in conversational English, we may hear or use sentences in which we present reason for something by using the expression "due to". While in certain cases, this usage may be grammatically correct.
But in certain other scenarios, it is incorrect. In this post, I will discuss these scenarios. Through this discussion, I will also explain the following question & answer:
Q: Can 'due to' and 'because of' be used interchangeably?
A: No. 'due to' is used to modify nouns only. 'Because of' is used to modify verbs. Thus, these two expressions cannot be used interchangeably.
What is "Due To" Used for?
RULE 1: The expression 'due to' can only be used to modify nouns. Thus, you cannot use this expression to present reason for an action in the clause.Incorrect use of 'due to'In sentence 1, use of 'due to' is incorrect because it is used to explain 'why it is cold'. In other words, it is used to explain the reason behind the "verb" or "action" in the clause. This is not idiomatically correct.Correct Usage of 'due to'In sentence 2, use of 'due to' is correct because it is used to explain the reason behind 'the cold wave'. In other words, it is used to explain the reason behind the "noun". This is idiomatically correct.
RULE 2: 'Due to' is correct if the sentence makes sense when you replace 'due to' with 'caused by'. If, it does not, then use of 'due to' is not correct.
Here when 'due to' is replaced with 'caused by', the sentence does not make sense. This check also proves that usage of 'due to' is incorrect.'due to' replaced with 'caused by'Here when 'due to' is replaced with 'caused by', the sentence makes complete sense. This check proves that usage of 'due to' is correct.
What is "Because of" used for?
Rule 3: The expression 'because of' is used to modify entire clauses. Thus, you can use this expression to present reason for an action in the clause.
Sentence 1 above can be corrected by replacing 'due to' with 'because of'. Now 'because of' modifies the clause presenting the reason why it is cold in Arizona.Correct use of Because of
What are correct and incorrect usages of 'Due to', 'Caused by',& 'Because of"?
The parent-teacher meeting was canceled due to heavy rains. - INCORRECT
'Due to' modifies the action in the preceding clause and hence is not used correctly.
The parent-teacher meeting was canceled caused by heavy rains. - INCORRECT
Note how when "due to" is replaced with "caused by", the sentence no longer makes sense.
The parent-teacher meeting was canceled because of heavy rains. - CORRECT
'because of' modifies the action in preceding clause, indicating why the meeting was canceled.
The cancellation of parent-teacher meeting was due to heavy rains. - CORRECT
'Due to' modifies the noun - cancellation.
The cancellation of parent-teacher meeting was caused by heavy rains.- CORRECT
Note how when "due to" is replaced with "caused by", the sentence makes complete sense.
How does GMAT test this concept?
In OG12, Question 6 tests the usage of "due to". In the original sentence, 'due to' used incorrectly. Since 'due to' is used to modify nouns, the sentence nonsensically implies that repair was due to the moisture.
What are the Key Take-Away Messages?
Use 'due to' only to modify nouns.
Usage of 'due to' is correct, if the sentence makes sense when 'due to' is replaced with 'caused by'.
Use 'because of' to modify verbs.
'Due to' & 'because of' are not interchangeable.