Let’s be real. Most people use the phrase synonym for the fact that because they are trying to sound smarter than they actually feel in the moment. It happens to the best of us. You’re staring at a white screen, your cursor is blinking like a judge’s pulse, and you need to bridge two ideas. So, you reach for the heaviest, clunkiest linguistic bridge in the warehouse: "the fact that."
It’s wordy. It’s bloated. Honestly, it’s kinda lazy.
Grammarians like William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White famously tore this phrase apart in The Elements of Style. They didn't just dislike it; they wanted it gone from the English language entirely. They argued that "the fact that" should be revised out of every sentence it touches. Why? Because it adds zero meaning. It’s a filler. If something is a fact, just state the fact. You don't need a label telling the reader, "Hey, look, a fact is coming!"
But sometimes you do need a transition. You need a way to link a cause to an effect without sounding like a dry academic paper or a robot. Finding a solid synonym for the fact that isn't just about being a "grammar nerd." It’s about making sure your reader doesn't fall asleep halfway through your paragraph.
Why Your Writing Feels "Heavy"
When you lean on phrases like "due to the fact that," you’re creating what linguists call "nominalization." You’re turning actions into nouns. It slows everything down.
Imagine you’re telling a friend why you were late. Do you say, "My tardiness was due to the fact that there was traffic"? No. You say, "I’m late because of the traffic." Or better yet, "The traffic held me up." The second version has energy. The first version sounds like a police report written by someone who is trying to avoid a ticket.
Professional editors look for these "clutter phrases" immediately. In a 2026 digital landscape where attention spans are basically non-existent, word count isn't your friend unless every word earns its keep. If you can replace five words with one, do it. Every time.
The Best Swaps for Everyday Writing
If you're looking for a synonym for the fact that, you have to look at the context. There isn't a one-size-fits-all word. English is too messy for that.
Take the word "because." It’s the heavyweight champion of English transitions. It’s short. It’s punchy. It’s clear. If your sentence says "owing to the fact that," just use "because." It works 99% of the time.
What about "since"? Use it for time-based logic.
What about "given"? Use it when you’re establishing a premise.
If you’re trying to show contrast—like "despite the fact that"—go with "although" or "even though." It cuts the fat. It makes your prose lean. Readers appreciate brevity, even if they don't realize it consciously. They just know your writing feels "easier" to read than the other guy's.
The Grammar of Reality
We live in an era of misinformation. Ironically, using "the fact that" can actually make you sound less certain. It’s a linguistic hedge.
When you use a synonym for the fact that like "truthfully" or "actually," you are adding a layer of your own perspective. But when you just state the data, you’re letting the evidence speak.
Think about the difference here:
- "The fact that the Earth is round is undisputed."
- "The Earth is round."
The second one is a powerhouse. The first one sounds like you're trying to convince yourself. Joseph M. Williams, in his book Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace, talks about "pruning the redundant." He argues that readers don't need to be told something is a fact if the sentence that follows is self-evidently true.
Context Matters: When You’re Stuck
Sometimes you actually need a longer transition for rhythm. Writing isn't just about information; it's about music. If every sentence is four words long, it sounds like a jackhammer.
- "In that" – This is a sophisticated way to specify how something is true.
- "Considering" – This works great when you’re starting a sentence and want to set the stage.
- "Now that" – Perfect for showing a change in circumstances.
Suppose you’re writing a business proposal. You might be tempted to write: "In light of the fact that our revenue is up, we should hire."
Instead, try: "Because revenue is up, we should hire."
Or: "Our rising revenue suggests it's time to hire."
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See how the last one actually identifies a relationship? "Suggests" is a much stronger verb than "is."
Dealing With the "That" Problem
The word "that" is the most overused word in the English language. Most of the time, you can just delete it. Seriously. Go through your last email. Every time you see "that," try reading the sentence without it. If the sentence still makes sense, kill it.
"I know that he is coming" becomes "I know he's coming."
"The realization that the project failed" becomes "The project's failure."
When you search for a synonym for the fact that, you're often just looking for a way to get rid of a clunky "that" clause.
The Psychological Impact of Wordiness
There’s a real psychological cost to "wordy" writing. When a reader sees a phrase like "notwithstanding the fact that," their brain has to do extra work. They have to translate that cluster of words into a single concept: "despite."
Cognitive load is real. If you make your reader do "translation work" just to get through a sentence, they’re going to get tired. They might stop reading. This is why high-performing content on Google Discover is usually written at a lower grade level—not because the readers are dumb, but because the writing is efficient.
How to Edit Yourself Without Going Crazy
You don't have to be a poet. You just have to be observant.
First, write your "garbage draft." Just get the ideas out. Use all the "fact thats" you want. Go crazy.
Second, do a "search and destroy" mission. Use the "Find" function (Ctrl+F) to look for the word "fact."
Third, ask yourself: "Does this word add meaning, or is it a placeholder?"
If you’re writing about a legal case, you might actually need the word "fact." Legal writing is specific about "questions of fact" versus "questions of law." But for 95% of us? It's just noise.
Actionable Steps for Cleaner Writing
Stop worrying about sounding "professional." In 2026, professional means clear. It means you respect the reader's time.
Start replacing "the fact that" with these specific alternatives depending on your goal:
If you want to show cause:
Use "because," "as," or "since." Forget "due to the fact that." It’s a relic of the 1950s corporate memo.
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If you want to show a concession:
Use "though," "although," or "even if." Replace "regardless of the fact that." It’s a mouthful that says nothing.
If you want to show a condition:
Use "given that" or simply "if." If you want to be direct:
Just delete the phrase entirely and start the sentence with the subject.
Instead of: "The fact that the sun rose late changed our plans."
Try: "The late sunrise changed our plans."
It’s shorter. It’s better. It’s more human.
Go through your most recent piece of writing and highlight every instance of "the fact that." Replace at least half of them with a single-word alternative. You’ll notice the pacing of your writing improves immediately. Focus on the verb in the sentence rather than the "fact" surrounding it. Strong verbs do the heavy lifting so your transitions don't have to.