having written that

USAGE SUMMARY

"having written that" is correct and usable in written English.
You may use it when you want to precede a sentence or phrase with a qualification or caveat. For example, "Having written that, I think this argument has some merit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He had a Coke and walked slowly home, he felt better after having written that letter.

The New Yorker

Mike Hale: Having written that, I'd better defend it.

The New York Times

Mr. Specter, who died in October, quoted Judge Bork as having written that under the Constitution, executive power had to evolve.

The New York Times

He called Senator Rudman a "vicious bigot" for having written that some in the Christian right are "anti-abortion zealots," "homophobes" and "would-be censors".

The New York Times

I admit that, having written that I didn't believe Hari guilty of passing off somebody else's intellectual work as his own, it did give me pause for thought.

The Guardian

In an article titled "The Politics of Play," Mr. Gotkin quotes Moses as having written that the playgrounds were "surfaced with a resilient asphalt preparation, which prevents digging and eliminates dust".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"I wouldn't have written that letter he wrote.

The New York Times

There is no reason to believe that another author would have written that same novel.

The Economist

"This is something," E. had written, "that is really difficult for me to talk about".

The New York Times

He mentioned a novel he had written that has never been published.

The New York Times

But as we've written, that can have downsides too.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having written that" to introduce a contrasting or qualifying point to a previous statement, adding nuance and depth to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "having written that" simply to indicate temporal sequence. It's more effective when you're introducing a qualification, reflection, or shift in perspective related to what you've already stated. For example, don't say "Having written that, I went to the store." Instead, use "After writing that, I went to the store." The first example makes sense if what you bought at the store had some connection to the letter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having written that" functions as a participial phrase, modifying a preceding clause by introducing a qualification, reflection, or caveat. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It sets the stage for a nuanced continuation of the thought, as seen in examples from sources like The New Yorker and The New York Times.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having written that" is a grammatically sound participial phrase effectively used to introduce a qualification, reflection, or nuanced continuation following an initial statement. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it serves to transition smoothly between related but potentially contrasting ideas, showcasing thoughtfulness and a balanced viewpoint. Although less frequent in informal settings, its presence across diverse sources underscores its versatility. When using this phrase, aim to introduce a reflection or qualification to maximize impact, and avoid simply using it as a sequential marker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that said

A concise way to introduce a contrasting or qualifying point after a statement.

after stating that

Emphasizes the act of making a statement before adding a qualification.

having stated that

Highlights the formal act of stating something before adding a caveat.

with that being said

A common transitional phrase that introduces a contrasting or qualifying point.

in light of that

Emphasizes that subsequent information is presented due to the preceding statement.

that being written

Similar in construction but less common; focuses on the completed action of writing.

given what was written

Focuses on the written content as the basis for the subsequent point.

on that note

Suggests a transition to a related but slightly different topic.

considering the above

Indicates that the following point takes into account what has already been mentioned.

with that in mind

Suggests that the following point is influenced by the preceding statement.

FAQs

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

Use "having written that" to introduce a qualification, clarification, or contrasting thought following a statement you've already made. For example: "The report shows a decline in sales. Having written that, it's important to note the increase in customer satisfaction."

What's a simpler way to say "having written that"?

Alternatives include "that said", "with that being said", or "after stating that", depending on the context.

Is "having written that" formal or informal?

"Having written that" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It is suitable for professional writing, news articles, and academic papers, but may sound overly formal in casual conversation.

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

Yes, you can use "having written that" at the beginning of a paragraph if the paragraph continues or qualifies a point made in the previous paragraph. It helps create a smooth transition between ideas.