Formal Reasons: Owing to and In view of
owing to for direct causes and in view of for considered reasons.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'owing to' and 'in view of' to provide formal reasons or context for decisions in professional writing.
- Use 'owing to' as a formal synonym for 'because of' followed by a noun phrase: 'Owing to rain, we stayed.'
- Use 'in view of' to mean 'considering' or 'given the fact of': 'In view of the budget, we cut costs.'
- Never follow these with a full clause (subject + verb); always use a noun or gerund (-ing).
Overview
Use these words for work or school. They are very clear. They are better than saying because of.
These words give a reason. They are not the same. Use the right one to sound smart.
This page shows you how to use these words well.
Use these before a name or a thing. Use them at work. Do not use them with friends.
How This Grammar Works
Formation Pattern
When To Use It
Owing to for:- Direct Causation: When one event or state is the direct and unavoidable cause of another. This is common in scientific, technical, or factual reporting.
The experiment failed owing to a calibration error in the equipment.(The error directly caused the failure.)- Attributing States or Conditions: Explaining why something is in a particular state.
The building’s structural integrity was compromised owing to years of neglect.(Neglect directly led to the compromised state.)- Formal Explanations of Events: In official reports, explanations for incidents, or formal announcements.
Production was halted owing to an unexpected system malfunction.(Malfunction directly caused the halt.)
In View of for:- Reasons for Decisions or Actions: When a particular circumstance or piece of information influences a deliberate choice or strategy.
The board decided to postpone the merger in view of market volatility.(Market volatility was the key consideration for the decision.)- Justifying Policy or Strategy: Explaining the rationale behind a course of action.
New security measures were implemented in view of recent threats.(Threats prompted the implementation of measures.)- Considering Specific Information: When taking specific data, feedback, or evidence into account.
In view of the survey results, we will revise our product design.(Survey results influenced the revision decision.)
- Business Correspondence: Official emails, memorandums, reports, and proposals.
- Academic Writing: Research papers, theses, grant applications, and scholarly articles.
- Legal and Governmental Documents: Contracts, legislation, official statements, and policy briefs.
- Formal Public Speaking: Presentations, lectures, and addresses where gravitas and clarity are essential.
Owing to | In View of |X to happen/exist | What was taken into account before Y was decided/done |The delay was owing to unforeseen technical issues. | In view of the budget, we chose a more economical option. |Common Mistakes
- 1Using a Full Clause After the Phrase: This is perhaps the most prevalent error. Both
owing toandin view ofare prepositions, not subordinating conjunctions. They must be followed by a noun, noun phrase, gerund, or pronoun, never a subject-verb clause.
- Incorrect:
Owing to it rained heavily, the match was cancelled. - Correct:
Owing to the heavy rain, the match was cancelled.(Here,the heavy rainis a noun phrase.) - Incorrect:
In view of they had insufficient funds, the project stalled. - Correct:
In view of their insufficient funds, the project stalled.(Here,their insufficient fundsis a noun phrase.) - Correction Strategy: If you need a full clause, use a conjunction like
becauseorsince:Because it rained heavily, the match was cancelled.
- 1Confusing
Owing towithDue to(Traditional View): While modern usage often blurs the line, formal English maintains a distinction. Traditionally,due tois an adjective and must modify a noun, whereasowing tois an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or a clause.
- Incorrect (traditional):
The cancellation was owing to bad weather.(Here,owing to bad weatheris trying to modifycancellation, a noun, which is traditionallydue to's role.) - Correct (traditional):
The cancellation was due to bad weather.(Adjectivedue tomodifies nouncancellation.) - Correct (adverbial):
The flight was cancelled owing to bad weather.(Adverbialowing tomodifies verbwas cancelled.) - C1 Advice: For highest precision, use
due towhen it functions adjectivally (e.g.,The problem is due to X) andowing towhen it functions adverbially (e.g.,The problem arose owing to X).
- 1Interchanging
Owing toandIn View ofIncorrectly: While both introduce reasons, their underlying logic differs. Using one when the other is more appropriate can obscure the precise relationship between cause and effect or decision and consideration.
- Incorrect:
The company launched a new product owing to market demand.(Market demand is a consideration for a decision, not a direct cause of the launch itself.) - Correct:
The company launched a new product in view of market demand. - Incorrect:
The bridge collapsed in view of structural weaknesses.(A collapse is a direct event, not a decision influenced by consideration.) - Correct:
The bridge collapsed owing to structural weaknesses.
- 1Overuse and Stiltedness: The formality of these phrases means their frequent appearance can make your writing sound unnatural, verbose, or overly academic. Vary your sentence structure and choice of connectors. While demonstrating advanced vocabulary is good, clarity and natural flow take precedence.
- 1Placement and Punctuation: When these phrases introduce a sentence, a comma must follow them. Omitting this comma can lead to confusion or make the sentence difficult to parse.
- Incorrect:
Owing to his experience he was promoted quickly. - Correct:
Owing to his experience, he was promoted quickly.
Real Conversations
While owing to and in view of are primarily written constructs, they do surface in specific oral contexts that demand formality and precision. You won't hear them in casual chats, but in professional presentations, formal meetings, or even in news analyses, their presence adds significant weight and intellectual rigor.
Imagine a CEO addressing shareholders about company performance:
-
Structure of Formal Reason Phrases
| Connector | Followed By | Example Noun Phrase | Resulting Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Owing to
|
Noun Phrase
|
the heavy traffic
|
Because of the traffic
|
|
Owing to
|
Gerund (-ing)
|
being understaffed
|
Because we are understaffed
|
|
In view of
|
Noun Phrase
|
the recent events
|
Considering the events
|
|
In view of
|
Gerund (-ing)
|
having no choice
|
Considering we have no choice
|
|
Owing to
|
the fact that + Clause
|
the fact that it was late
|
Because it was late
|
|
In view of
|
the fact that + Clause
|
the fact that costs rose
|
Considering that costs rose
|
Meanings
These phrases function as compound prepositions used to introduce a reason (owing to) or a specific circumstance that influences a decision (in view of).
Causal Origin
Attributing an outcome directly to a specific cause, similar to 'due to'.
“Owing to a mechanical failure, the flight was delayed.”
“The project failed owing to a lack of clear communication.”
Circumstantial Consideration
Taking a particular fact or situation into account when making a judgment or decision.
“In view of the recent scandals, the CEO has resigned.”
“In view of your excellent performance, we are offering a bonus.”
Legal/Administrative Justification
Providing a formal basis for a rule, law, or official statement.
“In view of the evidence presented, the jury reached a verdict.”
“Owing to the state of emergency, a curfew has been implemented.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative (Initial)
|
Owing to [Noun], [Clause]
|
Owing to the rain, the event was cancelled.
|
|
Affirmative (Mid)
|
[Clause] owing to [Noun]
|
The event was cancelled owing to the rain.
|
|
Considerative (Initial)
|
In view of [Noun], [Clause]
|
In view of the costs, we will not proceed.
|
|
Considerative (Mid)
|
[Clause] in view of [Noun]
|
We will not proceed in view of the costs.
|
|
Gerund Form
|
Owing to [Gerund], [Clause]
|
Owing to being ill, he stayed home.
|
|
Clausal Link
|
Owing to the fact that [Clause]
|
Owing to the fact that he was ill, he stayed home.
|
Formality Spectrum
The flight has been delayed owing to adverse weather conditions. (Airport announcement)
The flight is late because of the strong winds. (Airport announcement)
The plane's late 'cause it's windy. (Airport announcement)
Flight's stuck 'cause of the breeze. (Airport announcement)
The Reason Spectrum
Informal
- Because Direct reason
- So Result
Neutral
- Because of Standard cause
- Due to Standard cause
Formal (C1)
- Owing to Formal cause
- In view of Formal consideration
Owing to vs. In view of
Examples by Level
I am late because of the rain.
He is happy because of his gift.
The shop is closed because of the holiday.
We are tired because of the walk.
The flight is late owing to the snow.
Owing to the heat, we stayed inside.
In view of the price, I didn't buy it.
Owing to a cold, she missed school.
Owing to the lack of interest, the class was cancelled.
In view of the current situation, we must wait.
The match was postponed owing to a waterlogged pitch.
In view of his age, he was allowed to enter for free.
Owing to the complexity of the task, we need more time.
In view of the rising costs, the project was abandoned.
The company succeeded owing to its innovative approach.
In view of the feedback, we have updated the app.
Owing to the fact that the data was corrupted, the results are void.
In view of the prevailing economic climate, austerity measures are necessary.
The defendant was acquitted owing to a lack of substantial evidence.
In view of the impending deadline, we must expedite the process.
Owing to the inherent volatility of the markets, caution is advised.
In view of the historical precedents, the court's decision was expected.
The theory was discarded owing to its failure to account for anomalies.
In view of the sheer scale of the disaster, international aid was mobilized.
Easily Confused
Learners use them interchangeably, but 'due to' is technically an adjective and 'owing to' is an adverb.
They are very similar, but 'in light of' often implies new information has been revealed.
Common Mistakes
I am late owing to I missed the bus.
I am late because I missed the bus.
Owing to rain.
Owing to the rain.
In view of to save money, we stayed home.
In view of saving money, we stayed home.
The success was owing to the team.
The success was due to the team.
Sentence Patterns
Owing to ___, the decision was made to ___.
In view of ___, it is recommended that ___.
Real World Usage
In view of the quarterly losses, we must restructure.
Owing to the lack of previous research, this study is exploratory.
Owing to a force majeure event, the contract is suspended.
Owing to a shortage of staff, some services are cancelled.
In view of your request, I have attached the documents.
Owing to the protests, the city center is closed.
The 'Fact That' Hack
Avoid in Casual Speech
Placement for Emphasis
British Politeness
Smart Tips
Swap 'because of' for 'owing to' to instantly sound more professional.
Use 'In view of' at the start of your concluding sentence to tie your arguments together.
Try to simplify the following clause into a single noun phrase.
Try replacing it with 'Because of'. If it works, 'Owing to' is grammatically correct.
Pronunciation
Linking 'Owing to'
The 'g' in 'owing' is soft, and the 'to' is often reduced to a schwa /tə/.
Stress in 'In view of'
The primary stress is on 'view'. 'In' and 'of' are unstressed.
Introductory Phrase Rise
Owing to the rain (rising), we stayed home (falling).
Signals that more information is coming.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
O.W.E. = Origin Was Evidence (Owing to = Origin/Cause; In View of = Evidence/Consideration).
Visual Association
Imagine a judge looking through a window (View) at evidence before making a decision. For 'Owing to', imagine a debt (Owe) being the direct reason you have no money.
Rhyme
Owing to the rain, we feel the pain; In view of the cost, the deal was lost.
Story
A CEO is looking at a financial report. 'Owing to the deficit,' he says, 'we are in trouble.' Then, looking at the team's potential, he adds, 'In view of your talent, we will try one more time.'
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences about your last job or school project using 'owing to' for a problem and 'in view of' for a decision you made.
Cultural Notes
British English uses 'owing to' slightly more frequently in formal public notices (e.g., on the Tube or at train stations) than American English.
In peer-reviewed journals, 'owing to' is preferred over 'because of' to maintain an objective, detached tone.
'In view of' is a standard phrase in legal judgments to introduce the facts that led to a specific ruling.
'Owing' comes from the Old English 'agan' (to possess/owe). It shifted from financial debt to 'attributable to' in the 17th century.
Conversation Starters
In view of the current environmental crisis, what is the most important change individuals should make?
Owing to the rise of AI, how do you think your job will change in five years?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
_______ the high level of interest, we have added a second session.
_______ the recent security breach, all passwords must be changed.
Find and fix the mistake:
Owing to it was a holiday, the banks were closed.
Because the weather is getting worse, we should leave now.
'Owing to' can be used interchangeably with 'because' in all situations.
Select all that apply.
Manager: Why was the report late? Assistant: _______ technical difficulties, sir.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises_______ the high level of interest, we have added a second session.
_______ the recent security breach, all passwords must be changed.
Find and fix the mistake:
Owing to it was a holiday, the banks were closed.
Because the weather is getting worse, we should leave now.
'Owing to' can be used interchangeably with 'because' in all situations.
Select all that apply.
Manager: Why was the report late? Assistant: _______ technical difficulties, sir.
Connectors: 1. Owing to, 2. In view of, 3. Because
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesThe factory halted production ___ a sudden shortage of raw materials.
In view of the market research showed positive trends, we launched the product.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: 'El retraso del proyecto se debió a problemas inesperados de software.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match each scenario with the best introductory phrase:
The company's stock value declined ___ decreased consumer confidence.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: 'Considerando las nuevas regulaciones, la empresa tuvo que ajustar su política de privacidad.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
The decision was made in view of that the costs were too high.
Match the following:
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
Yes, it is very common in formal writing. Just remember to put a comma after the introductory phrase.
They are very similar. `In light of` usually suggests that new information has changed how we see things, while `In view of` is a more general consideration of facts.
Because `owing to` is a preposition, and prepositions take nouns, not clauses. You must say `Owing to my tiredness` or `Owing to the fact that I was tired`.
It is used in both, but it is slightly more frequent in British formal registers, especially in official announcements.
You can, but it will sound very sarcastic or overly formal. It's better to use `since` or `because`.
Traditionally, `due to` follows a noun (The delay was due to rain), while `owing to` is adverbial (Owing to rain, we were late). Today, they are often used interchangeably.
Yes! For example: `In view of having already paid, we decided to attend the event.`
Not necessarily, but it is very often used to explain problems, delays, or cancellations.
Scaffolded Practice
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2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Debido a / En vista de
Spanish uses 'en vista de' more frequently in semi-formal speech than English uses 'in view of'.
En raison de / Étant donné
French often uses 'grâce à' for positive reasons, whereas 'owing to' is usually neutral or negative.
Aufgrund / Angesichts
German requires the genitive case after these prepositions, which adds a layer of grammatical complexity not found in English.
〜によって (~ni yotte) / 〜を鑑みて (~wo kangamite)
Japanese connectors often come at the end of the reason phrase, whereas English ones come at the beginning.
بسبب (bisabab) / نظراً لـ (nazaran li)
Arabic often uses a 'li' (for) construction that doesn't have a direct 1:1 prepositional match in English.
由于 (yóuyú) / 鉴于 (jiànyú)
Chinese does not use articles, so the noun phrase structure is simpler.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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