Guide 64 / 200 4 alternatives 2-minute read

Better ways to say “Notwithstanding the fact that”

Six words doing what "although" does.

i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler

A classic of padded prose. The phrase combines a stiff legalism ("notwithstanding") with the padding phrase "the fact that." "Although," "though," or "even though" is almost always right.

ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo

Before

Notwithstanding the fact that we agreed a freeze, merges continued.

After

Although we agreed a freeze, merges continued.

iii · The alternatives4 ways out

01

Although neutral

everyday contrast

Although we agreed a freeze, merges continued.
02

Though neutral

lighter tone

Though we agreed a freeze, merges continued.
03

Even though neutral

stronger contrast

Even though we agreed a freeze, merges continued.
04

Despite neutral

before a noun phrase

Despite the freeze, merges continued.

iv · Brew tipKeep this one

If you can replace the phrase with "though," do. The rest is padding.