Due

We use 'due' on different occasions and situations to represent different meanings. In this lesson, we will learn all about it.

'Due' is very common among native speakers and can function as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. In this lesson, we will discuss how to learn and use it.

Functions of 'Due'

'Due' as a Noun

Use

One of the functions 'due' can perform is to be used as a noun. In this case, it can be used in two different ways. Take a look below:

When we want to indicate someone's right, we can use 'due' as a noun. Look:

Despite the fact that I hate him, I believe that it is his due to voice his opinion freely.

Here, 'due' is synonymous with 'right'.

'But sir, it is my due to do as I please,'

We can also use 'due' as a noun to signify an obligatory payment to a company, an organization, etc.:

She must've paid her dues by the end of the following summer.

When I was young, I worked as a waitress to pay my university dues.

Position in a Sentence

Since 'due' is a noun here, it can be the subject, the object of the verb, or the preposition. Look:

Don't you think you have to pay your dues to your mother?

Here, 'due' is the object of a verb.

Your Highness, we believe that it is our due to have some time to consider your offer.

'Due' as an Adjective

Another function of 'due' is to be an adjective. Below, we are going to analyze the kinds of adjectives it can be:

Use

'Due' as a Predicative Adjective

Mainly, 'due' comes after the main verb which makes it a predictive adjective. Look below to understand its different meanings:

When something/someone is expected, we can use 'due'. Take a look below:

The Cleins are due to arrive in Hamburg, on 30th of October.

As you can see, the sentence is indicating that this family are expected to go to a specific place at a particular time.

Anne and Fredrick's baby is due to be born this week.

When we want to show the reason behind an action, we can use 'due to'. Study the following examples:

Her lack of motivation is due to the increased level of depression.

Here, 'due to' is synonymous with 'because of'.

Eliot is keeping his distance with everyone due to all the difficulties he has experienced being close to some people.

When there is a debt to be paid or a right that is owed, we use 'due'. Take a look:

The next water bill is due on 20th of July.

An opportunity in which I can freely express myself is due to me.

American speakers remove the preposition 'to' and use 'due me' instead.

'Due' as an Attributive Adjective

We can sometimes use 'due' as an attributive adjective. It comes before nouns and modifies them. Look:

We can use 'due' as an adjective when we want to talk about a situation being proper and suitable. Check out the following examples:

Herefore, I banish you to the deserts for behaving without due care and attention in public.

Here, the sentence signifies that the particular person had behaved inappropriately.

I feel that you have been treating me without due care and respect lately.

Here, we use 'due' only before a noun.

Position in a Sentence

If 'due' is used as a predicative adjective, it always comes after the main verb. If 'due' is used as an attributive adjective, we use it before nouns to modify them. Look at the following examples for more clarification:

After one year of employment, I'm due to a week of vacation.

Here, it has been used as a predicative adjective.

He was sent to prison for behaving without due respect towards Her Highness.

Here, it has been use as an attributive adjective.

'Due' as an Adverb

As was mentioned above, 'due' can also function as an adverb. Below, we are going to see the kinds of adverbs it can be:

Use

'Due' as an Adverb of Movement and Direction

When we use 'due' as an adverb, its meaning changes completely from that mentioned above. It is used to signify moving precisely in a direction. So, it is an adverb of movent and direction. Take a look at the examples below:

They are going due north to reach the square.

Just head due south and you'll eventually see the sea.

Position in a Sentence

Since here 'due' is an adverb, we use it before nouns that are showing movement and direction. Look below:

A : Excuse me, sir, how can I get to platform nine and three quarters?

B : Just head due east and you'll see the train to Hogwarts.

Idioms with 'Due'

We have some idioms with 'due' that are commonly used among native English speakers. Let us learn all about them below:

With all due respect: When we want to disagree with someone in a polite way to lessen its effects, we use this expression:

With all due respect professor, I believe you are mistaken in limiting this poem to one meaning.

With all due respect, she declined your offer.

Give the devil his due: When we want to show that despite our dislike towards someone, we still admire them for something, we use this idiom:

Although he treated me terribly, to give the devil his due, I admire his confidence.

In spite of her unreasonable hatred to me, she respects my hard work, to give the devil his due.

In due course: When we want to signify something is done 'on time', we use this expression:

The semester shall begin in due course.

All incomes will be paid in due course, ma'am.

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