Mastering a variety of phrases to express cause and effect is crucial for clear and sophisticated communication. Over-reliance on phrases like “due to the fact that” can make your writing and speech sound repetitive and less engaging.
This article explores a wide range of alternative expressions, providing you with the tools to articulate causal relationships with precision and style. Whether you’re an ESL learner, a student honing your writing skills, or a professional aiming for more impactful communication, this guide will enhance your ability to express reasons and explanations effectively.
This comprehensive guide dissects the nuances of each alternative, offering illustrative examples and practical exercises to solidify your understanding. By diversifying your explanatory vocabulary, you’ll be able to craft more compelling narratives, construct stronger arguments, and communicate with greater confidence.
Prepare to elevate your English proficiency and express yourself with fluency and finesse.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition: ‘Due To The Fact That’
- Structural Breakdown of ‘Due To The Fact That’
- Alternatives to ‘Due To The Fact That’
- Examples of Alternative Phrases
- Usage Rules and Considerations
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition: ‘Due To The Fact That’
“Due to the fact that” is a phrase used to introduce a clause that provides the reason or cause for something. It serves as a conjunction, linking the cause to its effect.
While grammatically correct, it’s often considered wordy and can be replaced with more concise alternatives. It essentially functions as a more elaborate version of “because.”
Classification: Causal conjunctional phrase.
Function: To indicate the reason or cause for an event, situation, or statement.
Contexts: Formal writing, academic papers, and professional communication, although often discouraged in favor of simpler options.
Structural Breakdown of ‘Due To The Fact That’
The phrase “due to the fact that” consists of several components working together:
- Due: An adjective meaning caused by or resulting from.
- To: A preposition indicating direction or relationship.
- The fact: A noun phrase referring to a specific piece of information.
- That: A subordinating conjunction introducing a dependent clause.
The structure typically follows this pattern: Due to the fact that + [Subject + Verb + Object/Complement]. This entire phrase then acts as an adverbial clause, modifying the main clause of the sentence, explaining why something is happening.
For example: “Due to the fact that it was raining, the game was canceled.” Here, “due to the fact that it was raining” explains why the game was canceled.
Alternatives to ‘Due To The Fact That’
Here are several alternatives to “due to the fact that,” categorized by their level of formality and nuance:
Because
Because is a straightforward and versatile conjunction that clearly indicates cause and effect. It’s suitable for most situations, from informal conversations to formal writing.
Example: “The store was closed because it was a holiday.”
Since
Since implies that the reason is already known or understood by the listener or reader. It’s often used when the cause is less important than the effect.
Example: “Since you’re already here, you might as well help me.”
As
As is similar to “since,” but it can also indicate simultaneous actions or events. Like “since,” it often introduces information that is already known.
Example: “As it was getting late, we decided to go home.”
Seeing That
Seeing that is a more informal alternative, suggesting that the reason is obvious or easily observed.
Example: “Seeing that you’re busy, I’ll handle this myself.”
Inasmuch As
Inasmuch as is a formal and somewhat archaic alternative, meaning “to the extent that” or “since.” It’s best suited for legal or highly formal contexts.
Example: “Inasmuch as he is a minor, he cannot legally sign the contract.”
Owing To
Owing to is a more formal alternative to “due to,” often used in official reports or formal writing. It’s followed by a noun or noun phrase.
Example: “The delay was owing to a mechanical failure.”
On Account Of
On account of is similar to “owing to” and “due to,” but it can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, implying blame or responsibility.
Example: “The event was canceled on account of the bad weather.”
As a Result Of
As a result of emphasizes the consequence or outcome of a particular cause. It’s often used when the effect is significant or noteworthy.
Example: “As a result of the new policy, productivity has increased.”
Due To
Due to is a simpler and more direct alternative to “due to the fact that.” It’s followed by a noun or noun phrase.
Example: “The accident was due to icy roads.”
Because Of
Because of is similar to “due to” and is followed by a noun or noun phrase. It’s a common and versatile choice.
Example: “We were late because of the traffic.”
Considering
Considering introduces a reason or factor that should be taken into account. It often implies a sense of evaluation or judgment.
Example: “Considering the circumstances, he did a good job.”
Given That
Given that indicates that a particular fact or situation is already established or assumed to be true.
Example: “Given that he has no experience, he’s unlikely to get the job.”
For
For can be used as a conjunction to introduce a reason or explanation, although it’s less common in modern English and tends to sound more formal or archaic. It often follows a comma.
Example: “He must be tired, for he’s been working all day.”
The Reason Being
The reason being is a phrase used to directly introduce the cause or explanation for a previous statement. It’s more emphatic than “because.”
Example: “I can’t go to the party, the reason being that I have to work.”
Consequently
Consequently indicates that something is a direct result or consequence of something else. It’s often used to introduce a logical conclusion.
Example: “The company invested heavily in research; consequently, they developed several innovative products.”
Accordingly
Accordingly is similar to “consequently,” but it can also imply that an action is being taken in response to a particular situation.
Example: “The weather forecast predicted rain; accordingly, we canceled the picnic.”
Therefore
Therefore is a formal conjunction that indicates a logical conclusion or inference. It’s often used in academic writing and formal arguments.
Example: “All men are mortal; therefore, Socrates is mortal.”
Hence
Hence is a more formal and somewhat archaic alternative to “therefore.” It also indicates a logical consequence or inference.
Example: “The evidence is circumstantial; hence, we cannot be certain of his guilt.”
Thus
Thus is another formal conjunction that indicates a result or consequence. It’s often used in mathematical or logical proofs.
Example: “Energy is conserved; thus, the total energy of a closed system remains constant.”
Examples of Alternative Phrases
The following tables provide examples of how to replace “due to the fact that” with various alternatives in different contexts:
Table 1: Replacing “Due to the fact that” with “Because”
| Original Sentence (with “Due to the fact that”) | Revised Sentence (with “Because”) |
|---|---|
| Due to the fact that the traffic was heavy, we arrived late. | Because the traffic was heavy, we arrived late. |
| Due to the fact that she studied hard, she passed the exam. | Because she studied hard, she passed the exam. |
| Due to the fact that it was raining, the picnic was canceled. | Because it was raining, the picnic was canceled. |
| Due to the fact that he was tired, he went to bed early. | Because he was tired, he went to bed early. |
| Due to the fact that the price was too high, I didn’t buy it. | Because the price was too high, I didn’t buy it. |
| Due to the fact that the store was closed, we couldn’t get groceries. | Because the store was closed, we couldn’t get groceries. |
| Due to the fact that he had a meeting, he couldn’t attend the party. | Because he had a meeting, he couldn’t attend the party. |
| Due to the fact that she was sick, she stayed home from work. | Because she was sick, she stayed home from work. |
| Due to the fact that the power went out, the movie was interrupted. | Because the power went out, the movie was interrupted. |
| Due to the fact that the team played well, they won the game. | Because the team played well, they won the game. |
| Due to the fact that he missed the bus, he was late for school. | Because he missed the bus, he was late for school. |
| Due to the fact that she practiced every day, she improved her skills. | Because she practiced every day, she improved her skills. |
| Due to the fact that the weather was nice, we went for a walk. | Because the weather was nice, we went for a walk. |
| Due to the fact that he was hungry, he ordered a pizza. | Because he was hungry, he ordered a pizza. |
| Due to the fact that she was bored, she started reading a book. | Because she was bored, she started reading a book. |
| Due to the fact that the project was successful, he got a promotion. | Because the project was successful, he got a promotion. |
| Due to the fact that the car broke down, we had to take a taxi. | Because the car broke down, we had to take a taxi. |
| Due to the fact that she was feeling unwell, she canceled her plans. | Because she was feeling unwell, she canceled her plans. |
| Due to the fact that the application was strong, they accepted it. | Because the application was strong, they accepted it. |
| Due to the fact that there was no alternative, we had to do it. | Because there was no alternative, we had to do it. |
This table shows how “because” provides a direct and clear replacement for the wordy “due to the fact that” in various sentences. “Because” is often the simplest and most effective choice.
Table 2: Replacing “Due to the fact that” with “Since” or “As”
| Original Sentence (with “Due to the fact that”) | Revised Sentence (with “Since”) | Revised Sentence (with “As”) |
|---|---|---|
| Due to the fact that you’re already here, can you help me? | Since you’re already here, can you help me? | As you’re already here, can you help me? |
| Due to the fact that it’s getting late, we should leave. | Since it’s getting late, we should leave. | As it’s getting late, we should leave. |
| Due to the fact that he’s the manager, he makes the decisions. | Since he’s the manager, he makes the decisions. | As he’s the manager, he makes the decisions. |
| Due to the fact that we have plenty of time, let’s relax. | Since we have plenty of time, let’s relax. | As we have plenty of time, let’s relax. |
| Due to the fact that she’s an expert, her opinion matters. | Since she’s an expert, her opinion matters. | As she’s an expert, her opinion matters. |
| Due to the fact that the weather is good, we can go outside. | Since the weather is good, we can go outside. | As the weather is good, we can go outside. |
| Due to the fact that you know the area, you should guide us. | Since you know the area, you should guide us. | As you know the area, you should guide us. |
| Due to the fact that I’m not busy, I can help you. | Since I’m not busy, I can help you. | As I’m not busy, I can help you. |
| Due to the fact that the problem is solved, we can move on. | Since the problem is solved, we can move on. | As the problem is solved, we can move on. |
| Due to the fact that the project is complete, we can celebrate. | Since the project is complete, we can celebrate. | As the project is complete, we can celebrate. |
| Due to the fact that you asked, I will tell you the truth. | Since you asked, I will tell you the truth. | As you asked, I will tell you the truth. |
| Due to the fact that we planned ahead, we’re ready. | Since we planned ahead, we’re ready. | As we planned ahead, we’re ready. |
| Due to the fact that she’s the oldest, she takes responsibility. | Since she’s the oldest, she takes responsibility. | As she’s the oldest, she takes responsibility. |
| Due to the fact that I have experience, I can handle this. | Since I have experience, I can handle this. | As I have experience, I can handle this. |
| Due to the fact that the instructions are clear, it’s easy. | Since the instructions are clear, it’s easy. | As the instructions are clear, it’s easy. |
| Due to the fact that the deadline is approaching, we must hurry. | Since the deadline is approaching, we must hurry. | As the deadline is approaching, we must hurry. |
| Due to the fact that he’s dedicated, he always succeeds. | Since he’s dedicated, he always succeeds. | As he’s dedicated, he always succeeds. |
| Due to the fact that they are prepared, they will win. | Since they are prepared, they will win. | As they are prepared, they will win. |
| Due to the fact that it’s free, you should take it. | Since it’s free, you should take it. | As it’s free, you should take it. |
| Due to the fact that it’s already done, you can relax. | Since it’s already done, you can relax. | As it’s already done, you can relax. |
“Since” and “As” are used when the reason is already known or obvious. This table demonstrates their effective use as alternatives to “due to the fact that.”
Table 3: Replacing “Due to the fact that” with “Owing to,” “Due to,” or “Because of”
| Original Sentence (with “Due to the fact that”) | Revised Sentence (with “Owing to”) | Revised Sentence (with “Due to”) | Revised Sentence (with “Because of”) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Due to the fact that the rain, the event was cancelled. | Owing to the rain, the event was cancelled. | Due to the rain, the event was cancelled. | Because of the rain, the event was cancelled. |
| Due to the fact that the accident, the road was closed. | Owing to the accident, the road was closed. | Due to the accident, the road was closed. | Because of the accident, the road was closed. |
| Due to the fact that the delay, the flight was missed. | Owing to the delay, the flight was missed. | Due to the delay, the flight was missed. | Because of the delay, the flight was missed. |
| Due to the fact that the strike, the factory was closed. | Owing to the strike, the factory was closed. | Due to the strike, the factory was closed. | Because of the strike, the factory was closed. |
| Due to the fact that his illness, he couldn’t work. | Owing to his illness, he couldn’t work. | Due to his illness, he couldn’t work. | Because of his illness, he couldn’t work. |
| Due to the fact that her injury, she couldn’t compete. | Owing to her injury, she couldn’t compete. | Due to her injury, she couldn’t compete. | Because of her injury, she couldn’t compete. |
| Due to the fact that their mistake, the project failed. | Owing to their mistake, the project failed. | Due to their mistake, the project failed. | Because of their mistake, the project failed. |
| Due to the fact that the cost, we couldn’t buy it. | Owing to the cost, we couldn’t buy it. | Due to the cost, we couldn’t buy it. | Because of the cost, we couldn’t buy it. |
| Due to the fact that the shortage, supplies were limited. | Owing to the shortage, supplies were limited. | Due to the shortage, supplies were limited. | Because of the shortage, supplies were limited. |
| Due to the fact that the demand, prices increased. | Owing to the demand, prices increased. | Due to the demand, prices increased. | Because of the demand, prices increased. |
| Due to the fact that his age, he retired. | Owing to his age, he retired. | Due to his age, he retired. | Because of his age, he retired. |
| Due to the fact that her talent, she excelled. | Owing to her talent, she excelled. | Due to her talent, she excelled. | Because of her talent, she excelled. |
| Due to the fact that their effort, they succeeded. | Owing to their effort, they succeeded. | Due to their effort, they succeeded. | Because of their effort, they succeeded. |
| Due to the fact that its value, we kept it. | Owing to its value, we kept it. | Due to its value, we kept it. | Because of its value, we kept it. |
| Due to the fact that their generosity, we thanked them. | Owing to their generosity, we thanked them. | Due to their generosity, we thanked them. | Because of their generosity, we thanked them. |
| Due to the fact that its size, it didn’t fit. | Owing to its size, it didn’t fit. | Due to its size, it didn’t fit. | Because of its size, it didn’t fit. |
| Due to the fact that his absence, we worried. | Owing to his absence, we worried. | Due to his absence, we worried. | Because of his absence, we worried. |
| Due to the fact that her smile, we felt happy. | Owing to her smile, we felt happy. | Due to her smile, we felt happy. | Because of her smile, we felt happy. |
| Due to the fact that their support, we prevailed. | Owing to their support, we prevailed. | Due to their support, we prevailed. | Because of their support, we prevailed. |
| Due to the fact that the economy, jobs were scarce. | Owing to the economy, jobs were scarce. | Due to the economy, jobs were scarce. | Because of the economy, jobs were scarce. |
This table highlights the interchangeability of “owing to,” “due to,” and “because of” when followed by a noun or noun phrase.
Usage Rules and Considerations
While many of these alternatives are interchangeable, understanding their nuances and specific usage rules is crucial for effective communication:
- Formality: “Inasmuch as,” “hence,” “thus,” and “therefore” are generally reserved for formal writing and speech. “Seeing that” is more informal and conversational.
- Placement: “Because,” “since,” and “as” typically introduce a dependent clause at the beginning of a sentence or after the main clause. “Consequently,” “accordingly,” “therefore,” “hence,” and “thus” usually begin an independent clause and are often preceded by a semicolon or period.
- Prepositions: “Owing to,” “due to,” and “because of” are prepositions and must be followed by a noun or noun phrase, not a clause.
- Emphasis: “The reason being” provides more emphasis than a simple “because.”
- Context: Choose the alternative that best fits the context and tone of your writing or speech. Consider your audience and the purpose of your communication.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternatives to “due to the fact that”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Due to the fact the rain. | Due to the rain. | “Due to” should be followed by a noun or noun phrase, not a clause. |
| Because of the fact that he was late. | Because he was late. | “Because” is simpler and more direct than “because of the fact that.” |
| Since he is sick, so he stayed home. | Since he is sick, he stayed home. | Do not use “so” after “since” or “as” to introduce the main clause. |
| The reason being because I’m tired. | The reason being that I’m tired. | “The reason being” should be followed by “that.” |
| Consequently, he was late because of that. | Consequently, he was late. | “Consequently” already implies a cause-and-effect relationship; adding “because of that” is redundant. |
| Owing to that he was tired. | Owing to his tiredness. | “Owing to” needs a noun or noun phrase, not a clause introduced by “that.” |
| As he is the leader, so he should decide. | As he is the leader, he should decide. | Similar to ‘since’, avoid using ‘so’ after ‘as’. |
| Because of the traffic was bad. | Because the traffic was bad. | ‘Because of’ takes a noun phrase, ‘because’ takes a clause. |
| Due to the fact that because it was raining. | Because it was raining. | Avoid using ‘due to the fact that’ and ‘because’ together. |
| Since of the rain, we stayed inside. | Because of the rain, we stayed inside. | ‘Since’ doesn’t combine with ‘of’. Use ‘because of’ instead. |
Practice Exercises
Replace “due to the fact that” with a more appropriate alternative in the following sentences:
Exercise 1: Choose the best alternative.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Due to the fact that the train was delayed, I was late. | a) Because b) Owing to c) Since d) As a result of | a) Because |
| 2. Due to the fact that it’s raining, we will stay inside. | a) Owing to b) Since c) Due to d) Because of | b) Since |
| 3. Due to the fact that his hard work, he succeeded. | a) Because b) Owing to c) Since d) As | b) Owing to |
| 4. Due to the fact that the event, the road was closed. | a) Because b) As c) Due to d) the fact that | c) Due to |
| 5. Due to the fact that you’re here, you can help me. | a) Due to b) Because c) As d) Owing to | c) As |
| 6. Due to the fact that the high cost, they didn’t buy it. | a) Because b) Owing to c) Since d) As a result of | b) Owing to |
| 7. Due to the fact that he is the boss, he decides. | a) Due to b) Because c) Since d) For | b) Because |
| 8. Due to the fact that the storm, the ship sank. | a) Owing to b) As c) Because d) Since | a) Owing to |
| 9. Due to the fact that the snow, schools were closed. | a) As b) Because c) Since d) Due to | d) Due to |
| 10. Due to the fact that they trained, they won. | a) Because of b) Since c) As d) Because | d) Because |
Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences.
- Due to the fact that he was unprepared, he failed the test.
- Due to the fact that the weather was bad, we canceled the trip.
- Due to the fact that she is talented, she excels.
- Due to the fact that they are experienced, they were hired.
- Due to the fact that it was late, we went home.
- Due to the fact that the price was low, I bought it.
- Due to the fact that he missed the deadline, his application was rejected.
- Due to the fact that she was tired, she slept all day.
- Due to the fact that they practiced hard, they won the competition.
- Due to the fact that it was a holiday, the stores were closed.
Answers to Exercise 2:
- Because he was unprepared, he failed the test.
- Because the weather was bad, we canceled the trip.
- Since she is talented, she excels.
- Because they are experienced, they were hired.
- As it was late, we went home.
- Because the price was low, I bought it.
- Because he missed the deadline, his application was rejected.
- Because she was tired, she slept all day.
- Because they practiced hard, they won the competition.
- Because it was a holiday, the stores were closed.
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider these more complex aspects:
- Subtleties of Meaning: Explore the subtle differences in meaning between alternatives like “since,” “as,” and “for” in various contexts.
- Stylistic Preferences: Analyze how different writers and speakers use these alternatives to create specific stylistic effects.
- Formal vs. Informal Usage: Investigate the appropriate use of formal and informal alternatives in different communication settings.
- Cross-Linguistic Comparisons: Compare how causal relationships are expressed in English versus other languages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is “due to the fact that” grammatically incorrect?
No, it’s grammatically correct, but it’s often considered wordy and less elegant than simpler alternatives.
- When should I use “owing to” instead of “because”?
Use “owing to” when followed by a noun or noun phrase. “Because” is used to introduce a clause with a subject and verb. For example, “Owing to the rain, the game was canceled” vs. “Because it was raining, the game was canceled.”
- What’s the difference between “since” and “as”?
“Since” and “as” are quite similar and often interchangeable, both indicating a reason that is already known or understood. “As” can also indicate simultaneous actions. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference.
- Can I start a sentence with “because”?
Yes, starting a sentence with “because” is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in informal contexts. However, ensure the sentence is complete
and clear.
Conclusion
By mastering the alternatives to “due to the fact that” presented in this guide, you can significantly enhance the clarity, conciseness, and sophistication of your communication. Diversifying your vocabulary allows you to express causal relationships with greater precision and impact, making your writing and speech more engaging and effective.
Embrace these alternatives and elevate your English proficiency to new heights.