due
- 01 A2 Elementary
adj.expected to happen or arrive at a particular time.
adj.expected or scheduled to occur or arrive at a specific time.
Simple“The baby is due in early October, so they are preparing the nursery now.”
In context“The final report is due on the director's desk by Friday afternoon, leaving the team very little time for final revisions.”
UsageOften followed by 'to' + infinitive or 'on/in' + time phrase.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
adj.caused by something or because of something.
adj.ascribable to a specific cause or origin; used in the phrase 'due to'.
Simple“The flight delay was due to bad weather at the airport.”
In context“The sudden increase in share prices was largely due to speculation regarding a potential merger between the two tech giants.”
UsageAlways followed by the preposition 'to'.
Teacher's tipIn formal writing, some traditionalists prefer 'due to' only after a form of the verb 'to be', but it is widely used as a prepositional phrase in modern English.
PitfallThe game was cancelled due to it rained. The game was cancelled due to the rain.The phrase 'due to' must be followed by a noun or noun phrase, not a full clause with a verb.
Synonyms - 03 B1 Intermediate
adj.owed to someone as a debt or a right.
adj.owed as a debt or as a moral or legal obligation.
Simple“The library sent a notice because the payment for the lost book was due.”
In context“After months of legal disputes, the court ruled that the back wages were due to the employees immediately.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.the right amount of something for a situation.
adj.proper, adequate, or appropriate for the circumstances.
Simple“Please make sure you handle the equipment with due care.”
In context“The committee reached its decision after due consideration of all the evidence presented during the hearing.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun it modifies.
SynonymsAntonyms - 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
adv.directly or exactly in a certain direction, usually North, South, East, or West.
adv.directly or exactly; used almost exclusively with compass points.
Simple“The ship sailed due north toward the Arctic Circle.”
In context“To find the hidden entrance, the hikers had to travel due east for three miles from the old oak tree.”
UsageAlways precedes a direction word.
- 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.money that you pay regularly to be a member of a group or club.
n.regular payments made by members to an organisation or club to support its activities.
Simple“I forgot to pay my annual union dues this month.”
In context“The club's board of directors voted to increase monthly dues to cover the rising costs of building maintenance.”
UsageAlmost always used in the plural form.
Teacher's tipIn British English, 'subscriptions' or 'subs' is more common for clubs, though 'dues' is understood in a union context.
Synonyms - 07 C1 Advanced
n.the respect or credit that someone deserves.
n.that which is deserved or merited, especially in terms of recognition or respect.
Simple“She is a tough boss, but you have to give her her due; she gets results.”
In context“While I disagree with his politics, I must give him his due for his tireless work on behalf of his constituents.”
UsageCommonly used in the idiom 'give someone their due'.
Teacher's tipThis is often used when you are about to say something negative but want to acknowledge one positive point first.
Usage due to the high · due diligence · due to start