Because of or Due to? A Complete Guide to Correct Usage
Have you ever paused while writing, unsure whether to use “because of” or “due to”? This is a common grammar question that confuses students, writers, and professionals alike. People often search for “because of or due to” to clarify which phrase is correct in different contexts and to avoid embarrassing mistakes.
The confusion arises because both phrases indicate causation. However, their grammatical roles differ. Using them incorrectly can make sentences sound awkward or unprofessional. Moreover, English learners often rely on intuition rather than grammar rules, which leads to mistakes in essays, emails, or formal writing.
This article explains the difference between “because of” and “due to”, their origins, formal and informal usage, common mistakes, and which phrase to use depending on your audience. By the end, you will confidently choose the correct form in any context, from casual texting to academic writing.
Because of or Due to – Quick Answer
- Because of → Prepositional phrase used to indicate the cause of something.
- Example: “The match was canceled because of heavy rain.”
- Due to → Usually follows a form of “to be” and modifies nouns.
- Example: “The cancellation was due to heavy rain.”
👉 In short, “because of” explains the reason for an action, whereas “due to” explains the cause of a noun.
The Origin of “Because of” and “Due to”
The phrase “because of” has been used in English since the 14th century, originating from the combination of “by cause of.” Over centuries, it became a standard prepositional phrase for expressing reasons.
On the other hand, “due to” comes from the Latin word “datus,” meaning “given,” and historically functioned as an adjective phrase describing nouns. It entered English usage around the 17th century and became common in formal writing.
Understanding their origin clarifies why “due to” is grammatically tied to nouns, while “because of” is more versatile in casual and formal contexts.
British English vs American English Spelling & Usage
Both British and American English use these phrases, but subtle differences exist in style preferences:
| Phrase | British English | American English | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Because of | Common in all contexts | Common in all contexts | Prepositional phrase, flexible use |
| Due to | Preferred in formal writing | Preferred in formal writing | Should follow a noun or “to be” verb |
| Example | “The delay happened because of traffic.” | “The delay was due to traffic.” | Grammar guides emphasize this distinction |
Thus, the difference is not in spelling but in grammatical application.
Which Phrase Should You Use?
- Formal writing (essays, reports, official documents): Use due to after nouns.
- Informal writing (emails, blogs, social media): Because of is more versatile and widely understood.
- Global audience: Because of is safer, as it works in all contexts without grammatical controversy.
Common Mistakes with “Because of” vs “Due to”
- Incorrect: “The game was canceled due to it rained.” → Correct: “The game was canceled because of rain.”
- Using due to to modify verbs → Avoid; it should modify nouns.
- Confusing casual and formal contexts → Because of is fine for informal, due to for formal.
- Overusing either phrase → Mix with alternatives like “as a result of” or “thanks to.”
Because of or Due to in Everyday Examples
- Emails: “The meeting is postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.”
- Social Media: “We stayed home because of the storm.”
- News Articles: “Flights were delayed due to heavy snowfall.”
- Informal Texting: “I was late because of traffic.”
Because of or Due to – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search trends indicate:
- Because of is searched more by students and casual writers.
- Due to spikes in formal and academic writing searches.
- The US, UK, and Canada show similar patterns, with because of dominating casual contexts.
| Phrase | Popularity | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Because of | High | Everyday writing, social media, casual emails |
| Due to | Medium | Academic papers, newspapers, official reports |
| Trend | Because of usage is increasing | Informal digital writing dominates |
FAQs
1. Can I use due to instead of because of?
Yes, only when it modifies a noun and follows a “to be” verb.
2. Is “because of” correct in formal writing?
Yes, it is correct but less formal than due to.
3. Are there alternatives?
Yes: thanks to, as a result of, owing to, on account of.
4. Can “due to” start a sentence?
Only in formal writing if it modifies a noun: “Due to rain, the event was postponed.”
5. Which phrase is easier for beginners?
Because of is simpler and more flexible in all contexts.
6. Do British and American English use these differently?
Minor differences in style, but rules are generally the same.
7. Is “because of” grammatically incorrect?
No, it is fully correct and widely used.
Conclusion
The confusion between “because of” and “due to” is common but easy to resolve. Because of is a prepositional phrase that modifies verbs and is versatile in all contexts. Due to is an adjective phrase that modifies nouns and fits formal or academic writing.
By understanding their grammatical roles, origins, and usage rules, you can write more clearly and confidently. For global audiences or casual writing, because of is safer and universally accepted. For formal reports, official documents, or academic papers, due to adds polish and correctness. With this knowledge, you can avoid mistakes, sound professional, and communicate your ideas clearly.
