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English grammar

In that, given that, albeit, insofar as: subordinators with exact meanings

C1 · Advanced Joining sentences Questions 10

The rule

C1 writing needs linking words whose meaning is exact. in that = because, in the sense that: The plan is flawed in that it ignores costs. given that, considering (that) and seeing that = taking this into account: Given that he had no experience, he did well. insofar as (or in so far as) = to the extent that: The report is useful insofar as it lists the risks. albeit = although, but it takes a word or phrase, not a full clause: a small, albeit important, change. whereas and while set two facts side by side. provided (that), on condition that and as long as make a condition. None of these takes but in the main clause, and albeit it was… is a common error — albeit already contains the verb.

Pattern

in that = because / in the sense that · given that / considering / seeing that = taking into account · insofar as = to the extent that · albeit + adjective / phrase (no clause) · whereas / while = contrast · provided that / on condition that = condition

Examples

  1. The results are encouraging, albeit limited to one region.

  2. Given that it was his first match, he played remarkably well.

  3. The two jobs differ in that one involves constant travel.

  4. The data are reliable insofar as they go, but they are incomplete.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong: The change was small, albeit it was important.

    Right: The change was small, albeit important.

    albeit is followed by a word or phrase, not a full clause.

  • Wrong: Given he was tired, but he kept going.

    Right: Given that he was tired, he did well to keep going.

    given that gives the background; do not add but.

  • Wrong: The plan is flawed in which it ignores costs.

    Right: The plan is flawed in that it ignores costs.

    The link is in that = because, in the sense that.

Practice questions

Try each one yourself first, then open “Show answer” for the solution and the reason.

  1. 1Fill in the gap.

    The hotel was comfortable, _____ rather expensive.

    1. whereas
    2. albeit
    3. despite
    4. although it
    Show answer

    Answer: B The hotel was comfortable, albeit rather expensive.

    albeit + adjective.

  2. 2Choose the correct sentence.

    What does in that mean here?

    The two proposals differ in that only one requires new staff.

    1. because / in the sense that
    2. unless
    3. at the time when
    4. in the place where
    Show answer

    Answer: A because / in the sense that

    in that explains in what way.

  3. 3Choose the correct sentence.

    1. Given of the roads icy, the bus was only ten minutes late.
    2. Given the roads were icy, but the bus was only ten minutes late.
    3. Giving that the roads were icy, the bus was only ten minutes late.
    4. Given that the roads were icy, the bus was only ten minutes late.
    Show answer

    Answer: D Given that the roads were icy, the bus was only ten minutes late.

    given that + clause, with no but.

  4. 4Change the sentence.

    Join with given that.

    She had only a week to prepare. The presentation was impressive.

    1. Giving that she had only a week to prepare, the presentation was impressive.
    2. Given that she had only a week to prepare, the presentation was impressive.
    3. Given that she had only a week to prepare it the presentation was impressive.
    4. Given she had only a week to prepare, but the presentation was impressive.
    Show answer

    Answer: B Given that she had only a week to prepare, the presentation was impressive.

    given that + background, comma, main clause.

  5. 5Choose the correct sentence.

    Which sentence means the same?

    I agree with you insofar as the costs are concerned.

    1. I agree with you completely.
    2. I agree with you about the costs, but not necessarily more.
    3. The costs are not a concern for me.
    4. I disagree with you about the costs.
    Show answer

    Answer: B I agree with you about the costs, but not necessarily more.

    insofar as limits the agreement to one area.

  6. 6This sentence is wrong. Choose the fix.

    The service was efficient, albeit it was a little cold.

    1. The service was efficient, albeit being little cold it.
    2. The service was efficient, albeit a little cold.
    3. The service was efficient, albeit was a little cold.
    4. The service was efficient, albeit of a little cold.
    Show answer

    Answer: B The service was efficient, albeit a little cold.

    albeit + phrase, with no subject and verb.

  7. 7Put the words in the right order.

    Seeing that you are here you might as well help

    Show answer

    Answer: Seeing that you are here you might as well help.

    seeing that = since, because.

  8. 8Choose the correct sentence.

    1. Whereas my brother loving crowds, I prefer a quiet evening.
    2. Whereas my brother loves crowds, I prefer a quiet evening.
    3. Whereas my brother loves crowds, but I prefer a quiet evening.
    4. Whereas as my brother loves crowds, I prefer a quiet evening.
    Show answer

    Answer: B Whereas my brother loves crowds, I prefer a quiet evening.

    whereas contrasts two facts; no but.

  9. 9Fill in the gap.

    The model is useful _____ as it shows general trends, but it cannot predict individual cases.

    1. insofar
    2. albeit
    3. given
    4. in that
    Show answer

    Answer: A The model is useful insofar as it shows general trends, but it cannot predict individual cases.

    insofar as = to the extent that.

  10. 10Choose the correct sentence.

    Which sentence means the same?

    Considering how little he practised, he did well.

    1. He did well, so he practised little.
    2. Because he practised a lot, he did well.
    3. He considered practising, and did well.
    4. Taking his lack of practice into account, he did well.
    Show answer

    Answer: D Taking his lack of practice into account, he did well.

    considering = taking into account.

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