Is ‘With That Being Said’ a Proper English Phrase?

The use of transitional phrases such as “With that being said”, “That said”, and “Having said that” is common in both casual and formal communication. These phrases help in introducing a contrasting or related point after making a statement.

Understanding the Phrases

“With that being said” and its alternatives serve the same purpose of introducing a new statement that contrasts, qualifies, or adds to the previous one. They can be interchanged depending on personal preference or the tone you wish to convey. For instance, instead of employing “With that being said”, you can opt to use “Having said that”, particularly when the direct reference to the speaker or the context necessitates it.

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Proper Usage

  • “Having said that” should always be followed by a statement that directly references the speaker or presents a separate point they wish to raise.
  • “With that being said” and “That said” are preferably followed by the contrasting or qualifying statement that needs to be highlighted.
  • Talking about spin reversal, you can utilize phrases like “That said” or “With that being said” as segues.

Common Misconceptions

A common misunderstanding is that “That being said” implies simultaneity, or that something is being said at the same moment. However, the phrase is correctly used in context of reflecting on a statement already made.

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Alternatives to the Phrases

Apart from these phrases, several other alternatives are available depending on the context:

  • “However” is often used to introduce a contradictory or opposing statement.
  • “Thus” signifies a logical conclusion similar to the phrases previously discussed. It’s primarily used when you want to highlight a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
  • “Therefore” is another synonym that emphasizes the result or outcome of the preceding discussion.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the phrases “With that being said”, “That said”, and “Having said that” are grammatically correct and can be appropriately used depending on the desired outcome of the speaker or writer. These phrases are excellent tools in presenting contrasting views or elaborating on a point made. By varying their use and employing alternatives when necessary, you can enhance the appeal of your speech or writing.

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