nes
Because with Nes
Main clause + , nes + reason: Neinu, nes sergu. (I am not going because I am ill.)
How It Works
1. The basic pattern. First say what happens, then add , nes and the reason:
- Neinu, nes sergu. (I am not going because I am ill.)
- Skubu, nes vėluoju į darbą. (I am in a hurry because I am late for work.)
2. Always a comma. Like every subordinate clause, the nes clause is separated by a comma; see commas before subordinate clauses.
3. Nes comes second. In the basic two-clause pattern taught here, the nes clause follows the statement it explains. To give the reason first, use kadangi: Kadangi lijo, likome namie. (Since it was raining, we stayed at home.)
4. Todėl, kad. To stress the reason, say todėl, kad: Neatėjau todėl, kad sirgau. (I did not come because I was ill.) Do not mix the two into todėl, nes.
5. Reason or result? Nes gives the cause. Todėl gives the result: Lijo, todėl likome namie. (It was raining, so we stayed at home.)
In conversation, a short answer to Kodėl? (Why?) can start with Nes: Kodėl neatėjai? – Nes sirgau. In writing, a full sentence is better.
Examples (6)
- Neinu, nes sergu.
I am not going because I am ill.
Word by Word: Not-I-go, because I-am-ill.
- Skubu, nes vėluoju į darbą.
I am in a hurry because I am late for work.
Word by Word: I-hurry, because I-am-late into work.
- Imu skėtį, nes lyja.
I am taking an umbrella because it is raining.
Word by Word: I-take umbrella, because rains.
- Vakar likau namie, nes buvo labai šalta.
Yesterday I stayed at home because it was very cold.
Word by Word: Yesterday I-stayed at-home, because was very cold.
- Jis labai džiaugiasi, nes gavo naują darbą.
He is very happy because he got a new job.
Word by Word: He very rejoices, because got new job.
- Negaliu kalbėti, nes vairuoju.
I cannot talk because I am driving.
Word by Word: Not-I-can to-talk, because I-drive.
Common Mistakes
Leaving out the comma.
Neinu nes sergu.Neinu, nes sergu.A comma always separates the nes clause from the main clause.
Opening the sentence with nes.
Nes lijo, likome namie.Likome namie, nes lijo.A nes clause comes after the main clause. To put the reason first, use kadangi: Kadangi lijo, likome namie.
Joining todėl and nes.
Likome namie todėl, nes lijo.Likome namie todėl, kad lijo.Todėl pairs with kad, not with nes. You can also just say: Likome namie, nes lijo.
How It Connects
Related Patterns
- kadangiSince with Kadangi
Kadangi also means because, but it can open the sentence.
Level 4 - todėlSo and That Is Why with Todėl
Todėl introduces the result, while nes introduces the cause.
Level 3 - Commas Before Subordinate Clauses
The comma before nes follows the general rule for subordinate clauses.
Level 4 - dėl + genitiveBecause of and for the Sake of with Dėl
Dėl + a noun gives a cause without a whole clause: dėl lietaus.
Level 3 - kadContent Clauses with Kad
Kad is the other key joining word at this level, and it pairs with todėl.
Level 2 - betContrast with Bet
Bet is another joining word with a comma, but it shows contrast, not a reason.
Level 2
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice nes in Bubblegum
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