- A formal phrase used before expressing disagreement, criticism, or a contradictory opinion, especially to someone in a position of authority or seniority, or when discussing a sensitive topic.
- It signals that you intend to be respectful despite disagreeing.
Explanation
Origin
- Formulaic expression from formal discourse and etiquette. Due means 'owed' or 'appropriate'.
- Intended to cushion the impact of the disagreement that follows.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Blunt/Informal (Avoid when trying to be respectful to authority):
- Look, you're wrong about this.
- That doesn't make sense.
- Seriously?
Sarcastic/Passive-Aggressive (If tone is wrong):
- The phrase itself can become sarcastic. Well, with all due respect (dripping sarcasm), that's the stupidest idea I've ever heard.
Situational Appropriateness
- Best suited for formal situations when disagreeing with superiors, elders, or experts in their field.
- Can be used in semi-formal settings for sensitive disagreements.
- **Warning:** Overuse or use in casual settings can sound stiff, overly formal, or sarcastic. If used with the wrong tone, it's often perceived as *disrespectful* despite the words. Often joked about as meaning I think you're an idiot, but I have to be polite.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The biggest risk is the tone. Non-native speakers must be careful to use a genuinely respectful tone, or the phrase backfires badly.
- Learners might think it grants a license to be rude afterwards; it doesn't. The disagreement following should still be phrased carefully.
Examples
- With all due respect, sir, I believe your analysis overlooks some key data.
- With all due respect, Professor, the textbook offers a different explanation.
- With all due respect, I think you're mistaken.
Dialogue
Senior Manager: We need to cut the training budget by 50% to meet targets.
Junior Manager: With all due respect, Ms. Evans, cutting it that drastically will severely impact employee development and morale, potentially costing us more in the long run through attrition.
Senior Manager: I understand your concern. Explain the specific impacts you foresee.
Social Media Examples
- Formal Email/Message: With all due respect, Dr. Lee, I found a discrepancy in the data presented on page 5.
- Comment on a public figure's statement: With all due respect, Senator, your claims about the economic impact don't align with the latest non-partisan reports.
- (Often used ironically/sarcastically online): Tweet: My cat just knocked over my coffee again. With all due respect, you furry menace, that was the good stuff. #CatsOfTwitter
Response Patterns
- Listening attentively (as the preface signals a potentially important disagreement).
- Defensiveness (if the disagreement is perceived as a challenge).
- Openness: Okay, I'm listening. What's your perspective?
- Annoyance (if the phrase is perceived as insincere or overly formal).
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- The speaker immediately states their disagreement or counter-point clearly but respectfully.
- The listener (often the person being addressed) typically responds directly to the substance of the disagreement.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a preface to disagreement within a conversation.
Intonation
- Usually spoken in a measured, serious, and respectful tone.
- Even stress across the phrase, or slight emphasis on due and respect. With ALL DUE reSPECT...
- Followed by a slight pause before the disagreement.
- **Warning:** Tone is crucial. If said sarcastically or angrily, it becomes highly disrespectful and condescending.
Generation Differences
- More associated with older generations or very formal professional environments. Younger generations might find it overly formal or potentially passive-aggressive depending on context.
Regional Variations
- Used across English-speaking regions, particularly in formal business, academic, or political contexts. Perhaps slightly more common or expected in British English formal settings compared to very casual American contexts.