Formal Causation: -로 인하여 (Due To, Owing To)

This pattern attaches directly to a noun.

It turns that noun into a formal cause.

The structure is simple: Noun + 로 인하여.

It focuses on the reason for an event.

It is often followed by a formal result.

You can also use the shorter version 로 인해.

Both mean the same thing in practice.

로 인해 is slightly more common in writing.

It helps sentences flow better in long reports.

1. 1Pick a noun that represents a cause.
2. 2Check if the noun has a final consonant.
3. 3If it ends in a vowel, add 로 인하여.
4. 4If it ends in a consonant, add 로 인하여.
5. 5If it ends in ㄹ, just add 로 인하여.
6. 6For example, 사고 (accident) becomes 사고로 인하여.
7. 7폭우 (heavy rain) becomes 폭우로 인하여.
8. 8소음 (noise) becomes 소음으로 인하여.
9. 9Wait, did you notice the small change?
10. 10Use 으로 인하여 after a final consonant.
11. 11Use 로 인하여 after a vowel or ㄹ.

Use it when writing formal news articles.

Use it during professional business presentations.

It is perfect for academic research papers.

Use it when discussing serious social issues.

It works well for explaining natural disasters.

Use it in public announcements at stations.

It sounds authoritative and very objective.

Think of it like a professional news anchor.

They use it to sound reliable and clear.

It is great for job interview explanations too.

Do not use it with your friends.

It will make you sound like a robot.

Avoid it when ordering food at restaurants.

"Due to hunger, I want pizza" sounds weird.

Don't use it for small, personal feelings.

"Due to you, I am happy" is too stiff.

Save it for serious or official contexts.

Using it casually is like wearing a ballgown to the gym.

Stick to 때문에 for your daily conversations.

Many people try to use it with verbs.

로 인하여 only attaches to nouns.

If you want a verb, use 기 때문에.

Don't forget the 으 after a consonant.

교통사고로 인하여 is correct and natural.

교통사고인하여 is missing the particle entirely.

Another mistake is using it for positive personal favors.

For personal help, use 덕분에 instead.

로 인하여 usually feels neutral or negative.

때문에 is the general, all-purpose "because."

You can use 때문에 with friends or bosses.

로 인하여 is much more formal than 때문에.

덕분에 is used for positive results only.

It means "thanks to" and shows gratitude.

로 인하여 is for objective facts and causes.

탓에 is used only for negative blame.

로 인하여 is the professional, objective middle ground.

It is like the difference between "cuz" and "owing to."