Dear 1L Writer: Better options for “the fact that”

✏️ Dear 1L Writer,

If you write “the fact that,” please stop.  Why?

It’s a clunky clause that says nothing. 

It’s even worse when coupled with “despite,” as in “despite the fact that.”

Here are some better options.

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1️⃣  Drop “the fact.”  Just write “that.”

Clunky: The fact that the professor said it was not what upset her. It was his tone.

Better: That the professor said it was not what upset her. It was his tone.

*    *    *

Clunky: He was dismayed by the fact that the court rejected his case.

Better: He was dismayed by the court’s rejection of his case.

Better: The court’s rejection of his case dismayed him.

————

2️⃣  Drop “despite the fact.”  Try “even though,” or “although.”

Clunky: Despite the fact that she had done nothing wrong, the police arrested her with all the others.

Better: Although she had done nothing wrong, the police arrested her with all the others.

Better: The police arrested her with all the others, even though she had done nothing wrong.

*    *    *

Clunky: The Supreme Court took this stance despite the fact that most Americans disagreed.

Better:  The Supreme Court took this stance even though most Americans disagreed.

_____

What’s your take? 

Will you reconsider writing “the fact that” now?

Fondly,

💌 Amanda

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