In light of

USAGE SUMMARY

"In light of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to information or events that are relevant to a particular situation or opinion. For example, "In light of the current pandemic, I have decided to stay home and work from home for the next few weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

In light of this, I am doing two things.

The Guardian

In light of these problems, Representative Smith proposed his bill.

The New Yorker

In light of Obama's remarks, Fish is correct.

The New Yorker

In light of the criticism, the board has increased monitoring.

The New York Times

In light of the lawsuit, Sony has boycotted the convention.

The New York Times

(In light of those orders, Waller was acquitted).

The New Yorker

In light of this, how can addiction be accurately determined?

The New York Times - Science

In light of our findings, we offer three recommendations.

The Guardian

In light of that, here is our Hurricane Irene playlist.

The New Yorker

In light of the news, it may be rather festive.

The New York Times

In light of Softbank's struggles, Son has to hope so.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "In light of", ensure that the connection between the introductory phrase and the subsequent statement is clear and logical.

Common error

Avoid using "In light of" when a direct causal relationship is not evident; use phrases like "because of" or "due to" instead when a direct cause-and-effect is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In light of" serves as a prepositional phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a subsequent statement. It functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the main clause by providing context or explanation. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates that new information influences a decision.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "In light of" is a causal connector used to introduce information that provides context or justification for a subsequent statement. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It frequently appears in news media, science, and formal business contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, make sure the connection between it and what follows is logical and clear. Ludwig’s examples further show how the phrase introduces reason and justification, which is why mastering this phrase can certainly improve writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Considering

A more concise synonym that emphasizes taking something into account.

Given

Focuses on the provided information as a basis for a conclusion.

Taking into account

Highlights the act of considering specific factors.

Bearing in mind

Emphasizes remembering or being aware of something.

Due to

Indicates a direct causal relationship.

Because of

Similar to "due to", but can sometimes be used more broadly.

As a result of

Highlights the consequence of something.

In view of

A formal alternative that focuses on considering something.

Considering the fact that

A more verbose option that adds emphasis to the element being considered.

Taking into consideration that

Similar to "considering the fact that" but with slightly different phrasing.

FAQs

How can I use "In light of" in a sentence?

"In light of" is typically used to introduce information that affects a decision or understanding. For example, "In light of the new evidence, we must reconsider our initial assessment."

What are some alternatives to "In light of"?

You can use alternatives such as "considering", "given", or "because of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "In the light of" instead of "In light of"?

While "in the light of" isn't inherently incorrect, "in light of" is the more common and accepted idiom.

How does "In light of" differ from "Despite"?

"In light of" introduces a reason or explanation, while "despite" indicates that something is happening even though something else might prevent it. They have opposite meanings.