[Grammar] due to and owing to

[greencetex]

Hi, May I ask what is the difference between "due to" and "owing to" which are both used to give reasons?
Is there any difference between them regarding the meaning and usage??

Many thanks!

 

[Gillnetter]

Hi, May I ask what is the difference between "due to" and "owing to" which are both used to give reasons?
Is there any difference between them regarding the meaning and usage??

Many thanks!

At one time there was a distinction between the two but not so much anymore.

The bridge was built due to the efforts of the construction workers. (Adjectival)
It was the efforts that built the bridge, so the building of the bridge was due to the efforts.

The bridge is closed owing to the strong storm. (Adverbial)
The bridge closure is because of the storm.

In modern usage these terms are mostly interchangeable.

 

[greencetex]

At one time there was a distinction between the two but not so much anymore.

The bridge was built due to the efforts of the construction workers. (Adjectival)
It was the efforts that built the bridge, so the building of the bridge was due to the efforts.

The bridge is closed owing to the strong storm. (Adverbial)
The bridge closure is because of the storm.

In modern usage these terms are mostly interchangeable.

Thanks for yr explanation. Sry but what do you mean by adjectival, does it mean it acts as an adjective??

I heard ppl saying that in traditional English, "due to" should be used before verb to be. Is this the case?

 

[MikeNewYork]

@Gilll

In my opinion, both of the phrases in your examples are adverbial.