Formal linkers: given that, hence, thereby

Given that, in view of, notwithstanding, albeit, hence, thereby, whereby: linkers for reports and essays.

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Formal writing (reports, essays, legal and official texts) uses linkers that you rarely hear in conversation. As with all linkers, two things matter: the meaning, and the grammar that follows. In the table, clause means a subject and a verb, and noun means a noun phrase or an -ing form.

Linker	Meaning	What follows	Everyday English
given that	because, considering that	clause	because, as
given	considering	noun	because of
in view of, in the light of	because of, considering	noun	because of
insofar as	to the extent that	clause	as far as
notwithstanding	despite	noun	despite
albeit	although	adjective, adverb or phrase	although, but
hence	for this reason	noun or new clause	so, that's why
thus	as a result, in this way	clause or -ing	so
thereby	by doing this	-ing	and so
whereby	by which, through which	clause	where, by which

Reason: given that, in view of, in the light of

Given that takes a clause; given, in view of and in the light of take a noun. They introduce a reason the reader is expected to accept. In light of (without the) is also used, especially in American English.

Given that the budget is limited, we must choose carefully.
Given the time of year, the hotel was surprisingly quiet.
In view of the recent complaints, the policy will be reviewed.
In the light of new evidence, the case has been reopened.
Incorrect: In view of prices rose, we changed our supplier.
Correct: In view of the rise in prices, we changed our supplier. / Given that prices rose, ...
In view of takes a noun, not a clause.

Limit: insofar as

Insofar as (also written in so far as) means "to the extent that". It limits a statement to the part that is true.

The plan is useful insofar as it saves time, but it costs more.
In so far as I understand the rules, we can't apply until June.

Concession: notwithstanding, albeit

Notwithstanding means "despite" and takes a noun. It can come before the noun, or after it in very formal style. Albeit means "although" but is followed by an adjective, an adverb or a short phrase, not a full clause.

Notwithstanding the difficulties, the project was completed on time.
The difficulties notwithstanding, the project was completed on time.
Sales have improved, albeit slowly.
It was a useful, albeit expensive, course.
Incorrect: It was a good result, albeit it was later than planned.
Correct: It was a good result, albeit later than planned. / ..., although it was later than planned.
Albeit doesn't take a subject and verb.

Result: hence and thus

Hence means "for this reason". It is often followed by a noun phrase with no verb. Thus means "as a result" or "in this way". It is followed by a clause, or by an -ing form for the result.

The fruit is shaped like a star, hence its name.
The material is light and strong, hence its use in aircraft.
The roads were icy; thus, many schools stayed closed.
The new system is fully automatic, thus reducing the risk of error.

Means: thereby and whereby

Thereby means "by doing this" and is followed by an -ing form describing the result. Whereby means "by which" and starts a clause that explains how a system or an arrangement works.

The company cut its prices, thereby attracting thousands of new customers.
She signed the contract, thereby agreeing to all its terms.
Incorrect: The council closed the road, thereby it reduced traffic.
Correct: The council closed the road, thereby reducing traffic.
Thereby is followed by -ing, not a clause.
The bank offers a scheme whereby customers can pay in monthly instalments.
They reached an agreement whereby each side would cut its forces.

Keep them for formal writing

In an email to a friend or in conversation, these linkers sound stiff. Use the everyday choice instead.

I'm tired, so I'm not coming tonight.
Not hence: in a message to a friend it would sound stiff.
Despite the rain, we had a great day at the beach!
Not notwithstanding, which belongs in reports and contracts.

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