Quick Fix
Just swap “owing to the fact that” with because, since, or due to. That simple change tightens things up nicely.
What’s the deal with “owing to the fact that”?
Honestly, this phrase is like wearing a tuxedo to a barbecue—way too formal for everyday use. Modern style guides from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary and the Grammarly Style Guide (2025) basically say, “Cut the fluff and get to the point.” The phrase works grammatically, but it’s clunky and slows readers down. Most people skim for the reason, not the wordy intro waving a flag that says, “Hey, I’m giving you a reason!”
How do I actually fix it?
First, locate the culprit. Find the clause starting with “owing to the fact that.”
Then ask yourself: Is this phrase actually explaining why something happened? If yes, it’s prime time for a trim.
Now, pick your replacement:
because— the go-to for most situationssince— keeps things neutraldue to— more formal, but only works before a noun or noun phrase
Wait, how do I know which one to use?
Here’s the thing: grammar matters more than you might think.
Use because or since when you’ve got a full clause (a subject and a verb): “The app crashed because the server ran out of memory.”
Use due to when you’re pointing to a noun or noun phrase: “The delay was due to a sudden spike in traffic.”
Get it wrong, and the sentence can sound off. So double-check before you commit.
What if I’m not sure after swapping?
Read it out loud. If it still makes sense and hasn’t lost any meaning, you’ve nailed it. If it sounds awkward or forced, tweak it again.
Pro tip for Microsoft Word users
If you’re using Word 365 (Version 2411), you’ve got a shortcut:
- Go to Review → Editor → Clarity → Concision and look for “Replace wordy phrase.”
- Even faster: press Ctrl + . (Windows) or Command + . (Mac), then pick the “Shorten” suggestion.
What if none of these replacements feel right?
Try as or for when you mean “inasmuch as.” For example: “Attendance dropped as the temperature soared.”
Want to sound dramatic once in a while? Use because of the fact that just once per document for deliberate effect—then go back to plain language.
Writing legal stuff? Keep “owing to the fact that” for now, but flag it for review. Most modern guides call it outdated.
How can I stop this from happening again?
Build a blacklist of phrases you never want to see again. Add “owing to the fact that,” “in light of the fact that,” and “despite the fact that” to your writing tool’s custom dictionary.
Set readability goals. Aim for sentences under 20 words and words under 15 syllables—especially in corporate, academic, or marketing writing.
Create a one-page style sheet. List your go-to replacements and share it with your team. That way, everyone keeps the tone consistent and avoids wordy traps.
