due to

preposition

: as a result of : because of

due to the complaints of uptight parents … he lost his job

—Herbert Gold

Using Due to: Usage Guide

The objection to due to as a preposition is only a continuation of disagreements that began in the 18th century over the proper uses of owing and due. Due to is as grammatically sound as owing to, which is frequently recommended in its place. It has been and is used by reputable writers and has been recognized as standard for decades. There is no solid reason to avoid due to.

Synonyms

• because of
• owing to
• through
• with

Examples of due to in a Sentence

evening classes were cancelled due to heavy snow

Recent Examples on the Web

Some parts of the freeway were closed for hours due to the investigation. —Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 11 May 2025

Rebecca’s wholehearted characteristics and attributes connect her to the Water sign Pisces, who takes on problems with others due to their absorbance and empathetic nature. —Lisa Stardust, People.com, 11 May 2025

Over the past seven years, the county has paid out at least $11.7 million to victims who were injured, abused or killed due to negligence or misconduct by the Child Welfare Services office. —Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025

Shortly after they were told to go back to the hotel due to a lightning delay. —Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for due to

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

due to

preposition

: because of