Grammar JLPT Level N3 - Lesson 9

When paired with the case marking particle に, ばかり regularly conveys the meaning of 'simply because', or 'just because'. Literally, this expression means that 'even with just (A), (B) is/was able to occur'. This phrase is regularly paired with the past form of verbs, indicating that something that has already taken place, led to some other result.
To use ばかりに, simply attach the expression to the end of any word in its attributive form.

• ボールをキャッチしたばかりに、肩(かた)が外(はず)れました。
  Simply because I caught a ball, I dislocated my shoulders.
• 体(からだ)が小(ちい)さいばかりに、クラスメイトにいじめられた。
  Simply because I am small, my classmates bullied me.
• 彼(かれ)は練習(れんしゅう)が大変(たいへん)なばかりに、部活(ぶかつ)をやめることにした。
  Simply because practice was difficult, he decided to quit.
• 新人(しんじん)であるばかりに、先輩(せんぱい)たちがやりたくない仕事(しごと)を押(お)し付(つ)けられた。
  Simply because I am new, my senpai made me do all the work they didn't want to.

It should be noted that this particular grammar pattern has a strong tendency to be used with results that are negative. However, this is not a requirement. A high level of eagerness/enthusiasm can also be expressed when paired with grammar points like たい, or ほしい.

• 釣(つ)りに行(い)きたいばかりに、仕事(しごと)を休(やす)んで海(うみ)に行(い)った。
  Simply because he wanted to go fish, he took a day off of work and went to the ocean.
• 新(あたら)しい車(こと)が欲(ほ)しいばかりに、貯金(ちょきん)を全部(ぜんぶ)使(つか)った。
  Just because I wanted a new car, I used all my savings.