1
Name a cause
Attribute an event directly to a factor.
Example
The delay was due to flooding.
due to
/ˈdjuː tuː/ · DYOO toocause phrase
Caused by or attributable to a stated factor.
Use due to to signal this exact relationship between ideas: caused by or attributable to a stated factor.
What due to Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Explain a difference
Identify why one case differs from another.
Example
The variation may be due to storage conditions.
3
Account for a condition
State the source of an observed state.
Example
Low visibility was due to airborne dust.
Use due to Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The delay was due to flooding.
The variation may be due to storage conditions.
Low visibility was due to airborne dust.
Precision Matters
Due to overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
due to
vs.Signals caused by or attributable to a stated factor.
because of
Means as a result of; introduces a noun phrase naming a cause.
due to
vs.Signals caused by or attributable to a stated factor.
attributable to
Means capable of being explained as the result of a particular cause.
due to
vs.Signals caused by or attributable to a stated factor.
as a result
Means because of what preceded; introduces a consequence.
due to
vs.Signals caused by or attributable to a stated factor.
following from
Means arising as a logical consequence, implication, or result of something.
Test due to in Context
Flooding is identified as the cause of the delay.
1
The two-day delay was ___ flooding along the only access road.