main clause + because of + noun phraseUse because of before a noun phrase, not before a full clause with subject + verb.
Two-Word Prepositions
B1Two-word prepositions work as one unit before a noun phrase: because of, due to, out of, instead of, according to. They show reason, replacement, motive, or source.
What you'll learn
- Use because of + noun phrase to give a reason.
- Use instead of to show one option replaces another.
- Use according to to name the source of information.
- Use out of with motives like fear, love, or habit.
- Choose a noun phrase or -ing form after the preposition.
Structure
main clause + due to + noun phraseUse due to before a noun phrase that names the cause.
main clause + instead of + noun phrase / -ing formUse instead of for alternatives. Before a verb, use the -ing form.
according to + source, + main clauseUse according to to report information from a person, report, article, or data source.
Build a sentence
Expression
After it
because ofthe storm
The match was canceled because of the storm.
Use because of before a noun phrase that names the reason.
When to use
Reason as a thing
Use because of or due to when the cause is named as a noun phrase: because of the storm, due to heavy traffic.
Replacement
Use instead of when one choice replaces another: tea instead of coffee, walking instead of driving.
Source of information
Use according to to show where information comes from: according to Anna, according to the report, according to the data.
Inner motive
Use out of for feelings or motives behind an action: out of fear, out of kindness, out of habit.
Markers
because ofdue toout ofinstead ofaccording to
Common mistakes
Wrong
The meeting ended early because of Anna was sick.
Correct
The meeting ended early because Anna was sick.
Because of needs a noun phrase after it. Anna was sick is a full clause, so use because.
Wrong
The store closed early due to the manager was ill.
Correct
The store closed early because the manager was ill.
Due to is followed by a noun phrase, not a full clause with subject + verb.
Wrong
Tom called Lisa instead of send an email.
Correct
Tom called Lisa instead of sending an email.
After instead of, use an -ing form if the next word is a verb.
Wrong
According to me, the movie is too long.
Correct
In my opinion, the movie is too long.
According to introduces an outside source, not your own personal opinion.
Wrong
They stayed inside out of the rain.
Correct
They stayed inside because of the rain.
Out of is natural for motives like fear or kindness. For an external cause like rain, use because of.
Common misconceptions
❝ All reason expressions work the same, so I can put a full clause after any of them. ❞
These expressions need different patterns. Because can take a clause, but because of and due to need a noun phrase.
❝ After instead of, I can use any verb form. ❞
If a verb follows instead of, use the -ing form: instead of driving, instead of waiting.
Skills in this rule (6)
USE_BECAUSE_OF_FOR_REASONw5Use because of before a noun or noun phrase to give a reason
Use because of when the reason is a thing, person, event, or situation named as a noun phrase. Do not put a full subject + verb clause after it.
USE_DUE_TO_FOR_CAUSEw4Use due to before a noun phrase to state a cause
Use due to with a noun phrase such as bad weather, traffic, or a delay. Keep the cause after due to as a thing or situation, not a full clause.
USE_OUT_OF_FOR_REASON_OR_SOURCEw3Use out of for motives like fear, love, or habit
Use out of with nouns that describe an inner reason such as fear, respect, love, or habit. It answers why someone did something.
USE_INSTEAD_OF_FOR_REPLACEMENTw5Use instead of to show one thing replaces another
Use instead of before the thing not chosen: a noun, pronoun, or -ing form. It shows an alternative or replacement.
USE_ACCORDING_TO_FOR_SOURCEw4Use according to to report information from a source
Use according to before the person, report, article, or data source. It introduces where the information comes from.
CHOOSE_NOUN_PHRASE_AFTER_PREPOSITIONw5Choose the right form after a two-word preposition
After because of, due to, out of, instead of, and according to, use a noun phrase, pronoun, or other non-clause form that fits the expression. Do not automatically add a full subject + verb clause.