Meaning & use
all due respect
Last updated
UK/ˌɔːl djuː rɪˈspekt/
US/ˌɔːl duː rɪˈspekt/
Meaning
phrasefixed phraseformal
A polite expression used before you disagree with or criticize someone, to soften what you are about to say.
Grammar: Usually begins with with: with all due respect, I disagree.
Patterns
- with all due respect, ...
With all due respect, I think the plan is too risky.
With all due respect, Mr. Davis, the figures do not support that claim.
I mean this with all due respect, but you are wrong.
Common combinations
- with all due respect
- With all due respect, you have not read the report.
- all due respect to
- All due respect to the coach, the strategy failed.
- say with all due respect
- I say this with all due respect, but it is late.
- no disrespect
- No disrespect, but I disagree.
Synonyms and how they differ
- no offense
- No offense is more casual and often used among friends.
- respectfully
- Respectfully is a single word and sounds slightly more formal and sincere.
- begging your pardon
- Begging your pardon is old-fashioned and more apologetic.
Word family
- respect noun
- admiration or consideration for someone
- respectful adjective
- showing respect
- due adjective
- owed or deserved
- disrespect noun
- lack of respect
Commonly confused: all due respect or all do respect?
all due respect vs all do respect
This is a frequent misspelling; the correct word is due, meaning deserved.
Practice
______, I believe the budget estimate is far too optimistic.
Choose one answer.
With all due respect is the fixed phrase. The other prepositions are not used in the idiom.
Make it your own
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