due to the traffic

Meaning

This phrase is used to explain that a delay, cancellation, or late arrival was caused by a high volume of vehicles on the road. It is a neutral, slightly formal but very common way to state a reason for being late. You will hear it often in public transport announcements, work contexts, and casual conversations.

Examples

• I'm sorry I'm late, but we got stuck on the highway due to the traffic.

  I'm sorry I'm late, but we got stuck on the highway due to the traffic.

• The delivery might be delayed today due to the heavy traffic downtown.

  The delivery might be delayed today due to the heavy traffic downtown.

• Due to the traffic, we decided to take the subway instead of driving.

  Due to the traffic, we decided to take the subway instead of driving.

• We missed the beginning of the movie due to the traffic near the mall.

  We missed the beginning of the movie due to the traffic near the mall.

• Is the bus usually this late, or is it just due to the traffic today?

  Is the bus usually this late, or is it just due to the traffic today?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I arrived late due the traffic.

  ✓ I arrived late due to the traffic.

  The word 'due' must always be followed by the preposition 'to' when indicating a cause or reason.

• ✗ Due to the traffic, so I missed my flight.

  ✓ Due to the traffic, I missed my flight.

  Do not use 'so' in the main clause when you start the sentence with 'due to', as it makes the sentence structurally redundant.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The bus is running twenty minutes late ___.

  💡 Use a phrase explaining the delay caused by cars on the road.

  Show answer

  due to the traffic

• ___, we couldn't make it to the restaurant on time.

  💡 Start the sentence by blaming the busy roads.

  Show answer

  Due to the traffic