“Due to” vs “Because of” | Differences & Examples

“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.

Here’s a comparison table that helps to understand the difference between “due to” and “because of”

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.”

Using “because of” clarifies that the phrase following it is the reason for the condition or action stated in the sentence. Because of can be used at the beginning of a sentence to emphasize the cause

1. As an Adverbial Phrase: “Because of” functions as an adverbial phrase, meaning it modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. It explains the reason or cause behind an action, event, or condition.
2. To Indicate Reason or Cause: Use “because of” to specify the reason why something happens or the cause of a particular condition or event.
3. Before the Cause: Place “because of” directly before the factor or reason contributing to the effect mentioned in the sentence.
4. Suitable for Various Contexts: “Because of” can be used in both formal and informal writing, as well as in spoken English. It is versatile and widely accepted in a range of contexts.

Examples of Correct Use:

• Correct: “The game was postponed because of the rain.” Here, “because of the rain” explains why the game was postponed.
• Correct: “She was late because of heavy traffic.” In this sentence, “because of heavy traffic” provides the reason for her being late.

Can “due to” and “because of” be used interchangeably?

While they are often used interchangeably in informal speech, there is a difference in their formal usage. “Due to” modifies nouns and is used after a form of the verb “to be,” whereas “because of” modifies verbs and indicates the reason for an action.

Can “because of” start a sentence?

Yes, “because of” can start a sentence when providing a reason for something. For example, “Because of the rain, the event was postponed.”

Can “due to” modify verbs?

Traditionally, “due to” is not used to modify verbs directly. It modifies nouns or pronouns. When you need to modify a verb, use “because of.”

How do I use “due to” in a complex sentence?

In a complex sentence, “due to” should follow a noun or a form of “to be” and precede the cause of a state or condition. For example, “The match’s cancellation was due to the snowstorm.”