Mastering English requires a diverse vocabulary and the ability to express ideas in various ways. The phrase “due to the fact” is commonly used to indicate cause and effect, but relying on it exclusively can make your writing sound repetitive and less sophisticated.
This article explores a multitude of alternative phrases that convey the same meaning, enhancing your writing style and clarity. Whether you’re an English language learner, a student, or a professional writer, this guide will equip you with the tools to express causality with precision and elegance.
This comprehensive guide provides definitions, examples, usage rules, and practice exercises to help you confidently use these alternatives. By understanding the nuances of each phrase, you can choose the most appropriate expression for any given context, improving your overall communication skills.
Prepare to diversify your vocabulary and elevate your writing to the next level.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “Due to the Fact”
- Structural Breakdown
- Alternative Phrases
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “Due to the Fact”
“Due to the fact” is a phrase used to introduce a reason or cause for something. It is a more formal way of saying “because” or “since.” The phrase indicates that a particular outcome or situation occurred as a direct result of a preceding condition or event.
Its function is to establish a causal relationship between two statements, providing an explanation for why something happened.
In terms of grammatical classification, “due to the fact” is a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial phrase. It modifies the main clause by explaining the reason for the action or state described in that clause.
While grammatically correct, it is often considered wordy and can be replaced with more concise alternatives, especially in informal contexts.
The phrase is typically followed by a clause, which contains a subject and a verb. For example: “The game was canceled due to the fact that it was raining.” Here, “it was raining” is the clause explaining why the game was canceled.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of “due to the fact” can be broken down as follows:
- Due to: This is a prepositional phrase indicating causation.
- The fact: This acts as the object of the preposition “due to.”
- That: This is a subordinating conjunction that introduces the clause explaining the fact.
- [Clause]: This is the clause that provides the actual reason or cause. It contains a subject and a verb.
Therefore, the complete structure is: Due to the fact that + [Subject + Verb + Object/Complement].
Understanding this structure helps in recognizing and replacing the phrase with more efficient alternatives. By identifying the core components, you can rephrase the sentence using simpler conjunctions or prepositions that convey the same meaning without the added bulk.
Alternative Phrases
There are numerous alternatives to “due to the fact” that can make your writing more concise and impactful. Here are several options, categorized by their level of formality and specific nuances:
Because
“Because” is a straightforward and versatile conjunction used to introduce a reason or cause. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Since
“Since” can also indicate cause and effect, similar to “because.” However, “since” often implies that the reason is already known or understood by the listener or reader.
As
“As” is another conjunction that introduces a reason or cause. It is often used when the reason is less emphasized than the main clause.
Owing To
“Owing to” is a more formal prepositional phrase that means “because of.” It is typically followed by a noun or noun phrase.
On Account Of
“On account of” is similar to “owing to” and also introduces a reason or cause. It is followed by a noun or noun phrase.
In View Of
“In view of” suggests that something is being considered or taken into account when making a decision or explaining a situation. It is followed by a noun or noun phrase.
Considering
“Considering” can be used to introduce a reason or explanation, implying that a particular fact or situation is being taken into account.
Given That
“Given that” is used to introduce a fact or assumption that is the basis for a conclusion or explanation.
Seeing That
“Seeing that” is similar to “given that” and introduces a reason or explanation based on an observed fact or situation.
Inasmuch As
“Inasmuch as” is a formal conjunction that means “to the extent that” or “since.” It is used to introduce a reason or explanation.
For
“For” can introduce a reason or explanation, but it is less common in modern English and often sounds somewhat formal or archaic.
The Reason Why
“The reason why” is a phrase that explicitly states that a reason is being provided. While not always more concise, it can be useful for emphasis.
Examples
To illustrate the use of these alternatives, consider the following examples. The original sentence using “due to the fact” is provided, followed by several alternative versions.
Original: The event was postponed due to the fact that the weather was severe.
The following table provides alternative ways to express the same idea, each with a slightly different nuance or level of formality.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Because | The event was postponed because the weather was severe. |
| Since | The event was postponed since the weather was severe. |
| As | The event was postponed as the weather was severe. |
| Owing to | The event was postponed owing to the severe weather. |
| On account of | The event was postponed on account of the severe weather. |
| In view of | The event was postponed in view of the severe weather. |
| Considering | The event was postponed, considering the severe weather. |
| Given that | The event was postponed, given that the weather was severe. |
| Seeing that | The event was postponed, seeing that the weather was severe. |
| Inasmuch as | The event was postponed, inasmuch as the weather was severe. |
| For | The event was postponed, for the weather was severe. (Less common) |
| The reason why | The reason why the event was postponed was that the weather was severe. |
| Because of | The event was postponed because of the severe weather. |
| Resulting from | The event was postponed resulting from the severe weather. |
| As a result of | The event was postponed as a result of the severe weather. |
| Due to | The event was postponed due to the severe weather. |
| Attributable to | The event’s postponement was attributable to the severe weather. |
| Arising from | The postponement was arising from the severe weather. |
| Thanks to | The event was postponed, thanks to the severe weather. (Note: can be sarcastic) |
| By reason of | The event was postponed by reason of the severe weather. |
| In consequence of | The event was postponed in consequence of the severe weather. |
| On the grounds that | The event was postponed on the grounds that the weather was severe. |
Here’s another example to further illustrate the use of these alternatives:
Original: The company’s profits declined due to the fact that the market conditions were unfavorable.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Because | The company’s profits declined because the market conditions were unfavorable. |
| Since | The company’s profits declined since the market conditions were unfavorable. |
| As | The company’s profits declined as the market conditions were unfavorable. |
| Owing to | The company’s profits declined owing to the unfavorable market conditions. |
| On account of | The company’s profits declined on account of the unfavorable market conditions. |
| In view of | The company’s profits declined in view of the unfavorable market conditions. |
| Considering | The company’s profits declined, considering the unfavorable market conditions. |
| Given that | The company’s profits declined, given that the market conditions were unfavorable. |
| Seeing that | The company’s profits declined, seeing that the market conditions were unfavorable. |
| Inasmuch as | The company’s profits declined, inasmuch as the market conditions were unfavorable. |
| For | The company’s profits declined, for the market conditions were unfavorable. (Less common) |
| The reason why | The reason why the company’s profits declined was that the market conditions were unfavorable. |
| Because of | The company’s profits declined because of the unfavorable market conditions. |
| Resulting from | The company’s profits declined resulting from the unfavorable market conditions. |
| As a result of | The company’s profits declined as a result of the unfavorable market conditions. |
| Due to | The company’s profits declined due to the unfavorable market conditions. |
| Attributable to | The decline in profits was attributable to the unfavorable market conditions. |
| Arising from | The decline in profits was arising from the unfavorable market conditions. |
| Thanks to | The company’s profits declined, thanks to the unfavorable market conditions. (Note: can be sarcastic) |
| By reason of | The company’s profits declined by reason of the unfavorable market conditions. |
| In consequence of | The company’s profits declined in consequence of the unfavorable market conditions. |
| On the grounds that | The company’s profits declined on the grounds that the market conditions were unfavorable. |
Let’s consider a third example:
Original: He was late to the meeting due to the fact that he missed his train.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Because | He was late to the meeting because he missed his train. |
| Since | He was late to the meeting since he missed his train. |
| As | He was late to the meeting as he missed his train. |
| Owing to | He was late to the meeting owing to missing his train. |
| On account of | He was late to the meeting on account of missing his train. |
| In view of | He was late to the meeting in view of missing his train. |
| Considering | He was late to the meeting, considering he missed his train. |
| Given that | He was late to the meeting, given that he missed his train. |
| Seeing that | He was late to the meeting, seeing that he missed his train. |
| Inasmuch as | He was late to the meeting, inasmuch as he missed his train. |
| For | He was late to the meeting, for he missed his train. (Less common) |
| The reason why | The reason why he was late to the meeting was that he missed his train. |
| Because of | He was late to the meeting because of missing his train. |
| Resulting from | He was late to the meeting resulting from missing his train. |
| As a result of | He was late to the meeting as a result of missing his train. |
| Due to | He was late to the meeting due to missing his train. |
| Attributable to | His lateness to the meeting was attributable to missing his train. |
| Arising from | His lateness to the meeting was arising from missing his train. |
| Thanks to | He was late to the meeting, thanks to missing his train. (Note: can be sarcastic) |
| By reason of | He was late to the meeting by reason of missing his train. |
| In consequence of | He was late to the meeting in consequence of missing his train. |
| On the grounds that | He was late to the meeting on the grounds that he missed his train. |
One more example to solidify your understanding:
Original: The flower didn’t grow due to the fact that it didn’t get enough sunlight.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Because | The flower didn’t grow because it didn’t get enough sunlight. |
| Since | The flower didn’t grow since it didn’t get enough sunlight. |
| As | The flower didn’t grow as it didn’t get enough sunlight. |
| Owing to | The flower didn’t grow owing to a lack of sunlight. |
| On account of | The flower didn’t grow on account of a lack of sunlight. |
| In view of | The flower didn’t grow in view of a lack of sunlight. |
| Considering | The flower didn’t grow, considering it didn’t get enough sunlight. |
| Given that | The flower didn’t grow, given that it didn’t get enough sunlight. |
| Seeing that | The flower didn’t grow, seeing that it didn’t get enough sunlight. |
| Inasmuch as | The flower didn’t grow, inasmuch as it didn’t get enough sunlight. |
| For | The flower didn’t grow, for it didn’t get enough sunlight. (Less common) |
| The reason why | The reason why the flower didn’t grow was that it didn’t get enough sunlight. |
| Because of | The flower didn’t grow because of a lack of sunlight. |
| Resulting from | The flower didn’t grow resulting from a lack of sunlight. |
| As a result of | The flower didn’t grow as a result of a lack of sunlight. |
| Due to | The flower didn’t grow due to a lack of sunlight. |
| Attributable to | The flower’s failure to grow was attributable to a lack of sunlight. |
| Arising from | The flower’s failure to grow was arising from a lack of sunlight. |
| Thanks to | The flower didn’t grow, thanks to the lack of sunlight. (Note: can be sarcastic) |
| By reason of | The flower didn’t grow by reason of a lack of sunlight. |
| In consequence of | The flower didn’t grow in consequence of a lack of sunlight. |
| On the grounds that | The flower didn’t grow on the grounds that it didn’t get enough sunlight. |
Usage Rules
While many of these phrases are interchangeable, there are subtle differences in usage that should be considered:
- Formality: “Owing to,” “on account of,” “in view of,” and “inasmuch as” are generally more formal than “because,” “since,” and “as.”
- Emphasis: “The reason why” places more emphasis on the reason itself.
- Noun vs. Clause: “Owing to,” “on account of,” and “due to” are typically followed by a noun or noun phrase, while “because,” “since,” “as,” “given that,” and “seeing that” are followed by a clause.
- “For”: Use “for” sparingly, as it can sound archaic or overly formal in modern English. Ensure the causal relationship is clear when using “for.”
- “Thanks to”: Be cautious when using “thanks to,” as it can often imply sarcasm if the outcome is negative.
When choosing an alternative, consider the context, audience, and desired tone of your writing. Opt for the most concise and clear option that accurately conveys the causal relationship.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternatives to “due to the fact”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Owing to that… | Owing to the fact that… / Owing to… | “Owing to” should be followed by a noun phrase or “the fact that” + clause. |
| Because of that he was late… | Because he was late… / Because of his lateness… | “Because” is followed by a clause, while “because of” is followed by a noun phrase. |
| Since of the rain… | Because of the rain / Since it was raining… | “Since” is followed by a clause, and “since of” is not grammatically correct. |
| As of the weather… | Due to the weather / As the weather was bad… | “As of” has a different meaning (referring to a specific date or time). Use “as” followed by a clause. |
| The reason why because… | The reason why… is because… / The reason is that… | Avoid redundancy by not using “because” directly after “the reason why.” |
| In view of that he failed… | In view of his failure… / In view of the fact that he failed… | “In view of” should be followed by a noun phrase or “the fact that” + clause. |
| Considering of the circumstances… | Considering the circumstances… | The preposition “of” is unnecessary after “considering” in this context. |
| Given that of the situation… | Given the situation… / Given that the situation was difficult… | “Given” can be followed by a noun or “given that” by a clause. |
| Seeing that of the problem… | Seeing the problem… / Seeing that there was a problem… | “Seeing” can be followed by a noun or “seeing that” by a clause. |
| Inasmuch as of the difficulty… | Inasmuch as there was difficulty… | “Inasmuch as” introduces a clause. |
| For of the reason… | For the reason… | While not common, the correct structure is “for + noun phrase” or “for + clause” |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Replace “due to the fact that” with a more appropriate alternative.
Exercise 1: Rewrite the following sentences, replacing “due to the fact that” with “because.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The flight was delayed due to the fact that there was a mechanical issue. | 1. The flight was delayed because there was a mechanical issue. |
| 2. The students were happy due to the fact that the exam was easy. | 2. The students were happy because the exam was easy. |
| 3. The plants died due to the fact that they didn’t receive enough water. | 3. The plants died because they didn’t receive enough water. |
| 4. The concert was canceled due to the fact that the lead singer was sick. | 4. The concert was canceled because the lead singer was sick. |
| 5. The road was closed due to the fact that there was an accident. | 5. The road was closed because there was an accident. |
| 6. The project was successful due to the fact that the team worked hard. | 6. The project was successful because the team worked hard. |
| 7. The event was a success due to the fact that it was well-organized. | 7. The event was a success because it was well-organized. |
| 8. The company prospered due to the fact that it innovated constantly. | 8. The company prospered because it innovated constantly. |
| 9. He couldn’t attend the party due to the fact that he had to work. | 9. He couldn’t attend the party because he had to work. |
| 10. She got a promotion due to the fact that she performed exceptionally well. | 10. She got a promotion because she performed exceptionally well. |
Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences, replacing “due to the fact that” with “since.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The store was closed due to the fact that it was a public holiday. | 1. The store was closed since it was a public holiday. |
| 2. We decided to stay home due to the fact that the weather was bad. | 2. We decided to stay home since the weather was bad. |
| 3. The game was easy due to the fact that we had practiced a lot. | 3. The game was easy since we had practiced a lot. |
| 4. The meeting was short due to the fact that there was only one item on the agenda. | 4. The meeting was short since there was only one item on the agenda. |
| 5. The price increased due to the fact that there was high demand. | 5. The price increased since there was high demand. |
| 6. The museum was free due to the fact that it was sponsored by the city. | 6. The museum was free since it was sponsored by the city. |
| 7. The class was canceled due to the fact that the professor was ill. | 7. The class was canceled since the professor was ill. |
| 8. The library was quiet due to the fact that it was exam season. | 8. The library was quiet since it was exam season. |
| 9. The event was popular due to the fact that it was heavily advertised. | 9. The event was popular since it was heavily advertised. |
| 10. The project finished early due to the fact that the team was efficient. | 10. The project finished early since the team was efficient. |
Exercise 3: Rewrite the following sentences, replacing “due to the fact that” with “owing to.” (You may need to rephrase the sentence slightly.)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The delay was due to the fact that there was heavy traffic. | 1. The delay was owing to heavy traffic. |
| 2. Her success was due to the fact that she worked tirelessly. | 2. Her success was owing to her tireless work. |
| 3. The cancellation was due to the fact that there were unforeseen circumstances. | 3. The cancellation was owing to unforeseen circumstances. |
| 4. The improvement was due to the fact that there was better management. | 4. The improvement was owing to better management. |
| 5. The failure was due to the fact that there was a lack of planning. | 5. The failure was owing to a lack of planning. |
| 6. The progress was due to the fact that there was new technology. | 6. The progress was owing to new technology. |
| 7. The accident was due to the fact that there was poor visibility. | 7. The accident was owing to poor visibility. |
| 8. The decline was due to the fact that there was economic recession. | 8. The decline was owing to economic recession. |
| 9. The increase was due to the fact that there was high demand. | 9. The increase was owing to high demand. |
| 10. The change was due to the fact that there was a new policy. | 10. The change was owing to a new policy. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider the following nuances:
- Formal vs. Informal: In very formal writing, phrases like “pursuant to the fact that” or “attributable to the fact that” might be used, but these are rare and often best avoided for clarity.
- Emphasis and Style: Deliberate use of “due to the fact that” can create a specific tone, perhaps to sound bureaucratic or overly precise. However, this is usually unintentional and better achieved through other stylistic choices.
- Sentence Structure: Experiment with inverting the sentence structure for emphasis. For example, instead of “The project failed because of poor planning,” you could write, “Poor planning was the reason the project failed.”
FAQ
- Is “due to the fact that” grammatically incorrect?
No, it is grammatically correct. However, it is often considered wordy and less elegant than simpler alternatives.
- When is it appropriate to use “due to the fact that”?
In most cases, it is better to use a more concise alternative. However, in very formal or legal contexts, it might be used for precision, though even then, simpler options are usually preferable.
- What is the difference between “due to” and “because of”?
“Due to” typically modifies a noun, while “because of” can modify a verb or the entire clause. For example, “The cancellation was due to the weather” (modifies “cancellation”), and “The event was canceled because of the weather” (modifies the entire clause).
- Can I always replace “due to the fact that” with “because”?
In most cases, yes, “because” is a suitable replacement. However, consider the context and whether a more formal alternative like “owing to” might be more appropriate.
- Is it okay to start a sentence with “because”?
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with “because” in modern English. This was once discouraged, but it is now common practice.
- What’s the difference between “since” and “as”?
“Since” implies that the reason is already known or understood, while “as” is often used when the reason is less emphasized. “Since” can also refer to time, so be sure the context is clear.
- How do I choose the best alternative for “due to the fact that”?
Consider the formality of the context, the desired emphasis, and whether you need to introduce a noun phrase or a clause. Choose the most concise and clear option that accurately conveys the causal relationship.
- Are there any situations where using “due to the fact that” is preferable to other options?
Very rarely. In most cases, simpler and more direct alternatives are better. However, in specific legal or technical documents, it might be used to ensure absolute clarity, although this is becoming less common.
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives to “due to the fact that” is an essential step in refining your English writing and speaking skills. By understanding the nuances of phrases like “because,” “since,” “owing to,” and others, you can express causality with greater precision and elegance.
This not only enhances the clarity of your communication but also makes your writing more engaging and sophisticated.
Remember to consider the context, audience, and desired tone when choosing an alternative. Practice using these phrases in your writing and speaking to internalize their usage.
With consistent effort, you’ll be able to confidently replace “due to the fact that” with more effective and impactful expressions, elevating your overall communication skills.