# that said

CEFR B2 · Conjunction

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/that-said
Updated: 2026-07-29

## Definition

a way to introduce a second fact that makes your first statement seem less certain. It is like saying 'however' or 'on the other hand'.

For teachers: Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies what has just been mentioned, functioning as a transition to a concessive clause.

## Examples

- The food is expensive; that said, it is delicious.
- The new regulations might be difficult for small businesses to implement; that said, the long-term environmental benefits are undeniable.
- The results of the study were somewhat inconclusive due to a small sample size; that said, they provide a compelling foundation for future research in the field.

## Pitfalls

- Not "That said the weather was cold." but "That said, the weather was cold." — Requires a comma after the phrase when used as a sentence-initial connector.

## Usage notes

- Acts as a sentence connector; usually follows a semicolon or a full stop and is followed by a comma.
- Teaching tip: teach this as a more natural, conversational alternative to 'nevertheless' or 'however'; it is very common in spoken professional English to soften a criticism.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.