Guide 18 / 200 2 alternatives 2-minute read

Better ways to say “The fact that”

Padding around a noun clause.

i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler

"The fact that" stretches a compact "that"-clause into a clunky noun phrase. Delete it and the sentence usually tightens. The exception is when you're genuinely asserting factual status.

ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo

Before

The fact that we shipped late surprised no one.

After

That we shipped late surprised no one.

iii · The alternatives2 ways out

01

That neutral

almost always works

That she refused was telling.
02

(Recast it) any

reorder around the verb

We shipped late — surprising no one.

iv · Brew tipKeep this one

Treat "the fact that" as a find-and-delete reflex. It almost always cuts cleanly.