Other Ways to Say “Having Said That”

“Having said that” is a common transitional phrase used to contrast a previous statement. However, there are many effective alternatives that can add variety and nuance to your writing or speech. This article explores a variety of expressions you can use instead of “having said that” while maintaining clarity and coherence.

Best Alternatives to “Having Said That”

Here are several phrases that can be used in place of “having said that,” along with their typical usage and tone:

Alternative Phrase	Usage	Example
That being said	Neutral, formal/informal	He’s a great player. That being said, he needs to improve his defense.
Even so	Concise, slightly formal	The weather was terrible. Even so, we went hiking.
Nevertheless	Formal	She was tired. Nevertheless, she completed the project.
Nonetheless	Formal, often interchangeable with “nevertheless”	It’s risky. Nonetheless, we decided to invest.
However	Neutral/formal, very versatile	It’s a good idea. However, it may be hard to implement.
Still	Informal, casual tone	It’s not ideal. Still, we can make it work.
All the same	Neutral, conversational	It’s expensive. All the same, it’s worth it.
Be that as it may	Formal, traditional	He apologized. Be that as it may, the damage was done.
Even though	Casual/neutral, used in clauses	Even though he was late, he caught the train.
Yet	Concise, formal/informal	It sounds simple. Yet, it’s very complex in practice.

When to Use These Alternatives

Choosing the right alternative depends on your tone, audience, and the formality of your content. For professional writing, options like nevertheless, nonetheless, or however work best. In casual conversations or informal writing, still or even so feel more natural.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using two contrasting phrases back-to-back (e.g., “Having said that, however”)
• Using the wrong register (e.g., saying “be that as it may” in a casual chat)
• Overusing transitional phrases, which can make writing feel cluttered

Conclusion

While “having said that” is a useful transitional phrase, incorporating its alternatives can enhance clarity, style, and tone in both writing and speech. Whether you’re aiming for formality or casual fluency, there’s a perfect substitute for every context.

FAQ