Is 'granted that' interchangeable with 'given that'?

I'm stuck on the following sentence from a piece I'm proofreading:

'Granted that the Maestro had little faith in amateurs, this choir had been well prepared by their chorus master.'

To me it feels like 'given that' sounds better, but I've been instructed not to make any unnecessary changes.

Is 'granted that' acceptable usage in this context if it can be taken to mean something like 'on the assumption that..'?

Any help much appreciated!

Solution 1:

“Granted (that)” does not mean “on the assumption that”. It means: “I accept, although reluctantly, that (the following is true:)”.

The truthfulness of the statement that follows is neither questioned nor assumed. It is accepted as fact.

That’s also the case with “given (that)”, but “given (that)” does not suggest reluctance.

A good alternative for “granted (that)” is “conceding (that)” or “admittedly”. “To concede” and “to admit” convey the same reluctance.

An alternative for “given (that)” is “considering”.

•

There is another difference between “given (that)” and “granted (that)”.

“Given (that)” suggests that the following clause is the cause, or one of the causes, of the main clause.

Given that the performance day is approaching fast, the choir is rehearsing frequently.

means

The choir is rehearsing frequently, because the performance day is approaching fast.

“Granted (that)” does not suggest a causal relationship. In fact, it could mean the opposite.

Granted that the choir members have busy shedules, they are nevertheless rehearsing quite frequently. It’s amazing they find the time.

means

The choir members are rehearsing quite frequently, despite having busy shedules.

•

In your example

Granted that the Maestro had little faith in amateurs, this choir had been well prepared by their chorus master.

means

Amateurs generally don’t live up the the Maestro’s expectations. However this choir might prove him wrong, thanks to the preparations by their chorus master.

On the other hand

Given that the Maestro had little faith in amateurs, this choir had been well prepared by their chorus master.

means

The chorus master is aware of the Maestro’s lack of faith in the capabilities of amateurs. To prove the Maestro wrong, the chorus master has prepared the choir well.

That’s not quite the same thing.

Only if you want to convey that chorus master wouldn’t have prepared the choir so well, if it wasn’t for the Maestro’s lack of faith, go ahead and use “Given (that)”.