owing to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "owing to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the reason or cause for something. Example: "The event was canceled owing to inclement weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

PWV data were not recordable in 4 patients owing to atrial fibrillation, in 3 patients owing to obesity and in 2 patients owing to technical problems.

Cardiovascular Diabetology

Turnout was low, owing to the snow.

The Economist

These days, owing to post-Sept.

The New York Times

Venezuela and Nigeria are unreliable, owing to civil strife.

The Economist

The Turner Prize is suspended owing to lack of sponsorship.

The Guardian - Arts

This is not necessarily owing to ICC incompetence.

The Guardian

Food-borne illness owing to lack of proper refrigeration.

The New Yorker

Annexation has an ugly sound, owing to an unhappy past.

The New Yorker

JLR's profits have fallen owing to declining demand in China.

The Guardian - Business

(The stairs are closed, owing to security concerns).

The New Yorker

I had to abandon my first year owing to anorexia.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For increased clarity in business or academic writing, prefer "due to" or "because of". "Owing to" is perceived more archaic.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "owing to" can sound overly formal in casual contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "because of" or "due to" in informal writing to maintain a natural tone.

How to use

Learn how to use "owing to" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "owing to" functions as a causal preposition, linking a cause or reason to an effect or result. Ludwig AI indicates its proper usage, and examples confirm its role in establishing cause-and-effect relationships. It's akin to saying "because of" or "due to."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "owing to" is a causal preposition used to indicate the reason or cause for something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. While it functions similarly to "because of" or "due to", it carries a slightly more formal tone. Analysis of the contexts where "owing to" appears reveals it's frequently employed in news, science, and encyclopedic content. When writing, consider your audience and the desired level of formality to determine if "owing to" is the most appropriate choice. If a less formal tone is desired, "due to" or "because of" can be used instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Because of

This is a direct and commonly used synonym, expressing the same causal relationship.

Due to

Another very common synonym, nearly interchangeable with "owing to".

On account of

This phrase is slightly more formal but conveys the same meaning of causation.

As a result of

This phrase emphasizes the consequence of a particular cause.

By reason of

A more formal and somewhat archaic alternative indicating cause.

In view of

This phrase implies considering the circumstances or facts leading to a situation.

Attributable to

This suggests that something can be ascribed or credited to a specific cause.

Resulting from

This emphasizes the outcome or effect of something.

Arising from

Similar to 'resulting from', this indicates the origin or source of something.

In consequence of

A more formal way of saying "as a result of".

FAQs

How can I use "owing to" in a sentence?

Use "owing to" to introduce the reason for something. For example, "The game was canceled "owing to rain"".

What are some alternatives to "owing to"?

You can use alternatives such as "due to", "because of", or "on account of" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "owing to" or "due to"?

Both "owing to" and "due to" are grammatically correct. "Due to" is generally more common and less formal, making it suitable for a broader range of contexts.

What is the difference between "owing to" and "because of"?

"Owing to" and "because of" have similar meanings, both indicating causation. "Owing to" tends to be slightly more formal and is often used in more formal writing.