Find English Teachers
MurrEvgenia
Just because he's a man, doesn't mean he's a good driver.
Just because he's a man, it doesn't mean he's a good driver.
Which one sounds more natural and why?
Jan 17, 2025 12:05 PM
Answers · 4
1
Neither one makes much sense. Both constructions suggest that there is a widely-held belief that all men are good drivers.
Leaving out the ‘it’ sounds a little folksier.
Jan 19, 2025 12:50 AM
1
Both are easily understood, but I agree with Filip that the second is grammatically superior. The problem with the first sentence is that it treats
"just because he's a man"
as if it were a noun phrase, but it is not one. "Because" does not create noun phrases the way a word like "that" can:
"That he's a man doesn't mean he's a good driver." (good sentence)
Here are some other ways to create the noun phrase you need to make sentence #1 work:
"Just being a man doesn't mean he's a good driver"
"Just that he's a man doesn't mean he's a good driver"
"Just the fact that he's a man doesn't mean he's a good driver"
"The fact alone that he's a man doesn't mean he's a good driver"
Jan 17, 2025 4:46 PM
1
Both sentences are grammatically correct, but the second one—"Just because he's a man, it doesn't mean he's a good driver."—sounds more natural. Here's why:
Explanation:
1. Clarity and grammar: The phrase "it doesn't mean" includes the pronoun "it," which acts as the subject of the second clause. This makes the sentence clearer and more formally constructed.
2. Common usage: In English, especially in more polished writing or speech, including the pronoun "it" aligns better with standard grammar rules.
3. Flow: The first version omits "it," which makes it sound more casual and conversational, but it can feel slightly incomplete in some contexts.
Tip:
Use the second version ("Just because he's a man, it doesn't mean he's a good driver") in formal or professional settings. The first version is fine for casual conversations, as shorter phrasing often feels more relaxed.
Jan 17, 2025 4:21 PM
1
First one!
Jan 17, 2025 12:11 PM
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
MurrEvgenia
Language Skills
English, Russian
Learning Language
English
Articles You May Also Like

Speak More Fluently with This Simple Technique
24 likes · 4 Comments

How to Read and Understand a Business Contract in English
20 likes · 3 Comments

6 Ways italki Can Help You Succeed in Your School Language Classes
15 likes · 8 Comments
More articles