B1adjective1K

Due

UK /["/djuː/"]/US /["/duː/"]/

Definition

caused by somebody/something; because of somebody/something

In simple words: When something is expected or should happen.

Examples

The project is due next week, so we need to work quickly.
She has a due date for her baby in three months.
You should submit the assignment due for this class at the end of the month.
He felt due for a promotion after working hard for years.
The library books are due tomorrow, so don't forget to return them.

Usage notes

Use 'due' to indicate a deadline or reason. Appropriate in both spoken and written English. Avoid using in overly informal contexts.

Grammar pattern

due + to + reason

Memory hint

Think of 'due' as a deadline—'D-U-E' sounds like 'do'—you need to DO it by the deadline!

Collocations

due date
due process
due to
due on
due for

Synonyms

expected
owed
scheduled
planned
required

Antonyms

overdue
late

Common mistakes

'Due to' vs 'because of' confusion.
Using 'due' with a subject instead of an event (e.g., 'The work is due' not 'The work is due tomorrow').
Confusing with 'do' in phonetics.