With all due respect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "With all due respect" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to preface a statement that may be disagreeable or critical, while still showing politeness or deference to the person being addressed. Example: "With all due respect, I believe your analysis overlooks some key factors that could impact our decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"With all due respect, that's not our problem," he said.

The New York Times

"With all due respect," she told a crowd in Iowa.

The New York Times

"With all due respect, it comes with the territory".

The New York Times - Sports

"With all due respect, it was ugly here," Getzler said.

The New York Times - Sports

"With all due respect to your ordeal," he says.

The New York Times - Style

"With all due respect, I want to correct you.

The New York Times - Magazine

"With all due respect, you didn't keep that promise".

The New York Times

"With all due respect to Georgetown, we just played V.C.U.

The New York Times

"With all due respect," Ms. Praeli replied, "I disagree".

The New York Times

"With all due respect, I think he's wrong in 2012.

The New York Times

"With all due respect to legislators, I'm skeptical," he says.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing the phrase, as it can become predictable or even sarcastic if not used sincerely. Consider alternatives like "respectfully" or "I mean no disrespect" for variety.

Common error

Be cautious of using "with all due respect" to mask outright rudeness or dismissiveness. Ensure that your subsequent statement genuinely reflects respect for the other person's viewpoint, even if you disagree.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with all due respect" functions as a discourse marker, specifically a politeness strategy. It's used to mitigate potential face-threatening acts, such as disagreements or corrections. As Ludwig indicates, it aims to soften the impact of a potentially unwelcome message.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with all due respect" is a very common phrase used to politely introduce a disagreement or correction. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and functions as a politeness strategy. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts and is generally considered neutral to professional in register. While effective for softening potentially conflicting statements, it should be used sincerely to avoid conveying sarcasm or disrespect. Alternatives like "respectfully", "I mean no disrespect", and "no offense, but" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Respectfully

A more concise and direct way to express politeness before disagreeing.

With respect

Similar to "respectfully", but can be used to introduce a differing opinion.

I mean no disrespect, but

Explicitly states the intention to be respectful, often followed by a contrasting statement.

Without intending any disrespect

A longer version of "I mean no disrespect, but", often used in formal settings.

No offense, but

A more informal way of signaling that a potentially offensive statement is coming.

If you don't mind me saying

Used to soften a potentially critical remark.

If I may be so bold

Suggests a slight hesitation before offering a potentially presumptuous opinion.

I hesitate to say this, but

Introduces a comment that the speaker is reluctant to make.

Pardon me, but

A polite way to interrupt or offer a correction.

I beg to differ

A formal and somewhat old-fashioned way to express disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "with all due respect" in a sentence?

You can use "with all due respect" to introduce a disagreement or correction politely. For example, "With all due respect, I believe there may be a misunderstanding".

What are some alternatives to "with all due respect"?

Alternatives include "respectfully", "I mean no disrespect", or "no offense, but", depending on the context and your desired level of formality.

Is it always appropriate to use "with all due respect"?

While generally polite, using "with all due respect" can sound insincere if your tone or subsequent statement is disrespectful. Ensure your communication remains genuinely respectful.

What's the difference between "with all due respect" and "respectfully"?

"With all due respect" is a more elaborate phrase that explicitly acknowledges the speaker's intention to be respectful, while "respectfully" is a more concise adverb that conveys the same sentiment.