I was due

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was due" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was expected or scheduled to happen at a certain time in the past. Example: "I was due to arrive at the meeting by 10 AM, but I got stuck in traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The fluorescence of the unstained uninfected cells (fig. 1b (I)) was due to cellular auto-fluorescence.

BMC Biotechnology

"I was due," Postell said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was due for that".

The New York Times - Sports

I was due some runs.

The Guardian - Sport

"Maybe I was due," Roy said.

The New York Times - Sports

I was due to interview her in 2008.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'm pregnant and I was due last Friday.

The Guardian

[Her father killed himself.] I was due to start college.

The Guardian

And I was due to see them the following weekend.

The Guardian

So, I was due one and I was worried.

Independent

But in any case, I got what I was due.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was due" to clearly communicate a prior expectation, schedule, or obligation. Ensure the context provides clarity on what was expected or scheduled.

Common error

Avoid using "I was due" when you mean "due to". "Due to" indicates causation, while "I was due" refers to a scheduled or expected event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was due" functions as a statement indicating a past obligation, expectation, or scheduled event. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its usage in various contexts, from scheduled interviews to expected arrivals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was due" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a past expectation, obligation, or scheduled event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. To avoid confusion, ensure it's not mistaken for "due to", which indicates causation. Remember to use "I was due" to clarify previous commitments and scheduled activities clearly and accurately. Good alternatives include "I was scheduled to" and "I was supposed to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was scheduled to

This alternative focuses on the scheduling aspect of the event.

I was supposed to

This implies an expectation or obligation that was set.

I had a commitment to

This highlights the commitment aspect of the original phrase.

I was expected to

This emphasizes the expectation from others.

I was obliged to

This denotes a sense of duty or necessity.

It was my responsibility to

This makes explicit the responsibility involved.

I had an appointment to

This specifies the existence of a prearranged meeting.

I was slated to

This emphasizes the formal arrangement or schedule.

I was programmed to

This suggests an automated or predetermined action.

I was on the verge of

This signifies the proximity to an event or action about to occur.

FAQs

What does "I was due" mean?

The phrase "I was due" indicates that something was expected or scheduled to happen at a specific time in the past. For example, "I was due to arrive at 10 AM."

What can I say instead of "I was due"?

You can use alternatives like "I was scheduled to", "I was supposed to", or "I was expected to" depending on the context.

How do I use "I was due" in a sentence?

Use "I was due" to express a past expectation or obligation. For instance, "I was due to present the report yesterday, but I was sick."

Is it correct to say "I am due"?

Yes, "I am due" is grammatically correct and used to indicate a future expectation or scheduled event. For example, "I am due to leave tomorrow."