Guide 59 / 200 5 alternatives 2-minute read

Better ways to say “Pursuant to”

Two words doing what "under" does in one.

i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler

"Pursuant to" is courtroom leftovers — a Latinate formal that no one reaches for in speech. In most contexts "under," "per," or "following" say the same thing without putting the reader to sleep.

ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo

Before

Pursuant to Section 4, the party shall deliver the report.

After

Under Section 4, the party shall deliver the report.

iii · The alternatives5 ways out

01

Under neutral

most contracts and policies

Under clause 12, notice must be in writing.
02

Per neutral

cite a rule or instruction briefly

Per the retention policy, records go at seven years.
03

Following neutral

sequence — "following the decision…"

Following the board's decision, the freeze ended.
04

In accordance with formal

when full legal weight is warranted

In accordance with section 4, the party shall…
05

As required by neutral

when the action is compulsory

As required by the statute, disclosures are filed quarterly.

iv · Brew tipKeep this one

Reserve "pursuant to" for lawyers. For the rest of us, "under" does the job.