Have you heard people use the phrase “just because” in English?
Do you know how to use it appropriately?
We’re going to look at this phrase and the best ways to use it in this episode to persuade and get people to not question what you have said.
If you know the right circumstances and ways to use this in conversation, then it can be a great phrase and may even help with connections.
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We had a great question on Instagram after we talked about “to take a crack at it” and this question came out of that conversation.
Girls,
I love your show! I am hoping that you can help me in answering a question that I have.
Can you do an episode on the phrase “just because?” I assume it’s used for when you don’t really have a reason to do something. I would love to hear from you on the situations where I can use it.
Thank you,
Littleblackstar1993
Three Ways To Use This Phrase
There are three different ways we use the phrase “just because.”
You want to be sure that you use this phrase in the right ways and in the right circumstances.
These are the three main ways that natives use this phrase, because there isn’t just one meaning.
- When you want to dodge an answer: You may not have a reason or an answer, and therefore this works well. You don’t have to give a reason for example if you are a mom trying to answer a question. You will hear this used a lot by parents with their children. You don’t have to answer why your child can’t have a later curfew for example. Saying “just because” can work well in this situation. If you don’t have the answer or don’t want to get into it, then this works well. You may not have the tolerance or just feel like answering the question or request.
- If you want to give someone some advice or open a dialogue about something: You want to be sensitive in these situations, and therefore “just because” might work well. If you sense that a question may come up that you can’t answer then this can be a proactive phrase to use. You might say “just because I am concerned about this I want to talk more.” You are building your defense from the start, and so it works really well. You are having empathy for the other person. You feel like they may be offended in some way or closed off to what you are saying. You want to tell this person that you have good motivation saying something like “just because I care” or “just because I love you” “just because I noticed…” to address the concern. It’s about the tone that you are setting for what you are about to say. You’re not criticizing them or being mean, but rather just setting the tone for what you are trying to say.
- You anticipate why somebody may ask why right away: You are addressing this immediately in your response. You might say something like “Just because it’s so beautiful out today we’re going to go outside today and spend time in the sun while we have it.” You know that this person you are talking to may not want to go outside initially, so you take it on in advance. You know that the response may not be favorable if you don’t address it up front. You anticipate this and head it off from the beginning. This is about knowing your audience and building your argument or response in advance. You are anticipating their feelings so that you can address their reason for communicating at the beginning!
These are the perfect instances to use this phrase with great results.
You have to think through the situation and the person that you are talking to, but if it’s right it can work well.
This is a phrase that sets the tone, and therefore you can find great ways to use it with great results in the right conversations.
A Well Placed Phrase In The Right Situation
This can be an excellent phrase if you use it in the right way.
You won’t get this sort of information from a textbook, and that’s why this is such an important lesson for you to learn from here.
This phrase has a definite place of importance, and can work quite well in the right situation.
This is about showing concern or empathy, or trying to set the tone.
This is about thinking through your response to something in advance.
This is also about knowing your audience and thinking through what their response is likely to be ahead of time.
This is a phrase that can be used well if given the right conversation and circumstances.
Using “just because” may not work well in every situation, but it can be perfect for the instances mentioned above.
This is one of those phrases where it’s all about tone of voice, the circumstances, and the person that you are talking to.
This will help you to see if it’s a fit and if it can be a good way to address something in the right way.
Takeaway
A phrase like “just because” can work well in conversation if you use it in the right context.
The three instances mentioned here give you a great idea of how to use this phrase in the best way possible.
Be sure to pay attention to the tone of voice and way in which you use this phrase.
If you are mindful of this, then it’s a phrase that can work quite well in conversation.
This can show concern and compassion, and ultimately be very helpful with connections!
If you have any questions, please leave them below in the comments section.
We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
