نتيجة لـ / بسبب

Because of

Level 4

In Modern Standard Arabic, to say 'because of' followed by a noun, use بسبب (bi-sabab) or the more formal نتيجة لـ (natijatan li-). Unlike 'because' (لأن), these patterns require a noun or verbal noun, not a full sentence.

How It Works

To express causality in Arabic, you must distinguish between 'because' (followed by a clause) and 'because of' (followed by a noun).

1. بسبب (bi-sabab)
This is the most common way to express a reason. Grammatically, it acts as the first part of an Idafa (genitive construct). The noun following it must be in the genitive case (usually ending in a kasra).
Example: بسببِ المطرِ (bi-sababi al-matari) - 'Because of the rain.'

2. نتيجة لـ (natijatan li-)
Literally meaning 'as a result of,' this is a more formal alternative. The word نتيجةً is typically in the accusative case (functioning as an adverb of cause), and it is followed by the preposition لـ (li-), which puts the subsequent noun into the genitive case.
Example: نتيجةً للإهمالِ (natijatan lil-ihmali) - 'As a result of negligence.'

3. Usage with Pronouns
Both can take attached pronouns if the reason has already been mentioned:

  • بسببه (bi-sababihi) - 'Because of him/it'
  • نتيجة لذلك (natijatan li-dhalika) - 'As a result of that'

4. Nuance: Positive vs. Negative
While بسبب is neutral, learners often use it for negative reasons. For purely positive reasons ('thanks to'), the expression بفضل (bi-fadl) is often preferred, though بسبب is not incorrect.

Examples (5)

  1. تأخرتُ عن الاجتماع بسببِ الازدحامِ.

    I was late for the meeting because of the traffic.

    Word by Word: I was late from the meeting by reason of the crowding.

    Here, 'bi-sabab' is followed by the noun 'al-izdiham' in the genitive case.

  2. انخفضت الأسعار نتيجةً للمنافسةِ.

    Prices decreased as a result of the competition.

    Word by Word: Decreased the prices a result to the competition.

    This uses the formal 'natijatan li-' followed by the genitive noun 'al-munafasa'.

  3. أُلغيت الرحلة بسببِ سوءِ الأحوالِ الجوية.

    The flight was canceled because of the bad weather conditions.

    Word by Word: Was canceled the trip by reason of badness (of) the conditions the atmospheric.

    Note how 'bi-sabab' starts a chain of nouns (Idafa).

  4. نجح المشروع نتيجةً لجهودِ الفريق.

    The project succeeded as a result of the team's efforts.

    Word by Word: Succeeded the project a result to efforts (of) the team.

    A formal way to link success to its cause.

  5. غاب الطالب بسببِ مرضه.

    The student was absent because of his illness.

    Word by Word: Was absent the student by reason of illness his.

    This shows 'bi-sabab' followed by a noun with an attached possessive pronoun.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'bi-sabab' followed by a full sentence (verb/subject).

    غبتُ بسببِ كنتُ مريضاً.
    غبتُ لأنني كنتُ مريضاً.

    If you want to follow with a verb or a full sentence, you must use لأن (because). 'Bi-sabab' only takes a noun or a verbal noun (Masdar).

  • Using "bi-sabab" when you mean purpose.

    Different Meaningسافرتُ بسببِ الدراسة.
    سافرتُ من أجلِ الدراسة.

    سافرتُ بسببِ الدراسة is correct and says study was the cause. To say study was the purpose, use من أجل.

Words in This Pattern

بسببسببنتيجةل