Grammar Tip – Due to

Due to is a phrase that many people misuse. We could tell you to use due to in front of adjective phrases. But let’s keep it simple. Use due to if you could also use caused by.

Example

The rising gas prices were caused by low inventories.
The rising gas prices were due to low inventories.

Due to does not mean the same as because of.

Examples

Incorrect

She declined the invitation due to her workload. ?(You wouldn’t say that she declined the invitation caused by her workload.)

Correct

She declined the invitation because of her workload.

Incorrect

Due to her workload, she declined the invitation.

Correct

Because of her workload, she declined the invitation.

Also watch out for due to the fact that. This is a wordy phrase. You can replace it with because or since.