We all have phrases we tend to overuse in conversation and writing. One common phrase that can become repetitive is “With That Being Said.”
While this transition phrase works well to pivot between thoughts or indicates you’re moving on, relying on it too often can make your speaking and writing sound dull or canned.
Luckily, there are many creative ways to say “With That Being Said” that can make your communication livelier and engaging.
In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of synonyms and alternative phrases you can use in place of the overused “With That Being Said.” We’ll provide examples of how to use these other options smoothly and effectively.
By expanding your vocabulary with these “With That Being Said” alternatives, you’ll be able to avoid repetition, add stylistic flair, and keep your audience interested.
Whether you’re crafting a speech, composing an email, or having a chat with friends, this list of substitute phrases will take your communication to the next level.
Read on to learn over a dozen creative ways to say “With That Being Said” through clear examples, you can apply right away.
Is It Professional to Say “With That Being Said”?
No, using the phrase “With That Being Said” too often can come across as unprofessional in many contexts. While this transition phrase is common in conversational speech, overusing it in formal writing or professional settings may seem lazy, boring, or repetitive.
There are certain situations where “With That Being Said” is perfectly acceptable, such as in casual email exchanges or friendly discussions.
However, in more formal business communications, legal documents, technical writing, and other professional contexts relying too heavily on this casual phrase can undermine your expertise.
Instead of leaning on “With That Being Said“, it’s better to use more descriptive transitions that keep your audience engaged. For instance, you could say “However”, “On the other hand”, “In contrast”, or “That being noted”.
Using a diversity of transitions shows you can adapt your language for different contexts, which is a hallmark of effective professional communication.
Here is an example:
Dear John,
Thank you for sending over the sales report for last quarter. The data indicates sales have steadily increased in the western region over the past few months, which is great to see.
With that being said, sales in the east region have plateaued during the same period and even declined slightly last month.
I’d like to discuss potential strategies to reinvigorate growth in the East at our next management meeting. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me in preparation for that discussion.
Regards, Mary
Pros:
- “With that being said” transitions smoothly between complimenting the west region sales and raising a concern about the east region.
- It’s conversational and easy to understand.
Cons:
- Overusing this phrase in emails can seem informal or repetitive.
- More precise transitions like “However”, “Meanwhile”, or “On the other hand” may be better for a professional context.
What To Say Instead of “With That Being Said”
Here are 10 other ways to express “with that being said”:
- “Having said that”
- “Nonetheless”
- “Nevertheless”
- “Even so”
- “However”
- “That said”
- “Despite that”
- “On the other hand”
- “All things considered”
- “Despite this”
1. Having said that
“Having said that” is a transitional phrase used to introduce a contrasting point or an exception to what has just been mentioned.
It acknowledges the previous statement while signaling a shift in direction or perspective.
This expression is particularly useful in both written and spoken language when you want to recognize someone’s achievements or positive qualities but also point out an area for improvement or a differing viewpoint.
For instance, if you’re discussing a student’s performance, you might say, “Having said that, while your grades in mathematics are exceptional, focusing a bit more on your language arts assignments could provide a more well-rounded academic profile.”
This acknowledges the student’s success in one area while encouraging growth in another, showing pride in their achievements yet guiding them towards further improvement.
2. Nonetheless
“Nonetheless” is used to acknowledge the validity of the preceding statement but introduces a contrasting idea that holds despite the previous point.
It’s a way to express pride in someone’s accomplishments while also recognizing challenges or areas unaffected by prior success.
For example, in a performance review, you might express, “Your innovative solutions have significantly improved our project’s outcome, nonetheless, enhancing your time management skills could lead to even greater efficiency and success.”
Here, “nonetheless” serves to celebrate the individual’s contributions while also pointing towards future areas of personal development.
3. Nevertheless
Similar to “nonetheless,” “Nevertheless” is used to introduce a contrasting point that does not diminish the value of the previous statement.
It’s a sophisticated way to balance praise with constructive feedback, showing that you value someone’s achievements while also believing in their potential for further growth.
For instance, when giving feedback to a colleague, you could say, “Your creativity in solving complex problems has been a huge asset to our team, nevertheless, working on more effective communication can enhance team collaboration even further.”
This highlights your pride in their creativity while encouraging them to develop their communication skills.
4. Even so
“Even so” is used to introduce a contrast or exception to what has been previously stated, often to bring up a less positive aspect or a challenge that remains.
It’s a gentle way of expressing pride in someone’s accomplishments while also nudging them toward considering other factors or areas for improvement.
For example, in a discussion about a friend’s recent success, you might say, “I’m amazed by how quickly you’ve adapted to your new job and excelled, even so, remember to take some time for yourself to avoid burnout.”
This acknowledges their success while also expressing concern for their well-being.
5. However
“However” is a versatile conjunction used to introduce a contrasting idea or point to what has been previously mentioned.
It’s an effective way to show appreciation for someone’s achievements while also highlighting areas that might need attention or different approaches.
For example, in a conversation about a team member’s contribution, you might note, “Your dedication to the project has been truly inspiring, however, incorporating feedback from all team members could lead to even more innovative solutions.”
This shows pride in their dedication while encouraging a more collaborative approach.
Each of these expressions provides a nuanced way to communicate pride in someone’s achievements while also guiding them toward further growth, balancing praise with constructive feedback.
6. That said
“That said” is a phrase used to introduce a contrasting viewpoint or an additional consideration that might slightly alter or expand upon the preceding statement.
It’s useful for expressing admiration for someone’s efforts or achievements while also pointing out an area where there’s room for growth or a different perspective to consider.
For example, when discussing a peer’s recent work, you might say, “Your ability to meet every deadline has been impressive, that said, ensuring the quality of work matches the speed of delivery is equally important.”
This statement shows you’re proud of their efficiency but also emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards.
7. Despite that
“Despite that” is used to acknowledge challenges or difficulties, yet highlight achievements or positive outcomes that occurred regardless.
It’s a powerful way to express pride in someone’s resilience or determination in the face of adversity.
For instance, “You’ve faced a lot of unexpected challenges this semester, despite that, your improvement and dedication to your studies have been remarkable.”
This phrase emphasizes the person’s success despite the obstacles, showing admiration for their perseverance.
8. On the other hand
“On the other hand” is typically used to present an alternative or contrasting perspective to the one previously mentioned.
It can be a way to recognize different facets of a situation or a person’s abilities, showing appreciation for their strengths while also acknowledging areas where there might be different views or opportunities for growth.
For instance, “Your creativity in project design is unparalleled, on the other hand, developing a more systematic approach to project management could enhance overall project execution.”
This illustrates a recognition of creative talent while suggesting an area for skill development.
9. All things considered
“All things considered” is a phrase used to summarize or conclude a discussion taking into account all aspects, including both positive and negative elements.
It’s an effective way to express a comprehensive view of someone’s efforts or a situation, showing that you’ve taken everything into account before forming an opinion.
For example, “You’ve had both successes and setbacks this year, all things considered, your progress has been impressive and you should be proud of what you’ve achieved.”
This acknowledges the complexities of the situation while focusing on the positive outcome.
10. Despite this
“Despite this” is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a potential negative or less favorable situation mentioned before. It highlights resilience or positive aspects that prevail despite challenges.
For example, “The project didn’t go exactly as planned, despite this, your ability to adapt and find effective solutions under pressure was outstanding.”
This phrase is used to shift focus from the setbacks to the commendable response to those challenges, showing appreciation for the person’s adaptability and problem-solving skills.
Each of these expressions allows you to communicate a nuanced sense of pride and appreciation for someone’s achievements, balancing acknowledgment of their successes with encouragement for continued growth and improvement.