How to use “due to”?

The usage of “due to” has evolved, and it is increasingly used in ways similar to “because of,” especially in informal contexts.

• As an Adjectival Phrase: “Due to” functions as an adjectival phrase, meaning it should modify nouns or pronouns. It typically describes the cause of a noun’s state.
• After a Form of “To Be”: It is commonly used after verbs that are forms of “to be” (am, is, are, was, were), linking it to the noun or pronoun it modifies.
• To Indicate Cause and Effect: Use “due to” to indicate a direct cause-and-effect relationship. It suggests that something happens as a direct result of something else.
• In More Formal Contexts: While it can be used in various contexts, “due to” is often preferred in more formal writing such as academic papers, reports, and business communication.

Examples of Correct Use:

• Correct: “The cancellation was due to the storm.” Here, “due to the storm” modifies “cancellation.”
• Correct: “Her success is due to hard work and determination.” In this sentence, “due to hard work and determination” modifies “success.”

“Due to” and “Because of” are both used to indicate reasons or causes in English, but they are used in slightly different grammatical contexts and have subtle differences in meaning.

“Due to” means something happened as a direct result of something else and is often used in more formal contexts. “Because of” points out the cause of an action rather directly and is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.