having said that

USAGE SUMMARY

"having said that" is an appropriate expression that is used in written English.
It is used to introduce a logical conclusion based on something previously stated. For example: "I understand why you are feeling frustrated, having said that, I don't think it is reasonable to expect the project to be finished in one week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Having said that, we have protected nothing.

The New York Times

Having said that, I'm behind Kate Garraway.

Independent

Having said that, combining M.&A.

The New York Times

Having said that, Olivier's performance is terrific.

The Guardian - Film

Having said that, he already makes me proud today.

Harvard University

Having said that, why not experiment?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Having said that, I do feel deracinated.

The Guardian

(Having said that, it was nicely cooked).

The New York Times

Having said that, we will move on".

The New York Times - Magazine

"Having said that, he is weak".

The New York Times

Having said that, here's another nomination.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having said that" to smoothly transition between contrasting ideas, ensuring a logical flow in your writing.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "having said that", as it can make your writing repetitive. Vary your transitional phrases for a more engaging and dynamic style.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "having said that" is to serve as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It connects two clauses, indicating a contrast, qualification, or concession. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing this function across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having said that" is a versatile conjunctive phrase used to introduce a contrasting or qualifying statement. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It functions to create balanced perspectives across many sources, like news, academia, and science. While highly frequent, particularly in news and media, it's essential to avoid overuse for stylistic variety. Alternatives like "that being said" or "nevertheless" can enrich your writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "having said that" to enhance clarity and sophistication in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that being said

Replaces "having said that" with a slightly more concise phrasing, maintaining the same meaning.

with that said

A variant with a similar level of formality and directness.

that said

A shortened, more informal version of "that being said".

even so

Offers a slightly stronger sense of contrast than "having said that".

nevertheless

A more formal and emphatic way of introducing a contrasting point.

nonetheless

Similar to "nevertheless" but potentially slightly less formal.

despite that

Highlights the contrast between two statements more explicitly.

all the same

Indicates that despite a previous statement, the following point still holds true.

however

A simple and direct way to indicate a contrast or qualification.

be that as it may

A more old-fashioned and formal way to introduce a contrasting point.

FAQs

How can I use "having said that" in a sentence?

"Having said that" is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies something you've just mentioned. For example, "The project has some issues; "having said that", it's still progressing well."

What are some alternatives to "having said that"?

You can use alternatives like "that being said", "nevertheless", or "however" to vary your writing while conveying a similar meaning.

Is it more formal to use "having said that" or "that being said"?

Both "having said that" and "that being said" are generally considered fairly neutral in formality. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation.

Can I use "having said that" at the beginning of a paragraph?

Yes, "having said that" can be used at the beginning of a paragraph to signal a shift in thought or to introduce a contrasting idea related to the previous paragraph.