Grammar questions.

When does one use since and because?
Is since limited to time-elemented material (i.e. "since December, the team has scored just three goals")?

And when does one use like, and when does one use such as?

Please, please help me.

 

I'm not sure if I've ever used because.

Like is something similar, such as is included.

That team sucks like the Monkeytown Cardinals.

I don't appreciate sucky teams such as the Monkeytown Cardinals.

Now that I read it over, it's a really bad example. But this — "Like is something similar, such as is included." — is the heart of the matter.

 

I use "since" like you said - only in time related matter.

"It has been six years since the Giants last had a walk-off home run."

I use "because" as a reason why.

"Ronald could not make the play at first because he was holding the runner on."

 

From AP Stylebook:

because, since
Use because to denote a specific cause-effect relationship: He went because he was told.
Since is acceptable in a causal sense when the first event in a sequence led logically to the second but was not its direct cause: They went to the game, since they had been given the tickets.

like, as
Use like as a preposition to compare nouns and pronouns. It requires an object: Jim blocks like a pro.
The conjunction as is the correct word to introduce clauses: Jim blocks the linebacker as he should.

 

That's not a really bad example. You're using like to compare and such as to say for example.

 

He hasn't give up a hit since the first inning.

He gave up a run because his curveball sucks.

The semi-pro team is playing like the Cleveland Browns.

The semi-pro team includes several former Browns, such as sticky handed Earnest Byner.

 

With proper grammar like that, Ace, you'll be at the Plain-Dealer in no time.

 

Thanks, Doc. Once I do, I'll try to get you on, too, if you can pass the drug screening and all.

 

Love, Marty.

 

I also get "amount" and "much" from writers when they should be writing "number" and "many".

 

Shouldn't be a problem.

 

Also, as in a thread title in this area.... words that end in -ly (adverbs) dont get hyphenated in linking with another word to modify a noun.

...commonly known people...