Have you ever found yourself using “with that being said” too often in your emails, essays, or meetings? You’re not alone!
This common phrase helps us connect two ideas, especially when shifting topics or presenting a conclusion. But overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive or robotic.
Learning other ways to say “with that being said” will help you sound more fluent, polished, and professional. The right choice depends on your tone, audience, and situation.
Whether you’re drafting a business email, writing an academic paper, or chatting casually, there’s always a better phrase for the moment.
Let’s explore the meaning, usage, and 22+ powerful alternatives that’ll make your English sound natural and confident.
🧠 What Does “With That Being Said” Mean?
The phrase “with that being said” is a transitional expression used to connect two ideas — often to show contrast or conclusion.
Grammar tip:
It’s a prepositional phrase beginning with “with,” followed by a participial clause “that being said.” It can start a new sentence or appear mid-sentence.
✅ Meaning: “Given what was just mentioned” or “Even though that’s true, here’s another point.”
Example:
“The report is impressive. With that being said, we still have a few areas to improve.”
In essence, it helps soften transitions between contrasting statements or conclusions.
🗣️ When to Use “With That Being Said”
You can use this phrase in several contexts, but it’s most common in formal or semi-formal communication.
✅ Formal and Business Writing
- Reports and presentations
- Emails to colleagues or clients
- Professional essays or proposals
Example:
“The strategy performed well this quarter. With that being said, we should prepare for market shifts.”
💬 Informal or Conversational English
- Everyday speech or discussions
- Podcasts, vlogs, or casual interviews
Example:
“I love traveling. With that being said, I still enjoy staying home sometimes.”
⚠️ Avoid in Overly Casual Texts
In quick messages or friendly chats, it might sound too stiff. Try shorter alternatives like “still,” “anyway,” or “even so.”
🤔 Is It Professional or Polite to Say “With That Being Said”?
Yes — but only in moderation. It’s a neutral, polite, and business-friendly phrase.
However, it’s been overused in corporate communication, making it sound formulaic or filler-like if repeated often.
✅ Best for:
- Professional emails
- Academic essays
- Presentations or reports
⚠️ Avoid when:
- Writing conversational or creative texts
- Trying to sound relaxed or spontaneous
In short, it’s professional but slightly overformal, so knowing alternatives will keep your tone fresh and adaptable.
⚖️ Pros and Cons of Using “With That Being Said”
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smoothly connects ideas | Can sound overused or stiff |
| Works in formal writing | Slightly wordy |
| Adds professionalism | Sometimes slows pacing |
| Signals transition clearly | Feels repetitive if used too often |
💡 22+ Other Ways to Say “With That Being Said” (with Examples)
Below are 22+ polished, clear, and versatile alternatives — each explained with meaning, usage, and examples.
1. That Said
Meaning: Despite what was mentioned earlier.
Explanation: A shorter, snappier form of the original phrase.
Example Sentence: “The plan looks solid. That said, we’ll need to monitor progress closely.”
Best Use: Business, emails, formal writing.
Worst Use: Extremely casual talk.
Tone: Neutral, concise.
2. Having Said That
Meaning: Even though the previous point is true.
Explanation: A smoother, conversational version.
Example Sentence: “She’s an excellent manager. Having said that, her team struggles with deadlines.”
Best Use: Professional and conversational.
Worst Use: Academic essays (too informal).
Tone: Polite and natural.
3. Nonetheless
Meaning: Despite what was stated before.
Explanation: Adds a formal touch to contrast or exception.
Example Sentence: “The meeting ran long. Nonetheless, it was productive.”
Best Use: Formal reports, essays.
Worst Use: Everyday speech.
Tone: Formal and assertive.
4. Nevertheless
Meaning: In spite of that; even so.
Explanation: Signals a contrast or opposing idea in a refined tone.
Example Sentence: “The project faced delays. Nevertheless, the results were outstanding.”
Best Use: Academic and professional writing.
Worst Use: Text messages or casual talk.
Tone: Formal and elegant.
5. Even So
Meaning: Despite what has just been said.
Explanation: Expresses mild contradiction or contrast.
Example Sentence: “It’s risky to invest now. Even so, the potential reward is huge.”
Best Use: Conversational and semi-formal contexts.
Worst Use: Strictly academic writing.
Tone: Neutral and reflective.
6. In Light of That
Meaning: Considering what was just mentioned.
Explanation: Used when drawing conclusions or decisions.
Example Sentence: “In light of that, we’ve decided to postpone the launch.”
Best Use: Formal or business writing.
Worst Use: Informal chats.
Tone: Professional and logical.
7. As a Result
Meaning: Therefore; consequently.
Explanation: Shows a clear cause and effect.
Example Sentence: “We missed our target. As a result, the budget was cut.”
Best Use: Reports, essays, business.
Worst Use: Everyday speech.
Tone: Objective and factual.
8. All Things Considered
Meaning: Taking everything into account.
Explanation: Used to summarize or conclude after reflection.
Example Sentence: “All things considered, it was a successful campaign.”
Best Use: Professional or reflective writing.
Worst Use: Highly casual speech.
Tone: Thoughtful and balanced.
9. At the Same Time
Meaning: However; simultaneously.
Explanation: Balances two opposing points smoothly.
Example Sentence: “He’s confident. At the same time, he’s humble.”
Best Use: Business or conversational.
Worst Use: Academic papers (too informal).
Tone: Neutral and flexible.
10. Still
Meaning: Even then; despite that.
Explanation: A short, conversational transition.
Example Sentence: “It was a tough challenge. Still, we didn’t give up.”
Best Use: Speech, informal writing.
Worst Use: Academic contexts.
Tone: Friendly and natural.
11. Be That as It May
Meaning: Despite that being true.
Explanation: A more traditional, formal transition.
Example Sentence: “Be that as it may, we must follow protocol.”
Best Use: Formal or academic tone.
Worst Use: Everyday conversation.
Tone: Formal and slightly old-fashioned.
12. On the Other Hand
Meaning: Contrasting or opposing viewpoint.
Explanation: Highlights an alternative perspective.
Example Sentence: “She prefers structure. On the other hand, her team likes flexibility.”
Best Use: Essays, arguments, discussions.
Worst Use: Overused in short texts.
Tone: Balanced and explanatory.
13. Even Though
Meaning: Although; despite the fact.
Explanation: Connects contrasting clauses directly.
Example Sentence: “Even though the plan failed, we learned valuable lessons.”
Best Use: Conversational and written English.
Worst Use: Standalone transition (needs clause).
Tone: Neutral and soft.
14. Despite That
Meaning: In spite of the previous point.
Explanation: Expresses contrast clearly.
Example Sentence: “Despite that, we continued our efforts.”
Best Use: Formal and semi-formal.
Worst Use: Creative or poetic writing.
Tone: Objective and concise.
15. In Contrast
Meaning: Showing difference or opposition.
Explanation: Ideal for analytical writing.
Example Sentence: “In contrast, our competitor adopted a new strategy.”
Best Use: Reports, essays.
Worst Use: Speech or texting.
Tone: Formal and academic.
16. On That Note
Meaning: Following that topic or idea.
Explanation: Great for transitioning or wrapping up.
Example Sentence: “On that note, let’s move to our next agenda.”
Best Use: Presentations or meetings.
Worst Use: Academic writing.
Tone: Conversational and engaging.
17. To Put It Another Way
Meaning: In other words.
Explanation: Clarifies or restates an idea.
Example Sentence: “To put it another way, success comes from consistency.”
Best Use: Teaching, explaining concepts.
Worst Use: Quick informal texts.
Tone: Clear and explanatory.
18. Considering That
Meaning: Given that; taking into account.
Explanation: Used when evaluating a situation.
Example Sentence: “Considering that it’s our first attempt, we did well.”
Best Use: Balanced writing or conversation.
Worst Use: Abrupt transitions.
Tone: Thoughtful and measured.
19. Following That
Meaning: After that point.
Explanation: Indicates sequence or consequence.
Example Sentence: “Following that, we initiated the new process.”
Best Use: Reports, storytelling.
Worst Use: Very informal speech.
Tone: Sequential and formal.
20. As Such
Meaning: Therefore; in that capacity.
Explanation: Used to draw logical conclusions.
Example Sentence: “As such, we’ll adjust our marketing approach.”
Best Use: Professional writing and analysis.
Worst Use: Conversational talk.
Tone: Formal and academic.
21. In Turn
Meaning: As a result; consequently.
Explanation: Connects cause and effect smoothly.
Example Sentence: “Better training improved morale, which in turn boosted performance.”
Best Use: Reports or essays.
Worst Use: Chat messages.
Tone: Analytical and formal.
22. All in All
Meaning: Overall; taking everything into account.
Explanation: Wraps up an argument or summary.
Example Sentence: “All in all, the campaign was a success.”
Best Use: Summaries, discussions.
Worst Use: Technical writing.
Tone: Reflective and concluding.
23. In Summary
Meaning: To conclude or sum up.
Explanation: Indicates a final statement or wrap-up.
Example Sentence: “In summary, teamwork remains our biggest strength.”
Best Use: Reports, essays, closing statements.
Worst Use: Informal chats.
Tone: Formal and concluding.
📊 Comparison Table: Top Alternatives by Tone and Usage
| Phrase | Tone | Best For | Form of Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| That Said | Neutral | Business, writing | Short transition |
| Nevertheless | Formal | Essays, reports | Contrasting ideas |
| On That Note | Friendly | Speech, presentations | Topic change |
| All Things Considered | Thoughtful | Summaries | Reflection |
| As Such | Formal | Academic/business | Logical conclusion |
| Even So | Neutral | Conversational | Gentle contrast |
| All in All | Relaxed | Conclusions | Summarizing |
❓ FAQs
1. What’s the simplest alternative to “with that being said”?
👉 “That said” or “Having said that.” Both are shorter and more natural.
2. Is “with that being said” too formal for emails?
Not really, but it’s safer to switch it up with “that said” or “even so” to keep your tone fresh.
3. Can I use these alternatives in academic writing?
Yes. Formal choices like “nevertheless,” “nonetheless,” and “as such” work best.
4. What’s the best informal substitute?
Use “still,” “even so,” or “on that note” in casual conversation.
5. Should I use commas after these phrases?
Yes — most of these transitions work best with a comma afterward (e.g., “That said, we’ll proceed.”).
🏁 Conclusion
Using different ways to say “with that being said” makes your communication more engaging and precise.
Each phrase carries a slightly different tone and nuance, helping you match the right one to your audience — whether you’re in a boardroom, classroom, or coffee chat.
So next time you write or speak, don’t rely on the same transition. Experiment with these 22+ alternatives and watch your English flow naturally and confidently.
David Jonson is an experienced English language writer who specializes in clear, practical, and learner-friendly content. He helps students and professionals improve their communication skills with confidence.