Expressions with BY and DUE

There are several expressions with by and due which are typical of legal texts. Two short words, but they can cause some confusion.  In this lesson we are going to have a look at them and practice with some gap-filling exercises. Read the explanations and the examples below.

By reason of meaning ’because of’.

If Contractor is unable to provide the consulting services by reason of temporary or permanent illness, disability, incapacity or death.

By virtue of meaning ‘on account of’ or ‘because of’.

By virtue of the present contract each Contracting Party individually agrees that the right referred to in Art. 2 are licensed for Simulcasting by the other Contracting Party.

By way of meaning ‘in a certain way’.

By way of example but not limitation of the foregoing, Confidential Information includes…

Due to is used instead of ‘because of’.

Due to the death of the seller, the conclusion of the contract has been frustrated.

To be due is used instead of ’becomes payable’.

The bill is due on 1 May.

Duly is used instead of ’properly’.

The contract was signed duly and is therefore enforceable.