Having Said That

Part of Speech: Conjunction

Meaning: Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies what has just been said. It acts as a transitional phrase meaning “however” or “despite that,” softening a counterpoint in discussion.

Pronunciation: /ˈhævɪŋ sed ðæt/ (British English). The primary stress falls on “said” (/sed/), with secondary stress on “hav-ing.” In American English, it’s similar: /ˈhævɪŋ sed ðæt/.

Morphology: This is a participial phrase derived from the present perfect participle “having said” (from the verb “to say”) followed by the demonstrative pronoun “that.” It evolved from spoken English patterns where speakers reflect on their prior statement.

Grammar Notes: “Having said that” functions as a discourse marker in formal or semi-formal writing and speech. It typically follows a comma and precedes the contrasting clause. Avoid using it at the start of a sentence; it’s best after an initial idea. It’s more common in British English than American, where “that said” might be preferred.

Interesting Facts: The phrase dates back to at least 1826, appearing in legal texts like A Complete Collection of State Trials: “If I am right in that, the necessary consequence must be that this prisoner must be found guilty; but having said that, let me again request you only to attend to the statement of the law.” It reflects polite debate traditions in English rhetoric, helping speakers concede points gracefully.

Cultural/Contextual Features: Common in British media, debates, and academic writing, it adds nuance to arguments. In casual American English, it might sound stiff, but it’s useful in professional emails or presentations to maintain diplomacy. Culturally, it embodies the English value of understatement and balanced discourse.

Tips to Learn It Easier: Pair it with familiar transitions like “but” or “however”—think of it as a fancier version. Practice by journaling: After stating an opinion, add “having said that” to qualify it. Mnemonics: “Having said that” reminds you to “say that again, but differently.”

Examples

  • Simple: I love summer. Having said that, the heat can be overwhelming.
  • Medium: The book was entertaining, having said that, the plot twists felt predictable.
  • Complex: Although the team trained rigorously for months, having said that, unforeseen injuries disrupted their strategy just before the championship match.

Synonyms, Antonyms, and Combinations

Synonyms: However, nevertheless, that being said, that said.

Antonyms: Furthermore, moreover (for adding agreement rather than contrast).

Common Combinations: “Having said that, I still believe…” or “The results were positive; having said that, more research is needed.”

Mini-Tasks for Practice

  • Make a sentence: Write one using “having said that” to contrast your favorite food with its downside.
  • Find a synonym: Replace “having said that” in the simple example above with “however” and note any tone change.
  • Spot it in context: Read a news article and identify similar transitional phrases; rewrite a paragraph inserting “having said that.”