Guide 189 / 200 4 alternatives 2-minute read
Better ways to say “in light of”
A formal "because of" that lets evidence illuminate a decision.
i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler
"In light of" is not wrong, and it carries weight in official writing. In most memos, "given" does the same job in one word. Reserve the long form for moments when formality is earned.
ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo
Before
In light of recent findings, we are revising the plan.
After
Given the recent findings, we are revising the plan.
iii · The alternatives4 ways out
- 01Given neutral
plain cause
Given the findings, we are revising the plan.
- 02Because of neutral
direct causation
Because of the findings, we are revising.
- 03In view of formal
near-synonym
In view of the findings, we revise.
- 04Following neutral
temporal frame
Following the findings, we revise.
iv · Brew tipKeep this one
"Given" is "in light of" with the lights left off.