it was due to

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was due to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain the cause or reason for something. Example: "The delay in shipping the products was due to a problem with the warehouse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"If we failed," Mr. Ruff said, "it was due to our inadvertence and not by intention".

The New York Times

It was due to publish a report on its findings including recommendations for reforms.

The Guardian

It was due to announce the results on its website.

BBC

It was due to re-open today.

Independent

It was due to lack of defending".

The Guardian - Sport

It was due to expire Dec. 15.

The New York Times

It was due to the deep snow.

The New Yorker

It was due to launch this November.

The Guardian - Business

It was due to expire next year.

The Guardian

"A lot of it was due to development.

The New York Times

Some suggest it was due to Don's lovechild.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was due to", ensure that the cause you are identifying is a direct and clear reason for the effect you're describing. Avoid vague or ambiguous phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "due to" after a verb. While often used interchangeably, "due to" technically modifies nouns, whereas "because of" modifies verbs. Instead of "The game was canceled due to rain", prefer "The game was canceled because of rain".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was due to" functions as a causal connector, linking an effect to its cause. It introduces an explanation or reason for a specific situation or event. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was due to" is a versatile and frequently used causal connector, employed to explain the reasons behind various events or situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. While primarily found in news and academic contexts, its applicability extends to formal business communications. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in identifying the cause and be mindful of alternative phrasing for diverse writing styles. Be aware of the debated usage of “due to” versus “because of”, preferring "because of" after a verb to maintain grammatical precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was caused by

Directly states the cause of something, emphasizing the action that led to the result.

it was a result of

Focuses on the outcome or effect of a particular cause or event.

it was a consequence of

Highlights the relationship between an action or event and its subsequent result.

it was brought about by

Suggests that something was initiated or created by a specific cause or action.

it was triggered by

Highlights the event or factor that initiated or set off a particular reaction or outcome.

it resulted from

Emphasizes the consequence or outcome of a particular cause.

it can be attributed to

Indicates that something is believed to be caused or influenced by a particular factor.

it stemmed from

Suggests that the origin or source of something is a specific cause.

it arose from

Indicates that something emerged or originated from a particular cause or situation.

it originated from

Implies that something started or began from a particular source or cause.

FAQs

How can I use "it was due to" in a sentence?

Use "it was due to" to specify the reason or cause for a particular situation or event. For instance, "The flight was delayed; it was due to bad weather".

What are some alternatives to "it was due to"?

You can use alternatives such as "it was caused by", "it resulted from", or "it was a consequence of" for variety in writing.

Is it correct to say "due to" at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically debated, starting a sentence with "due to" is generally discouraged in formal writing. Consider rephrasing with "because of" or restructuring the sentence.

What's the difference between "it was due to" and "it was because of"?

While they often function similarly, "it was due to" is traditionally used to modify a noun, while "it was because of" introduces a clause that explains the reason. Although in modern usage this distinction is blurred, using "it was because of" is safer for avoiding criticism in formal contexts.