What is the difference between “due to” and “because of”?

Many native English speakers misuse “due to” and use it interchangeably (incorrectly) with “because of”. However, there is a technical difference between “due to” and “because of” that is important.

“Due” is an adjective, not a preposition. “Because of” is a preposition.

Since “due” is an adjective (a predicative adjective) it can be used only after the linking verb “to be” as a subjective complement in the sentence. It cannot be used to modify a verb. So, the correct use of “due to” is:

X is due to Y. (✔)
The following uses are incorrect:

X did Z due to Y. (X)
X happened due to Y. (X)
Since “because of” is a preposition, it can be used in a prepositional phrase to function as an adverb, modifying a verb in the sentence.

X did Z because of Y. (✔)
X happened because of Y. (✔)
Here are some examples:

My success is due to the hard work of my team members. (✔)
I was successful because of the hard work of my team members. (✔)
The game was cancelled because of the rain. (✔)
The game was cancelled due to the rain. (X)
The cancellation of the game was due to the rain. (✔)






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