GRAMMAR DETAIL
ため
Follows a noun or plain-form clause to present the cause of a result in a relatively formal and objective way.
Examples
大雪のため朝の列車は運休になった。
The morning train was canceled because of heavy snow.
Words used
強い風のため、飛行機の出発が遅れた。
The flight's departure was delayed because of strong winds.
Words used
工事のためこの道は通れません。
This road is closed because of construction.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: A causal noun takes
のため, a na-adjective stemなため, and a plain verb or i-adjectiveため. - Basic usage:
工事のためこの道は通れません。presents construction as the cause of the road being impassable.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Purpose and cause
雪が降ったため遅れたstates a cause that has occurred, while勉強するため早く帰るstates an intended purpose. Distinguish the preceding clause's time and intention.
- Negation in the predicate
- A negative clause can supply the cause, as in
電車が動かないため歩く.ためdoes not itself create negation; it connects the preceding fact as a reason.
- A negative clause can supply the cause, as in