Guide 85 / 200 4 alternatives 2-minute read
Better ways to say “Having said that”
Three words where one conjunction fits.
i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler
"Having said that" is meeting-speak for "but." In writing, "however," "still," "that said" (shorter), or just "but" earn their keep more efficiently.
ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo
Before
The results were strong. Having said that, retention is softer than last year.
After
The results were strong, though retention is softer than last year.
iii · The alternatives4 ways out
- 01However neutral
formal contrast
Strong results. However, retention is softer.
- 02That said neutral
conversational pivot
Strong results. That said, retention is softer.
- 03Still neutral
maintains a concession
Strong results. Still, retention is softer.
- 04Though neutral
in-clause contrast
Strong results, though retention is softer.
iv · Brew tipKeep this one
Varying your contrast words makes prose flow. "Having said that" twice in a paragraph reads like meeting minutes.