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"Due to" is a common English expression used to present the cause or reason for an action or event. In this article, IDP IELTS will guide you through how to use "due to" correctly in English.

1. What Does Due to Mean?

"Due to" means "because of" and is used to explain the reason or cause behind something.

Examples:

  • The flight was delayed due to bad weather.

  • Due to tight deadlines, our team had to work overtime.

2. How to Use Due to and Its Grammar Structures

The usage and grammar structure of "due to" vary depending on the sentence. Below are the main structures:

2.1. Sentence Position

At the beginning of the sentence:

  • Due to + noun/noun phrase, subject + verb

  • Due to the fact that + subject + verb, subject + verb

Examples:

  • Due to lack of sleep, she fell asleep during the exam.

  • Due to the fact that it was raining heavily, the concert was postponed.

In the middle of the sentence:

  • Subject + verb + due to + noun/noun phrase

  • Subject + verb + due to the fact that + subject + verb

Examples:

  • He could not continue his studies due to his father's company going bankrupt.

  • We were late for the meeting due to the fact that there was a traffic jam.

2.2. Be Due to

When using “be due to,” the meaning depends on what follows:

Be due to + Verb (infinitive)

Used for scheduled or planned events.

  • The movie is due to start at 7 PM.

Be due to + Noun/Noun phrase

Used to express the cause.

  • His failure was due to going off-topic.

  • His absence was due to the fact that he was on a business trip.

3. Synonyms of Due to

Other expressions with similar meanings include because of, owing to, as a result of, and on account of. These are followed by a noun or noun phrase.

Examples:

  • Because of the loud noise, she could not record her assignment.

  • The event was delayed owing to technical issues.

  • He was banned as a result of his absences.

  • The meeting was rescheduled on account of the director’s absence.

4. Difference Between Due to and Because of

Due to

Because of

Used to explain reasons with a slightly formal or negative tone.

Used in all contexts, both positive and negative.

Examples:

  • Many startups shut down due to the economic crisis.

  • Julie had to re-enroll because of low final grades.

  • Because of the pleasant weather, we decided to go cycling.

5. Notes When Using Due to

To use "due to" correctly:

  • Do not place a full clause directly after "due to." Instead:

    • Convert the clause into a noun phrase.

    • Change the verb to a gerund (V-ing) if the subject is shared.

    • Use "the fact that" if a clause is needed after "due to."

  • Use "be due to + verb" to talk about planned future actions.

  • Use "be due to + noun/noun phrase" to state reasons.

6. Practice Exercises with Due to (With Answers)

Exercise 1: Choose the correct answer

  1. … her hard work, she passed the exam with flying colors.

  2. The delay in the project was … the lack of funding.

  3. The concert is … to be held next Saturday.

  4. We had to cancel the trip … the heavy rain.

  5. She could not attend the meeting … her sudden illness.

Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using “Due to”

  1. They did not go hiking because the weather was bad.

  2. He could not finish his homework because he was too tired.

  3. The flight was delayed because of technical problems.

  4. She failed the test because she did not study hard.

  5. We could not play outside because it was raining heavily.

Answers

Exercise 1:

  1. Because of

  2. due to

  3. due

  4. due to

  5. due to

Exercise 2:

  1. They did not go hiking due to the bad weather.

  2. He could not finish his homework due to being too tired.

  3. The flight was delayed due to technical problems.

  4. She failed the test due to not studying hard.

  5. We could not play outside due to the heavy rain.

Master Due to in IELTS Writing with IDP

Understanding how to use "due to" correctly helps you avoid grammar mistakes and enhance your writing quality. With IDP’s free IELTS prep materials, you can strengthen your grammar and confidently apply this structure in your essays.

IDP offers a full set of resources, practice exercises, and mock tests to help you succeed in both IELTS Academic and IELTS General, with a fast computer-based testing system that delivers results in just 2 days.

Choose your IELTS test date and register with IDP today to start achieving your target score.

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About this Article

Published on 07 February, 2025

About this Author

One Skill Retake - IELTS Australia
Quynh Khanh

Tôi là Quỳnh Khanh - Content Writer có hơn 5 năm kinh nghiệm về lĩnh vực giáo dục