That being said
phrase
Definition
1. (phrase) Used to introduce a contrast or exception after acknowledging something — similar to "however" or "but" in a smoother, more conversational way.
2. (phrase) Used to shift the direction of a conversation by adding a different perspective or a balancing point after agreeing with something first.
2. (phrase) Used to shift the direction of a conversation by adding a different perspective or a balancing point after agreeing with something first.
Context Alive
Your friend has been telling you about a restaurant they went to last weekend. They say the food was incredible — best steak they've had in years, amazing desserts, the whole experience was top-level. You nod along because it genuinely sounds great. That being said, they add, the service was painfully slow and the waiter got their order wrong twice. You laugh because it's such a classic situation — a place can nail the food but completely drop the ball on everything else.
Meanings
2 meanings 1 Introducing a Contrast or Exception (Phrase) Very Common ▼
This meaning is about acknowledging one thing and then smoothly introducing a contrasting point. Imagine your manager praising the team's effort on a project — everyone worked overtime, the presentation looked great, and the client seemed impressed. Then they say, that being said, there were still some major mistakes in the final report that need to be fixed. This is a way of saying "yes, but" without sounding too blunt or dismissive. You might hear someone say "The hotel was beautiful. That being said, it was way too expensive for what you got", or a friend could say "I love living in the city. That being said, the noise drives me crazy sometimes." Or picture a teacher returning exam results — she tells the class the average score improved from last time, but that being said, too many students still lost easy marks on the grammar section. The phrase suggests the speaker respects the first point but feels the second point also matters.
✏️ That being said works almost identically to having said that and that said — they're interchangeable in most situations. The slightly longer version (that being said) is the most common in everyday conversation. People use it constantly in meetings, reviews, and casual chats. It's one of those phrases that makes you sound natural and fluent because it shows you can hold two ideas at the same time.
2 Shifting Direction in a Conversation (Phrase) Common ▼
This meaning is about using the phrase as a pivot — a way to move the conversation in a new direction after agreeing with or acknowledging what came before. Imagine two colleagues discussing whether to hire a freelancer for a project. One says the budget is tight and they should probably handle it internally. The other agrees, then says, that being said, if they don't get outside help, the deadline is going to be almost impossible to meet. This is less about contradiction and more about adding a new angle. You might hear "I know you're tired. That being said, we really should finish this tonight", or someone could say "The plan looks solid. That being said, have we thought about what happens if the supplier cancels?" Or think about a couple planning a holiday — one suggests saving money by staying home, and the other says, that being said, they haven't had a proper break in two years and they need one. The phrase signals that the speaker is about to add something important that might change the direction of the discussion.
✏️ In this use, that being said isn't really disagreeing — it's more like saying "okay, I hear you, but let me add this." It keeps the tone collaborative rather than confrontational. You'll hear it a lot in group discussions and negotiations where people want to push back gently without shutting down the other person's point.
Common Patterns
Basic Structures
[statement]. That being said, [contrasting statement]. → the standard pattern — first agree, then contrast
The movie was entertaining. That being said, the ending was a huge disappointment.
[statement]. That being said, though, [addition]. → adds "though" for extra softness
I think he's qualified. That being said, though, his interview wasn't great.
Having said that, [contrasting point]. → a shorter alternative with the same meaning
The weather was awful. Having said that, we still managed to enjoy ourselves.
Common Spoken Patterns
That said, [new point]. → the most casual and shortest version
I'm not a fan of horror films. That said, I'd watch one if you really want to.
With that being said, [next point]. → a slightly more emphatic version, often used to wrap up
With that being said, let's move on to the next topic.
[positive point]. That being said, I still think [reservation]. → used to express a lingering concern after praise
Your presentation was solid. That being said, I still think the numbers need double-checking.
Collocations
10 collocationsthat being said, however
double emphasis on the contrast — used for stronger turns
that being said, I think
introducing a personal opinion after acknowledging something
that being said, we should
shifting to a suggestion or action after a concession
that being said, it's worth noting
flagging an important detail that balances the first point
that being said, there are still
pointing out remaining issues or concerns
that being said, I do understand
showing empathy before introducing a but
but that being said
reversed order — "but" comes first for emphasis
that being said, let's not forget
reminding someone of something they may have overlooked
that being said, the real issue is
pivoting to what the speaker considers the main problem
that being said, I appreciate
balancing criticism with gratitude
Example Sentences
10 examples
1
The apartment is in a great location. That being said, the rent is way beyond what I can afford.
The flat is perfectly located, but the monthly cost is far too high for my budget.
2
I know she works incredibly hard. That being said, hard work alone isn't going to fix the problems in her team.
I'm aware of her strong work ethic, but effort by itself won't solve the team's issues.
3
The new policy sounds fair on paper. That being said, I'm not sure how it'll work in practice.
The updated rule seems reasonable in theory, though I have doubts about its real-world application.
4
He's been a loyal employee for over ten years. That being said, loyalty doesn't excuse repeated mistakes.
He's served the company faithfully for a decade, but long service doesn't justify ongoing errors.
5
I completely agree with your point. That being said, there's another side to this story we haven't discussed.
Your argument makes total sense, but there's a perspective we haven't considered yet.
6
The weather forecast looks terrible for Saturday. That being said, we've already booked everything, so let's just go.
Saturday's weather is supposed to be awful, but since everything is already arranged, we should go anyway.
7
Learning a language takes years of dedication. That being said, even a few months of practice can make a real difference.
Mastering a language demands years of commitment, but even short-term effort can produce noticeable improvement.
8
I don't usually enjoy documentaries. That being said, the one you recommended was absolutely brilliant.
Documentaries aren't normally my thing, but the one you suggested was genuinely outstanding.
9
The project came in under budget, which is great. That being said, we missed the deadline by two weeks.
Finishing below budget was a positive outcome, but delivering two weeks late is still a problem.
10
She apologised and seemed genuinely sorry. That being said, an apology doesn't undo the damage that was done.
Her apology appeared sincere, but saying sorry can't reverse the harm that was already caused.
Synonyms & Antonyms
6 items
Synonymshaving said that
virtually identical in meaning and usage — slightly more formal in writing
however
more formal and direct, works in writing but sounds stiffer in casual speech
nevertheless
more formal and emphatic — stronger sense of "despite that"
Antonymsin addition
adds a supporting point rather than a contrasting one
moreover
builds on the previous point instead of challenging it
on top of that
piles on more agreement rather than introducing a turn