due to

Quick check questions (decision tree)

• Is it touching a surface?

  Touching -> often on; if this page is not on, use the closest surface/contact preposition.

• Is it inside a container or boundary?

  Inside -> more likely because of; if not inside, check position/distance/covering.

• Is it above without contact, or below/covered?

  Above without contact -> lean toward according to; below/covered -> under/beneath/underneath.

Avoid: The match was canceled due to it rained.

Use: The match was canceled because it rained. / ... due to heavy rain.

Reason: Due to is followed by a noun phrase, not a full clause.

Avoid: According to traffic, he was late.

Use: He was late due to traffic.

Reason: Traffic is the cause, not a source of information, so due to is the better choice.

Avoid: The report due to lower sales.

Use: The loss was due to lower sales.

Reason: Due to needs a complete structure around it. It cannot stand alone as the whole predicate here.

Question 1

The flight was delayed ___ fog.

Choose an answer

Question 2

___ the memo, the office will close early.

Choose an answer

Question 3

The road was closed because it ___ .

Choose an answer