Because- Because of

I came here [blank_start]because[blank_end] I want to talk to you

Sorry! I am late [blank_start]because of[blank_end] the traffic

She got the best grades [blank_start]because[blank_end] she had worked hard.

Paul had a terrible accident [blank_start]because[blank_end] he was driving fast.

He couldn't run [blank_start]because of[blank_end] his old age.

Leila left early [blank_start]because[blank_end] she was tired.

The meeting was postponed [blank_start]because of[blank_end] the bad weather.

They were looking for a Japanese restaurant [blank_start]because[blank_end] they wanted to eat sushi for dinner.

Their new product didn't sell well [blank_start]because of[blank_end] its poor quality.

I couldn't attend the meeting [blank_start]because[blank_end] I was very ill.