due to other commitments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "due to other commitments" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to explain why you are unable to do something. For example, "I'm sorry, I can't attend the meeting this Friday due to other commitments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Reasons for withdrawal of the five dogs on the placebo diet include the following: the study being too much a hassle; seizure activity increased with frequent cluster seizures; increased seizure frequency; owner unable to commit to the study due to other commitments; and food intolerance causing allergic reaction.

British Journal of Nutrition

Only President Hassan Rouhani was absent, due to other commitments.

The Guardian

Mr. Pepe said he later discovered Mocus "was not available due to other commitments".

The New York Times

"Due to other commitments Clare was not part of the Wimbledon team last year".

The Guardian

A BBC spokesperson said she stepped down to "due to other commitments" at the corporation.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The new recordings feature Christine McVie but not yet Stevie Nicks, who has been absent due to other commitments.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"Due to other professional commitments I was not properly able to commence my review of this case until the early part of January this year".

The Guardian

When the news broke that neither Depp nor his partner, Vanessa Paradis, could wait around for Rochefort to recover due to other film commitments, some insurers decided to pull the plug on the project.

The Guardian - Film

"In January the reviewing lawyer explained to the lawyer for the family that due to other professional commitments he was not properly able to commence his review of this case until the early part of January this year.

The Guardian

Duncan Bannatyne has announced he is leaving Dragons' Den after 12 series due to "other business commitments".

BBC

According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the decision was due to other international commitments.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "due to other commitments", be specific about the nature of those commitments if possible, to provide a clearer understanding of the reason for unavailability. For example, instead of saying "I can't attend due to other commitments", you could say "I can't attend due to a prior work engagement".

Common error

Avoid using "due to other commitments" as a generic excuse without any intention of further clarification. If it becomes a frequent response without context, it can appear insincere or dismissive. Provide some level of detail when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "due to other commitments" functions as an adverbial phrase of cause. It provides a reason or explanation for why someone is unable to fulfill a particular obligation or attend an event. Ludwig AI shows the phrase appears in diverse contexts, indicating its broad applicability for expressing reasons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "due to other commitments" is a common and grammatically correct way to explain one's inability to participate in an activity. Ludwig AI indicates the expression is widely accepted and used across various fields, including science, news, and general writing. While versatile, providing additional context can enhance clarity and sincerity. Consider alternatives like "owing to prior engagements" for more formal contexts and avoid overuse to maintain authenticity. The phrase's frequency suggests it is a valuable addition to one's vocabulary for clear and polite communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

owing to prior engagements

Formal alternative emphasizing previously scheduled activities.

because of existing obligations

Highlights the binding nature of conflicting responsibilities.

due to scheduling conflicts

Focuses on the incompatibility of different time schedules.

unable to attend because of other plans

Simple and direct explanation of conflicting arrangements.

precluded by existing responsibilities

Formal and emphasizes the preventing nature of responsibilities.

constrained by other duties

Emphasizes the limiting effect of existing tasks.

time constraints prevent participation

Highlights the limitation of available time.

other priorities demand attention

Highlights conflicting demands and their impact.

previous arrangements interfere

Focuses on the disruptive nature of existing plans.

can't make it due to other things

Informal and vague, suitable for casual communication.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "due to other commitments" in a formal email?

In a formal email, consider using phrases like "owing to prior engagements", "because of existing obligations", or "precluded by existing responsibilities" to maintain a professional tone. These alternatives emphasize the importance of the conflicting responsibilities.

What's a more casual way to say "due to other commitments"?

For a more casual tone, you can use phrases such as "can't make it "due to other things"" or "I'm busy with something else".

Is it better to explain the specific commitment instead of just saying "due to other commitments"?

Whenever possible, providing more detail about the conflicting commitment is preferable, as it shows consideration and transparency. For example, saying "I can't attend because of a prior work meeting" is more informative than simply saying "due to other commitments".

What is the difference between "owing to other commitments" and "due to other commitments"?

"Owing to other commitments" and "due to other commitments" are largely interchangeable. "Owing to" is often perceived as slightly more formal, but both convey the same meaning of indicating a reason for unavailability.