Having Said That vs. Having That Said – Which is Correct?
“Having said that” is the standard and correct expression. It introduces a qualification, contrast, or concession after a previous statement. “Having that said” is generally considered a mistaken rearrangement, although readers may understand it. In polished American English, use “having said that,” especially in formal writing, presentations, and professional analysis.
Having Said That or Having That Said – Which Is Correct?
Having said that is the correct and established expression. It means “despite what I have just said,” “nevertheless,” or “with that qualification in mind.” Writers and speakers use it to acknowledge a previous point before introducing a contrasting or balancing idea.
Having that said is generally considered incorrect in standard American English. It is usually a phonetic or structural rearrangement of the familiar phrase having said that. Although readers can usually understand it, it may look careless or nonstandard in professional writing.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the speaker-first test: imagine saying, “I have said that.” The phrase begins with the person who has spoken, followed by the verb said, and ends with that. Therefore, the correct order is always having said that.
Another useful mnemonic is: the speaker has said something, not “that” something has said. Keep said immediately after having: having said that.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Having said that | Fixed phrase | Despite or in consideration of what was just stated | Having said that, the proposal deserves further review. |
| Having that said | Nonstandard variation | A mistaken rearrangement of the standard phrase | Avoid this form in polished writing. |
How to Use Having Said That
Having said that is a transitional phrase used to connect two related ideas, especially when the second idea qualifies, limits, or contrasts with the first. It often appears at the beginning of a sentence and is followed by a comma.
The phrase has a moderately formal tone. It is common in essays, reviews, business discussions, interviews, presentations, and editorials. In casual conversation, speakers may use simpler alternatives such as but, still, or that said.
Although the phrase literally refers to something previously spoken, it can also refer to a point made in writing. It does not necessarily introduce a complete reversal; the second statement may simply add nuance to the first.
Example 1: The restaurant is expensive. Having said that, the service and food quality are excellent.
Example 2: The study has several limitations. Having said that, its findings are still useful for future research.
Example 3: I understand why you are concerned. Having said that, we need to make a decision by Friday.
Etymology of the Phrase Having Said That
Having said that developed from the perfect participial construction having said. The word having indicates that the act of speaking occurred before the main statement, while said is the past participle of say. The final that refers back to the preceding idea. Over time, the construction became established as a transitional idiom meaning “despite that statement” or “with that qualification.”
Related Concepts
Understanding concessive transitions and participial phrases makes it easier to see why having said that has this word order and meaning.
- Concession: A concession acknowledges that a previous point has merit before presenting a contrasting or limiting point. Expressions such as however, nevertheless, and although can serve a similar purpose.
- Participial phrase: Having said that is based on a participial construction. The phrase describes a completed action that provides context for the main clause.
- Transition: Transitional phrases guide readers from one idea to another. They clarify relationships such as contrast, cause, addition, or qualification.
- That said: That said is a shorter alternative with nearly the same meaning. For example: The plan is ambitious. That said, it may succeed.
Examples from Media and Literature
The expression appears frequently in journalism, criticism, fiction, and professional commentary because it allows writers to balance one observation with another.
- News analysis: “The economic figures improved during the quarter. Having said that, household expenses remain a concern.”
- Film criticism: “The movie relies on familiar plot devices. Having said that, its performances give the story considerable energy.”
- Literary commentary: “The narrator is unreliable. Having said that, the novel offers several clues that support her interpretation of events.”
- Business reporting: “The company missed its sales target. Having said that, its customer-retention rate reached a record high.”
- Dialogue in a television drama: “I disagree with your decision. Having said that, I will support you in the meeting.”
Having Said That Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| That said | Introduces a qualification or contrasting point; usually the closest equivalent. |
| Nevertheless | Means despite what has just been stated. |
| Nonetheless | Introduces an idea that remains true despite a previous fact. |
| However | Signals contrast between two statements or ideas. |
| Still | Adds an opposing or qualifying thought, usually in a less formal tone. |
| Even so | Means despite that or nevertheless. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “having said that” grammatically correct?
Yes. Having said that is a grammatically established transitional phrase used to introduce a qualification, contrast, or related point.
Question 2: Is “having that said” ever correct?
It may occasionally appear as a nonstandard variation, but it is not the conventional expression. In formal, academic, business, and professional writing, use having said that instead.
Question 3: Should there be a comma after “having said that”?
Usually, yes, when the phrase appears at the beginning of a sentence: Having said that, the evidence is incomplete. A comma helps separate the introductory transition from the main clause.
Question 4: Is “that said” better than “having said that”?
Both are correct and have similar meanings. That said is shorter and often sounds more direct, while having said that can sound slightly more conversational or deliberate.
Conclusion
Having said that is the correct standard expression, while having that said is a nonstandard rearrangement that should generally be avoided. Use having said that to acknowledge a previous point before adding a contrast, qualification, or related observation. Pro Tip: In professional writing, choosing the established phrase helps your communication appear polished, precise, and credible.
