15+ Professional Ways to Say “Having Said That”

We often use “having said that” to shift ideas, add contrast, or present exceptions—but overusing it can make our writing feel repetitive, predictable, or even casual in tone. Whether you’re writing emails, presentations, or formal reports, it’s important to convey transitions and contrasts using refined, professional language.

Learn how to replace “having said that” with smart, polished alternatives that elevate your professional writing and create smoother transitions in your communication. When you choose more purposeful and precise alternatives, your writing instantly becomes more impactful and credible. In this post, you’ll discover over 15 professional ways to say “having said that”—complete with clear suggestions and real-life examples—to help you improve your written and spoken communication today.

Synonyms for “Having Said That”

• Be That as It May
• Yet and Still
• Even Though That’s True
• Though That May Be the Case
• Granted
• That Being Said
• With That in Mind
• Nevertheless
• On the Other Hand
• Nonetheless
• Even so
• However
• Still
• Regardless
• All the Same
• Conversely
• In Spite of That
• Despite This
• To Put It Another Way
• After all

Be That as It May

The phrase be that as it may is a respectful way to acknowledge a point while gently disagreeing or redirecting. It’s often used to soften transitions and maintain a polite tone, especially in professional or thoughtful conversations.

For example: “I understand your concerns. Be that as it may, we still need to move forward.” It keeps your communication firm yet courteous, allowing you to recognize a viewpoint while standing by your own.

This phrase is helpful when addressing conflicting opinions, difficult decisions, or sensitive subjects. It maintains diplomatic balance between agreement and correction.

Use it when you want to sound mature, calm, and in control. It signals that you’re listening, but also thinking critically about what’s best moving forward.

Yet and Still

The combination yet and still adds extra weight to a contrasting idea. It emphasizes that something remains true or persistent despite previous information or conditions. It’s powerful in storytelling and expressive writing.

Example: “He made several mistakes. Yet and still, his passion was undeniable.” This structure underscores emotion, endurance, or even contradiction with a natural rhythm.

Use it in personal reflections, blog writing, or motivational content. It sounds conversational but brings a sense of depth and reflection that connects with readers emotionally.

It also works well in persuasive writing where you’re building empathy or showing complexity. This phrase helps capture moments where logic and feeling coexist meaningfully.

Even Though That’s True

Saying even though that’s true admits a fact while preparing to present another, potentially stronger point. It’s great for building a logical argument or guiding readers through nuanced reasoning.

For instance: “The plan was risky. Even though that’s true, the reward was worth it.” This phrase offers a bridge between agreement and a firm counterpoint, keeping your tone respectful yet confident.

It works in emails, presentations, essays, or everyday conversations. It gives space for complexity while letting you steer the message back to your main goal or view.

This helps show maturity and balance. You’re not rejecting ideas—you’re expanding the conversation with thoughtful contrast.

Though That May Be the Case

The phrase though that may be the case helps you recognize a valid point before explaining why another perspective still holds value. It adds a thoughtful and polished tone to your contrast.

Example: “The team is already busy. Though that may be the case, we need this done urgently.” You’re not ignoring concerns—you’re balancing priorities while keeping the message firm.

This phrase is ideal for team discussions, client communications, or decision-making where context matters. It shows you’re open-minded but focused on outcomes.

It’s especially helpful in leadership and diplomacy. You acknowledge challenges while maintaining your direction with clarity and fairness.

Granted

The word granted is a short, effective way to accept a point before shifting focus. It signals that you’re conceding something, but about to share a more relevant or pressing consideration.

For example: “Granted, it was a small error. But it had a major impact on the results.” It helps you keep the tone realistic and logical while reinforcing accountability or emphasis.

It’s widely used in formal writing, debates, and critiques where acknowledging truths is necessary before making a stronger argument. It shows respect for facts without losing your position.

“Granted” also helps avoid sounding dismissive. You’re letting the reader know you’re thinking critically—not rejecting, but reframing the point with broader insight.

That Being Said

The phrase that being said is a smooth way to introduce a contrast or exception to what was just mentioned. It signals a shift, while keeping the tone polite and respectful. It’s widely used in both formal writing and conversations.

You might use it after making a strong point, to gently pivot or soften your stance. For example: “The design is elegant. That being said, it may not suit younger users.” This keeps your thoughts balanced and flexible.

It shows that you’re open-minded and considering multiple perspectives. It adds depth and nuance to your message instead of sounding too one-sided or fixed.

This transition is ideal when writing reports, blog posts, or even emails. It helps you manage tone while offering a clear shift in focus without sounding abrupt.

With That in Mind

The phrase with that in mind helps guide the reader or listener to the next logical step or thought. It links ideas smoothly by showing how what came before influences what comes next.

Use it when you want to build upon an earlier statement. For instance: “The budget is tight. With that in mind, we’ll prioritize essential updates.” It’s a great way to sound thoughtful and strategic.

It implies a logical connection and helps reinforce your critical thinking. You’re not just listing facts—you’re drawing conclusions from them.

Whether you’re making recommendations or setting goals, this phrase keeps the tone professional and solution-focused.

Nevertheless

Using nevertheless adds formality and signals a strong contrast, often when you want to acknowledge a challenge but keep moving forward. It’s a word that shows resilience and determination.

For example: “The weather was terrible. Nevertheless, the event was a success.” It gives your sentence a punch of optimism despite the odds. It tells readers or listeners that you’re not discouraged.

This is a great phrase for writing essays, reports, or formal letters. It strengthens your argument by showing that even with setbacks, you have a positive or firm counterpoint.

It also keeps your writing more dynamic and engaging, especially when you want to maintain flow and logic without repeating “but” too often.

Learn More:  Polite Ways to Say “I Am Excited to Meet You”

On the Other Hand

The phrase on the other hand is one of the clearest ways to show comparison or contrast. It tells your reader that you’re now going to present an opposing or different view.

It’s commonly used when weighing pros and cons, or exploring multiple sides of an issue. For example: “I enjoy working remotely. On the other hand, I miss face-to-face meetings.” That helps express balanced thinking.

This phrase encourages deeper analysis and shows that you’re not taking things at face value. You’re someone who considers multiple angles before deciding.

Whether writing an essay or having a debate, this phrase adds structure to your argument and improves clarity and persuasion.

Nonetheless

Nonetheless is similar to “nevertheless” but slightly softer in tone. It’s used to introduce something that remains true despite what’s already been said. It shows acknowledgment with resilience.

It works well in both formal and semi-formal writing. For instance: “It was a risky move. Nonetheless, it paid off in the end.” It adds a sense of confidence and persistence to your message.

This transition is useful when you want to stay respectful but still offer a strong alternative or point. It helps strike a good balance between agreement and individuality.

It’s often used in business writing, decision-making summaries, or personal reflections where tone matters as much as the message.

Even So

The phrase even so is used to show that something remains true despite what was just mentioned. It adds contrast while keeping the flow natural and conversational. It’s a shorter, more casual way to express resilience or acknowledgment.

You might say, “The product has some flaws. Even so, customers keep coming back for more.” This tells readers you’ve considered both sides but are highlighting what still stands. It expresses balance and confidence.

Use it in storytelling, persuasive writing, or light professional communication. It’s ideal when you want to concede a point but maintain momentum in your argument.

It’s also perfect for showing persistence. Whether writing an article or speaking with a client, “even so” keeps your tone realistic yet positive.

However

The word however is one of the most common and formal ways to introduce a contrasting idea. It signals that something different or opposite is coming, often with a serious or important tone.

It’s useful in business, academic, and formal writing. For example: “Sales rose this quarter. However, costs also increased significantly.” This signals a shift that needs attention or reevaluation.

It’s best placed at the beginning or middle of a sentence, and always followed by a comma. That structure keeps your writing clear and grammatically sound.

Use it to help break long thoughts into logical steps. “However” improves coherence, flow, and adds credibility to well-reasoned writing.

Still

The word still offers a more casual and concise way to show contrast or persistence. It’s ideal when you want to express that something continues to be valid, even in challenging circumstances.

For instance: “She didn’t have much experience. Still, she impressed everyone in the interview.” That one word carries emotional weight and a sense of unexpected strength or outcome.

Use it in storytelling, emails, or any writing that benefits from a conversational tone. It’s direct, friendly, and adds personality without sounding too formal.

It also works well when you want to soften disagreement. You’re acknowledging what came before, but gently pushing forward with your own perspective.

Regardless

The word regardless helps introduce a point that holds true no matter what has happened or been said. It’s firm, confident, and useful when expressing consistency or decision-making clarity.

For example: “The forecast predicts rain. Regardless, the event will go on.” It sends a message that external conditions won’t affect the core plan or belief.

This word is perfect in business emails, event planning, or personal affirmations. It’s direct but not rude, and often signals commitment or resilience.

It’s also a good phrase to express boundaries or determination in tough conversations. You’re respectfully stating what will remain unchanged or continue forward.

All the Same

The phrase all the same is a softer way to express contrast or disagreement while keeping the tone polite. It means “despite that” or “even though something happened, this still holds true.”

For example: “He apologized for the delay. All the same, the mistake caused some issues.” This expression shows that while you’re acknowledging one point, you still have a valid concern or opinion.

It’s useful in writing where tone matters—like feedback, discussions, or reflections. It lets you disagree without sounding too blunt or confrontational.

Use it when you want to maintain a friendly tone while making your perspective clear. It adds gentle firmness and helps keep the dialogue balanced.

Conversely

The word conversely is used to introduce an opposite idea or reverse situation. It’s a formal and clear way to compare two contrasting views or outcomes. It’s often used in essays, business writing, or analytical discussions.

For example: “Some people thrive in routine. Conversely, others need constant change to stay motivated.” This helps your audience understand both sides of a situation without confusion.

Using “conversely” shows you’re thinking critically. It’s ideal when comparing cause and effect, pros and cons, or explaining shifts in perspective. It adds intellectual balance to your message.

It’s best used in thoughtful writing, where structure and logic matter. It keeps your content clear, objective, and well-organized, especially when you need to contrast ideas without sounding emotional.

In Spite of That

The phrase in spite of that helps you acknowledge a challenge while showing that your main point or result still stands. It’s a great way to highlight resilience or unexpected success.

You might say: “She lacked formal training. In spite of that, she performed exceptionally well.” This expression strengthens your point by showing that difficulties didn’t stop the outcome. It adds depth and emotion to your message.

It works well in storytelling, reflections, and reports where you want to highlight overcoming obstacles. It brings a tone of determination and hope.

This transition feels slightly more emotional than “however,” making it useful in more human-centered or motivating content. It shows courage and consistency in the face of limitations.

Despite This

The phrase despite this is used to signal that a previous point or obstacle didn’t prevent the next result or decision. It adds a sense of contrast and persistence in a polished, simple way.

For example: “We faced several delays. Despite this, the project was completed on time.” This phrase works well when you want to show your reader that something moved forward against the odds.

It’s slightly more direct than “in spite of that,” and great for summaries, transitions, or key reflections. It keeps your message clear, concise, and professionally confident.

You can also use it when emphasizing reliability, success, or continuity. It helps you highlight what was achieved regardless of difficulties faced along the way.

Learn More: Best Ways to Say “Looking Forward to Chatting”

To Put It Another Way

The phrase to put it another way helps rephrase an idea for clarity, simplicity, or better understanding. It’s especially helpful when explaining complex points in writing or conversation.

It shows your reader that you’re aware they may need more context or a different angle. For example: “The process was inefficient. To put it another way, it wasted both time and money.” You’re offering a second way to understand the same thought.

This phrase is perfect in teaching, explaining, or blogging where clarity is key. It shows empathy and consideration for different learning styles or levels of familiarity.

It also helps break down jargon or simplify a technical point. You’re guiding your reader gently toward a better understanding with helpful rewording.

After All

The phrase after all is a flexible transition used to justify or reinforce a previous point. It adds a touch of reasoning, often with a casual or conversational tone that feels both relatable and persuasive.

For instance: “Let’s give her a chance. After all, she’s been working hard for months.” It helps remind your audience of relevant facts or context that support your argument.

Use it when summarizing, adding final thoughts, or softly challenging someone’s opinion. It brings a friendly tone while still backing up your reasoning.

“After all” fits best in emails, presentations, or personal writing where you want to make your message sound thoughtful and fair without sounding too firm or critical.

 Real Life Examples and Scenarios

1. Scenario: Manager Communicating in a Weekly Update Email

Example:
Our team exceeded the KPIs this quarter. That being said, there’s still room for improvement in cross-department collaboration.

2. Scenario: Client Communication in Project Follow-up

Example:
The app is functional and stable. However, we’re still fine-tuning the user experience based on feedback.

3. Scenario: Analyst Writing a Report

Example:
Sales have declined slightly this month. Nonetheless, we expect a rebound next quarter due to seasonal trends.

4. Scenario: HR Leader in a Presentation

Example:
Our training program has shown great results. On the other hand, employee retention remains a concern.

5. Scenario: Business Development Email

Example:
The client is interested in scaling up operations. Even so, they’ve requested more time for internal planning.

Conclusion

Replacing “having said that” with more professional, precise, and thoughtful expressions not only improves your tone, but also enhances your communication flow. By understanding your context—whether you’re sending a business proposal, writing an executive report, or speaking in a meeting—you can choose alternatives that convey contrast, shift, or exception with confidence and clarity.

Remember, professional writing is more than just grammar—it’s about using language that leads with purpose. So the next time you’re tempted to type “having said that,” pause and pick a phrase that brings clarity, tone, and intelligence to your communication.