bc
/ˌbiːˈsiː/ (bre, ipa) · [bˌisˈi] /ˌbiːˈsiː/ (ame, ipa)
bc — adverb
1. written after a year number (or before 'era', 'period', or 'centuries') to place
written after a year number (or before 'era', 'period', or 'centuries') to place that date or period before the traditional birth year of Jesus Christ — the bigger the number, the older the date
The Great Pyramid of Giza was completed around 2560 BC.
pattern: 'year + BC' for ancient dates
The Roman ruler Julius Caesar was assassinated by senators in 44 BC.
Historians believe the first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC.
Many important Greek philosophers lived during the 5th century BC.
The terracotta army was built in the 3rd century BC to guard the tomb of China's first emperor.
Life expectancy was much shorter in the BC era than it is today.
Many ancient civilizations flourished during the late BC centuries.
- BCE
secular alternative standing for Before Common Era; identical in dating but avoids religious reference
文法句型
[year] + BC
BC + [year] (less common)
the BC + [era/period/centuries]
用法筆記
BC usually comes after the year number in modern writing (e.g. 300 BC), though it may appear before the year (BC 300) in older or more formal texts. BC can also be placed before nouns such as 'era', 'period', or 'centuries' to label the entire period before Christ (e.g. 'the BC era', 'late BC centuries'). This attributive use is grammatically different from the year-number use but refers to the same dating system. Do not add spaces between 'B' and 'C'. The secular alternative BCE (Before Common Era) is increasingly used in academic writing.
常見錯誤
bc — noun
1. a short way of writing 'British Columbia' — Canada's westernmost province — when
a short way of writing 'British Columbia' — Canada's westernmost province — when you write an address or complete an official document
Amani moved from Toronto to Vancouver, BC, last year for a new job.
pattern: '[city], BC' in addresses
Please send the completed form to our office in Victoria, BC.
The ferry arrives at the port of Prince Rupert, BC, every afternoon.
Our company has warehouses in both Calgary, Alberta, and Kelowna, BC.
- British Columbia
full name of the province; use in formal writing and first mentions
文法句型
[city], BC
BC, Canada
用法筆記
Always written in capital letters when referring to British Columbia. The abbreviation follows the city name with a comma. Canada Post recognizes BC as the official two-letter code for the province.
常見錯誤
bc — conjunction
1. a shortened form of 'because' that people type in texts, chat apps, and quick no
a shortened form of 'because' that people type in texts, chat apps, and quick notes when they want to write fast rather than spell correctly
Can't talk now bc I'm in a meeting with my boss.
informal text-message abbreviation of 'because'
Yara was late for class bc her train got delayed by heavy snow.
I'm skipping the party tonight bc I have an early flight tomorrow morning.
The cafe on Elm Street is closed today bc the owner is on holiday in Japan.
I bought extra snacks bc my cousins are visiting this weekend.
文法句型
bc + [clause]
用法筆記
Always written in lowercase (bc) and used almost exclusively in informal digital communication. Never use bc in essays, job applications, business emails, or any formal written context — always write the full word 'because' instead.