Although, But, Although I say, Although it is said, Having said that
Structure
Verb + ととは言うものの、+ Phrase
いAdj + とは言うものの、+ Phrase
なAdj + (だ) + とは言うものの、+ Phrase
Noun + (だ) + とは言うものの、+ Phrase
Phrase1. とは言うものの、Phrase2
(A) とはとは言うものの (B) is an expression used when the speaker/writer acknowledges (A) as a fact, or that (A) is widely considered to be a fact. However, despite one’s expectations, (B) is the case. It is also used when (A), while true, is insufficient, and additional details from (B) are needed to paint the whole picture. Unlike ものの by itself, this expression can be used at the beginning of a sentence.