Word Usage
Mary W. Ng
June 26, 2009
because of, due to, owing to
Due to, meaning “attributable to”, is adjectival and should qualify a noun preceding the linking verb be.
| Correct: | The accident was due to poor weather conditions. |
For adverbial use, because of or owing to should be used.
| Incorrect: | The games have been cancelled due to poor weather conditions. |
| Correct: | The games have been cancelled because of poor weather conditions. |
| Correct: | The games have been cancelled owing to poor weather conditions. |