5.25.2011

DUE TO, BECAUSE OF & OWING TO: Just cause

Guideline: Use these phrases interchangeably, but be prepared to defend your use of due to when it follows an action verb.
         A closer look: Due to fell into disrespect in the early 1900s, when grammarians decided it was an adjective and therefore could not modify an action verb. Some usage authorities still hold that position, but the modern view is that due to is a prepositional phrase and can therefore be used wherever you feel like using it.
         My sunburn today is due to my falling asleep in the noonday sun yesterday. (Due to is standard here because it follows a linking verb, is.)
         I didn't sleep a wink last night due to [or because of or owing to] the noise created by the flamenco dancers who live above me.
Source: ProofreadNOW