ENGLISH
REFERENCE

due to sb/sth

prep. phr..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

prep. phr.. because of someone or something. you use this to explain the reason why something happened.

prep. phr.. attributing a cause or reason to a specific person, entity, or event; functions as an adjectival or adverbial phrase of causality.


SIMPLE

The flight was late due to bad weather.

CONTEXTUAL

The game was cancelled due to a sudden heavy rainstorm that flooded the field.

COMPLEX

The company's recent success is largely due to her innovative leadership and the tireless efforts of the marketing department.

Usage

often follows a form of the verb 'to be' or a noun, though it is frequently used as a synonym for 'because of'.

Teaching tip

traditionally, 'due to' follows a noun or 'be' verb (e.g., 'the delay was due to...'), while 'because of' modifies a verb; however, in modern usage, they are often used interchangeably.

Pitfall

The match was cancelled due to it rained.The match was cancelled due to the rain.'due to' must be followed by a noun or noun phrase, not a full clause with a subject and verb.

© 2026 English Reference