GENERAL INFO

Parce cannot stand alone; it needs "que" to form the conjunction parce que (because).

It introduces the reason or cause for something.

USAGE

It almost always appears as parce que, connecting two clauses.

Example: *Je mange parce que j'ai faim.* (I am eating because I am hungry.)

It cannot stand alone; it needs "que" to form the conjunction.

TRAPS

Do not confuse parce que with "à cause de". Parce que is followed by a complete clause (subject + verb). "À cause de" is followed by a noun or pronoun.

Example: *Il est en retard parce qu'il y a des embouteillages.* (He is late because there are traffic jams.)

Example: *Il est en retard à cause des embouteillages.* (He is late because of the traffic jams.)