the sentence pattern by using a noun phrase.
Corporate Communication
Internal reports, announcements, and company policies often need a professional but readable tone. Given that, because, since, and due to are generally safer choices than very formal phrases such as inasmuch as.
Example
Given that the office will be closed on Monday, employees should submit urgent requests by Friday.
This sounds professional without becoming unnecessarily complicated.
Academic Writing
Academic writing often requires precise relationships between ideas. Because, since, as, given that, and considering that can all be useful.
Example
Because the sample size was limited, the findings should be interpreted cautiously.
There is nothing wrong with using because in academic writing. In fact, clarity is usually more valuable than replacing common words simply to sound sophisticated.
Better Academic Choice
Given that the sample size was limited, the findings should be interpreted cautiously.
This version places slightly more emphasis on the fact being considered.
Customer Service
Customer service writing should be polite, clear, and easy to understand. Avoid unnecessarily formal expressions.
Example
Because your payment was received after the deadline, the order was placed on hold.
A softer alternative might be:
Since the payment was received after the deadline, the order was placed on hold.
If appropriate, the message can also focus on the next step rather than emphasizing blame.
Legal Writing
Legal writing requires special care because seemingly similar expressions can have different scopes or implications. Because, because of, due to, on the grounds that, and on account of should not automatically be treated as interchangeable.
Example
The application was denied on the grounds that the required documents were not submitted.
This is more specific and formal than:
The application was denied because the required documents were not submitted.
For legal documents, the wording should match the intended legal relationship and applicable rules. A casual synonym may change the meaning or create ambiguity.
Email Communication
Professional emails usually work best with direct, natural wording. You rarely need an elaborate replacement for because.
Client Emails
Because the requested documents arrived today, we can begin the review tomorrow.
Internal Emails
Since the meeting room is unavailable, we’ll meet online instead.
Requests
Given that the deadline is tomorrow, could you please review the document today?
Follow-Ups
Because we haven’t received confirmation yet, I’m following up on the request below.
Vendor Communication
Due to the delivery delay, we will need to adjust the installation schedule.
Email Examples
Client Communication
Subject: Updated Delivery Schedule
Hello Maria,
Because the supplier confirmed the revised shipping date this morning, we expect your order to arrive by Thursday. I will send you another update once the shipment is in transit.
Best,
Daniel
Project Update
Subject: Project Timeline Update
Hi Team,
Since the design review has been completed, we can move into the development stage. Please review the updated timeline before tomorrow’s meeting.
Best,
Aisha
Request
Subject: Request for Document Review
Hello Mr. Khan,
Given that the submission deadline is approaching, could you please review the attached document by Wednesday afternoon?
Thank you,
Sarah
Customer Service
Subject: Your Order Status
Hello James,
Due to a delay at the shipping facility, your package will arrive later than originally expected. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience.
Kind regards,
Customer Support
Academic Communication
Subject: Assignment Extension Request
Dear Professor Ahmed,
Considering that I was unable to access the required course materials yesterday, I would like to ask whether I may submit the assignment one day late.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Hassan
Vendor Communication
Subject: Revised Installation Date
Hello Mr. Lee,
Owing to the delayed equipment delivery, we need to move the installation to next Monday. Please confirm whether the revised date works for your team.
Regards,
Nadia
Short Dialogue Examples
Workplace
Person A: Why are we moving the meeting?
Person B: Since the manager is unavailable this afternoon, we’re moving it to tomorrow.
Classroom
Person A: Why did you choose this topic?
Person B: Because I wanted to learn more about how social media affects students.
Customer Service
Person A: Why hasn’t my order shipped?
Person B: Because the item is temporarily out of stock, the shipment has been delayed.
Casual Conversation
Person A: Why aren’t you coming to the party?
Person B: ‘Cause I have to work tonight.
Professional Discussion
Person A: Should we change the launch date?
Person B: Given that testing isn’t finished, I think we should wait.
How to Replace “Because” in a Sentence
Example 1
Original:
Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
Alternative:
Since it was raining, we stayed inside.
Why it works:
Since naturally introduces the reason. The tone remains neutral.
Example 2
Original:
The event was canceled because of the storm.
Alternative:
The event was canceled due to the storm.
Why it works:
Both because of and due to can be followed by a noun phrase such as the storm. Due to sounds slightly more formal.
Example 3
Original:
Because the roads were blocked, we arrived late.
Alternative:
Given that the roads were blocked, we arrived late.
Why it works:
Given that highlights the blocked roads as the circumstance being considered.
Example 4
Original:
We left early because the weather was getting worse.
Alternative:
We left early as the weather was getting worse.
Why it works:
As can introduce a reason, although it may be less emphatic than because.
Example 5
Original:
Because the office was closed, I worked from home.
Alternative:
Owing to the office closure, I worked from home.
Why it works:
The alternative changes the clause into a noun phrase and gives the sentence a more formal tone.
Example 6
Original:
She succeeded because she practiced every day.
Alternative:
She succeeded because of her daily practice.
Why it works:
Because of must be followed by a noun phrase, so she practiced every day becomes her daily practice.
Example 7
Original:
Because you have completed the form, we can process your request.
Alternative:
Now that you have completed the form, we can process your request.
Why it works:
Now that suggests a new situation has been reached: the form is complete.
Example 8
Original:
The request was rejected because the information was incomplete.
Alternative:
The request was rejected on the grounds that the information was incomplete.
Why it works:
The alternative is more formal and emphasizes the stated basis for the decision.
Comparison Table
| Phrase | Tone | Meaning / Scope | Best Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Because | Neutral | Direct reason | Almost any context | I left because I was tired. |
| Since | Neutral | Reason or time | Everyday and professional writing | Since it was late, we left. |
| As | Neutral/Formal | Reason | Written English | As it was raining, we stayed inside. |
| Given that | Professional | Fact being considered | Business and academic writing | Given that demand is high, production will increase. |
| Considering that | Neutral/Formal | Circumstance being considered | Explanations and analysis | Considering that it was late, we stopped. |
| Seeing that | Casual/Neutral | Obvious or relevant reason | Conversation | Seeing that you’re ready, let’s begin. |
| Now that | Neutral | New circumstance creates reason | Everyday writing | Now that it’s finished, we can leave. |
| Because of | Neutral | Cause followed by noun | General writing | We stayed home because of the rain. |
| Due to | Formal/Neutral | Cause followed by noun | Business and formal writing | The delay was due to traffic. |
| Owing to | Formal | Cause followed by noun | Reports and formal prose | The match was canceled owing to rain. |
| On account of | Formal/Neutral | Cause | Formal explanations | The flight was delayed on account of fog. |
| For | Literary | Reason | Formal/literary writing | We must leave, for night is coming. |
Which Alternative Should You Choose?
For Formal Writing
Choose given that, considering that, on the grounds that, owing to, or due to when the sentence genuinely calls for a formal tone.
Do not replace every because with a formal expression. That can make otherwise clear writing feel stiff.
For Business Communication
Use because, since, given that, due to, and because of. These options are professional without sounding artificial.
For Academic Writing
Because, since, as, given that, and considering that are strong choices. Select the one that expresses the relationship most clearly.
For Legal Writing
Use the expression that precisely states the intended basis or cause. On the grounds that can be useful for formal reasons behind decisions, but legal documents require context-specific wording.
For Professional Email
Use because, since, given that, or due to. Keep the sentence easy to understand.
For Everyday Conversation
Use because, since, as, or conversational seeing that. In very casual speech, ’cause may also occur.
For Casual Messages
Because, since, and ’cause can sound natural. Avoid very formal phrases unless you are intentionally being humorous or formal.
Grammar and Usage Guide
Because + Complete Clause
Because is normally followed by a subject and verb.
I stayed home because I was tired.
Here, I was tired is a complete clause.
Because of + Noun Phrase
Because of is followed by a noun, pronoun, gerund, or noun phrase.
We stayed home because of the rain.
Not:
We stayed home because of it was raining.
Correct:
We stayed home because it was raining.
Due To + Noun Phrase
Due to is normally followed by a noun phrase.
The flight was delayed due to heavy rain.
If you need a complete clause, because or since is usually more natural:
The flight was delayed because heavy rain made travel unsafe.
Owing To + Noun Phrase
The same basic pattern applies to owing to:
The match was postponed owing to bad weather.
Because at the Beginning of a Sentence
A sentence can begin with because:
Because the store was closed, we returned home.
A comma normally follows the introductory clause.
Because in the Middle of a Sentence
When the reason follows the main clause, no comma is normally needed:
We returned home because the store was closed.
Avoid Confusing Since
Since has two common meanings.
Reason:
Since it was raining, we stayed inside.
Time:
I have lived here since 2020.
Context usually makes the intended meaning clear.
Avoid Confusing As
As can mean because, but it can also refer to time, comparison, or manner.
As it was late, we left.
Here, as means because.
Capitalization
Words such as because, since, as, given that, and because of are not normally capitalized unless they begin a sentence or appear in a title where title capitalization requires it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Treating Every Alternative as an Exact Synonym
Due to, because of, and because communicate cause, but their grammatical structures differ.
Using Due To Before a Full Clause
Incorrect:
We left due to it was raining.
Better:
We left because it was raining.
Or:
We left due to the rain.
Making Simple Writing Too Formal
In view of the fact that it was raining, we remained indoors is grammatical, but Because it was raining, we stayed inside is clearer.
Using Casual Language in Formal Writing
‘Cause is appropriate for casual speech but not normally for academic assignments or professional reports.
Creating Ambiguity With Since
If since could refer to time rather than reason, use because for greater clarity.
Changing the Meaning
Now that suggests a new or changed circumstance. It is not always interchangeable with because.
Ignoring Sentence Structure
A phrase such as because of requires a different grammatical structure from because. Always check what comes after the alternative.
Replacing Words Just to Sound Advanced
Good writing is not about choosing the most complicated synonym. The best word is the one that expresses the intended meaning clearly.
When Not to Use the Original Phrase
When You Have Repeated It Too Often
If several nearby sentences use because, varying the structure can improve rhythm.
The meeting was delayed because the manager was late. The team waited because the presentation was incomplete.
A revised version could use since or restructure one sentence.
When a Noun Phrase Is More Efficient
Instead of:
The match was canceled because it was raining heavily.
You might write:
The match was canceled because of heavy rain.
When a Professional Context Calls for More Precision
A report may benefit from:
Given that the available data is limited, the conclusion should be treated cautiously.
This makes the reasoning relationship explicit.
When the Phrase Creates Ambiguity
If since could mean either time or cause, because may be the clearer choice.
When the Audience Is Very Formal
Official decisions may naturally use phrases such as on the grounds that when the reason for a decision needs to be stated precisely.
When the Original Is Actually Better
Do not avoid because simply because it is common. It is direct, familiar, grammatically flexible, and easy to understand. In many situations, it is the best option.
Advanced Writer Tips
Tone Control
Small changes can shift the tone:
Because the report is incomplete, we cannot approve it.
Given that the report is incomplete, we cannot approve it.
As the report is incomplete, we cannot approve it.
The first is direct. The second sounds more analytical. The third is slightly more formal and written.
Professional Email Etiquette
Professional writing does not require complicated vocabulary. A sentence such as “Because we have not received the document, we cannot complete the review” is often better than a longer version filled with formal phrases.
Politeness
The reason itself does not determine politeness. The surrounding wording matters.
Direct:
We cannot process your request because the form is incomplete.
More customer-friendly:
We are unable to process the request yet because the form is missing two required details.
The second version explains the situation without sounding unnecessarily harsh.
Context Alignment
Think about three things before replacing because:
- Who will read the sentence?
- What is the purpose of the sentence?
- What relationship between the ideas do you want to emphasize?
Precision
Use because for a direct reason, because of for a noun-based cause, given that for a fact being considered, and now that when a new situation creates the reason.
Readability
Short, familiar wording is usually strongest:
Because the deadline changed, we updated the schedule.
This is often better than:
In view of the fact that the deadline underwent a change, we proceeded to update the schedule.
Related Questions
What Is Another Way to Say “Because”?
Common alternatives include since, as, given that, considering that, seeing that, and now that. For noun-based structures, use because of, due to, owing to, or on account of.
What Is a Professional Alternative to “Because”?
Given that, since, and due to are useful professional alternatives, depending on sentence structure. However, because itself is fully professional and often clearer.
What Is a Formal Alternative to “Because”?
Formal options include inasmuch as, on the grounds that, given that, considering that, owing to the fact that, and in view of the fact that. Some are considerably more formal or wordy than normal modern English.
Can I Use “Since” Instead of “Because”?
Yes. Since can introduce a reason: “Since the store was closed, we went home.” However, use because when you want the reason to be especially clear or prominent.
Can I Use “Due To” Instead of “Because”?
Not in every sentence. Due to normally works with a noun phrase: “The delay was due to traffic.” Because normally introduces a clause: “The delay occurred because traffic was heavy.”
Is “Because” Formal or Informal?
Because is neutral. It works in everyday conversation, professional communication, academic writing, and most formal contexts. Its simplicity is often an advantage.
What Is the Difference Between “Because” and “Because Of”?
Because is normally followed by a clause: “We stayed home because it rained.” Because of is followed by a noun phrase: “We stayed home because of the rain.”
FAQs
Is “since” always a synonym for “because”?
No. Since can mean either “because” or “from a particular time.” In “Since it was raining, we stayed home,” it means “because.” In “I have worked here since 2020,” it refers to time.
Is “as” a good replacement for “because”?
Yes, when as clearly means “because.” It is especially common in written English. However, because as has several meanings, because may be clearer when the reason is important.
Is “because of” more formal than “because”?
Not necessarily. They have different grammatical structures. Because introduces a clause, while because of introduces a noun phrase. Because of can be slightly more concise in some sentences.
Is “due to” a synonym for “because”?
It is a related cause expression, but it is not a direct grammatical replacement in every sentence. Due to generally takes a noun phrase, while because introduces a clause.
What is the best alternative to “because” in academic writing?
There is no single best replacement. Because, since, as, given that, and considering that can all work. Choose the one that makes the logical relationship clearest.
What can I use instead of “because” in an email?
For most professional emails, because and since are excellent choices. Given that works when you are referring to a known circumstance, while due to works naturally before a noun phrase.
Is “for” a modern synonym for “because”?
For can introduce a reason, but this use is literary or old-fashioned in many modern contexts. It is not usually the best replacement for because in everyday or professional writing.
Key Takeaways
- Because is neutral, natural, and appropriate for almost every type of English writing.
- Since and as are common alternatives, but both can have other meanings depending on context.
- Because of, due to, and owing to normally require a noun phrase rather than a complete clause.
- Formal expressions such as given that and on the grounds that should be used for a real difference in tone or emphasis, not simply to sound sophisticated.
- Always choose the alternative that preserves both the meaning and grammatical structure of your original sentence.
Conclusion
Finding alternatives to because is less about replacing one word with another and more about choosing the right structure for the situation.
Since and as are natural neutral options, while given that and considering that can make reasoning sound more deliberate.
Expressions such as because of, due to, and owing to are useful when a noun phrase is more suitable than a complete clause.
For casual communication, ’cause may appear in speech or informal messages, while highly formal expressions such as inasmuch as or on the grounds that have narrower uses.
The important point is that these expressions are not all exact synonyms. Some change the grammar, some change the tone, and others add a specific idea such as a new circumstance or formal justification.
In most situations, because remains an excellent choice.
Use an alternative when it makes the sentence clearer, more precise, more natural, or better suited to your audience—not simply because you want to avoid a common word.
