nítorí pé

Giving a Reason

Level 2

Put the reason clause's subject and predicate after nítorí pé.

How It Works

Nítorí pé introduces a reason expressed as a clause. Put that clause's subject and predicate after pé. The reason can follow the main statement or precede it. The clauses may have different subjects and time frames; the linker takes no agreement ending.

The reason clause can contain negation, aspect or a modal. Lack of money can explain a non-purchase, while ongoing rain can explain staying indoors. With a negative main statement, context distinguishes explaining a non-event from denying a particular explanation. The shoe example intends lack of money to explain the non-purchase.

Contrast nítorí òjò, because of rain, with nítorí pé òjò ń rọ̀, because it is raining. One supplies a noun phrase and the other a clause. Purpose with kí … lè and succession with lẹ́yìn tí express different relations.

Examples (3)

  1. A dúró ní ilé nítorí pé òjò ń rọ̀.

    We stayed at home because it was raining.

    The weather explains staying at home.

  2. Nítorí pé àpò náà wuwo, Tósìn gbé e fún mi.

    Because that bag was heavy, Tósìn carried it for me.

    The reason clause comes first.

  3. Kẹ́mi kò ra bàtà nítorí pé kò ní owó.

    Kẹ́mi did not buy shoes because they had no money.

    They is singular and refers to Kẹ́mi; the reason explains the non-purchase.