Spoken and written
In reports, studies, proposals and expert opinions, readers expect fixed phrases that structure the text. In conversation, the same phrases usually sound stilted. The content stays the same; only the register changes.
The same statement
Conversation
Sobre el presupuesto, todavía no sabemos nada.
We still don't know anything about the budget.
Viendo los datos, habría que cambiar el plan.
Looking at the data, we'd need to change the plan.
Report
En lo que respecta al presupuesto, aún no se dispone de información.
With regard to the budget, no information is available as yet.
A la luz de los datos, convendría modificar el plan.
In the light of the data, it would be advisable to modify the plan.
Four jobs in a text
Watch what follows: some phrases need a noun, others a whole clause with que.
Introducing a topic
En lo que respecta a, en lo que se refiere a + noun = with regard to, as regards. En cuanto a is more neutral and fits both registers.
En lo que respecta a la financiación, el proyecto depende de fondos europeos.
As regards funding, the project depends on EU money.
Stating the basis
A la luz de + noun = in the light of. Habida cuenta de + noun = given, in view of, very formal.
A la luz de estos resultados, la hipótesis inicial pierde fuerza.
In the light of these results, the initial hypothesis loses weight.
Habida cuenta de la escasez de datos, las conclusiones son provisionales.
In view of the scarcity of data, the conclusions are provisional.
Highlighting
Cabe señalar que, conviene subrayar que + clause = it should be noted that, it is worth stressing that. You draw attention to a point without saying I.
Cabe señalar que la muestra es reducida.
It should be noted that the sample is small.
Conviene subrayar que ningún participante abandonó el estudio.
It is worth stressing that no participant dropped out of the study.
Drawing conclusions and moving on
De ahí que + subjunctive = hence, which is why. Dicho esto = having said that, leads into an objection or a new point.
Los costes se duplicaron; de ahí que el proyecto se haya retrasado.
Costs doubled, which is why the project has been delayed.
El método es fiable. Dicho esto, su coste resulta elevado.
The method is reliable. Having said that, it is expensive.
