Cómo decir las cosas de otra manera (En otras palabras)
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use phrases like 'in other words' to explain a complex idea more simply or to clarify your meaning for the listener.
- Use 'In other words' to simplify a previous statement. Example: 'He's a polyglot; in other words, he speaks many languages.'
- Use 'That is to say' for formal clarification. Example: 'The results were inconclusive, that is to say, we need more data.'
- Always place a comma after these phrases when they start a new sentence or clause.
Overview
Van a malinterpretar eso? A todos nos ha pasado. A veces, nuestro primer intento de explicar algo es un desastre total.
reinicio para tus oraciones. Le dicen al oyente: Espera, déjame decir eso de una manera más sencilla. En inglés, usamos frases como
in other words o I mean para cerrar la brecha entre una idea confusa y una clara.La interfaz de usuario es muy intuitiva. Ella te mira sin entender nada.
In other words, es muy fácil de usar. Esa pequeña frase
in other words acaba de salvar la conversación. La reformulación es el arte de decir lo mismo dos veces pero usando palabras diferentes la segunda vez.How This Grammar Works
I am feeling under the weather, puede que tu amigo no conozca esa expresión. Así que usas un conector:
In other words, I am sick. No estás cambiando los hechos.
envoltorio de los hechos. Esto es muy común en inglés porque tenemos muchas formas de decir lo mismo. Algunas formas son formales, otras informales y otras simplemente raras.deshacer para tu boca.
Formation Pattern
In other words, That is o I mean.
In other words, [Pensamiento más claro].
El restaurante está completo. In other words, no podemos cenar allí esta noche.
Tengo muchas tareas. I mean, estoy muy ocupado.
señal verbal de que viene más información.
When To Use It
- Mensajes de texto/Apps de citas: Si haces una broma que suena un poco mal, puedes seguir con un "I mean, I'm just kidding!" para salvar el ambiente.
- Trabajo/Llamadas de Zoom: Si explicas una tarea y ves que tus compañeros parecen perdidos, di:
In other words, we need to finish the report by Friday
. - Redes sociales: Úsalo en los pies de foto de Instagram para explicar una frase profunda.
La vida es un viaje. In other words, no te preocupes por el destino
. - Viajes: Al pedir comida, si el camarero no entiende tu petición de
sin lácteos, puedes decirle:In other words, no milk or cheese, please
. - Videojuegos:
El jefe tiene una defensa alta. Put differently, no gastes tu movimiento especial todavía
.
pulir tu discurso. Te hace parecer que estás pensando en la mejor manera de ayudar a tu oyente.
Common Mistakes
- La coma ausente: Este es el error más común al escribir. La gente escribe
In other words I am tired
. Sin la coma, se siente apresurado. Es como comer una hamburguesa sin el pan. Funciona, pero es un desastre. - Usarlo para información nueva: No uses
in other wordspara introducir un tema completamente diferente.
Me gusta la pizza. In other words, voy al gimnasio.
- Demasiada formalidad: Usar
That is to sayen un chat casual de WhatsApp suena como si fueras un profesor del siglo XIX. Quédate conI meanoIn other wordspara los amigos. - Abusar de ello: Si usas un conector después de cada frase, sonarás como un disco rayado. Guárdalo para los momentos que realmente necesiten aclaración.
- Conector incorrecto:
I meanes genial para corregirte a ti mismo.In other wordses mejor para explicar un concepto difícil. No los intercambies si el contexto no encaja.
Contrast With Similar Patterns
- Vs.
For example:In other wordsexplica la idea *completa* de nuevo.For examplesolo te da *una parte* de la idea. Me encanta la fruta. For example, me gustan las manzanas
. (Un elemento específico)Me encanta la fruta. In other words, como snacks saludables
. (Explicando el hábito general)- Vs.
Because:Becauseda una razón.In other wordsda una definición o una versión más sencilla. Me quedo en casa because está lloviendo
. (Razón)Me quedo en casa. In other words, no voy a la fiesta
. (Simplificación)- Vs.
So:Somuestra un resultado.In other wordsmuestra una repetición. Es tarde, so me voy a la cama
. (Resultado)Es tarde. In other words, la fiesta ha terminado
. (Repetición)
Quick FAQ
P: ¿Es in other words formal?
R: Está en un punto intermedio. Puedes usarlo con tu jefe o con tu mejor amigo. ¡Es muy seguro!
P: ¿Puedo usar i.e. en un mensaje de texto?
R: Solo si eres muy breve o técnico. i.e. proviene del latín *id est*, que significa es decir. En un mensaje directo casual, simplemente escribe I mean.
P: ¿Cuál es la forma más corta de reformular algo?
R: Usa I mean. Son solo dos palabras y funciona en casi cualquier situación informal.
P: ¿Siempre necesito una frase completa después del conector?
R: Normalmente, sí. Pero en el habla informal, a veces se usa solo una palabra o frase.
Es caro. In other words, un robo.
P: ¿Es común put differently?
R: Es un poco más elegante. Úsalo cuando quieras sonar un poco más sofisticado en un ensayo o en una entrada de blog.
Common Reformulation Markers by Register
| Register | Marker | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Informal
|
Basically
|
To simplify a long story
|
Basically, we're lost.
|
|
Neutral
|
In other words
|
To restate for clarity
|
He's a CEO; in other words, the boss.
|
|
Neutral
|
To put it simply
|
To explain technical terms
|
To put it simply, it's broken.
|
|
Formal
|
That is to say
|
To define precisely
|
It is mandatory; that is to say, required.
|
|
Formal
|
Namely
|
To list specific items
|
Two colors, namely, red and blue.
|
|
Academic
|
Specifically
|
To narrow down a topic
|
We studied birds, specifically, eagles.
|
Common Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Full Latin | English Meaning | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|---|
|
i.e.
|
id est
|
That is / In other words
|
Used to clarify a definition.
|
|
viz.
|
videlicet
|
Namely / To wit
|
Very formal, used for lists.
|
Meanings
Connective phrases used to introduce a second statement that explains or simplifies the preceding one.
Simplification
Taking a technical or complex idea and making it easier to understand.
“The software uses an asynchronous architecture. In other words, it doesn't wait for one task to finish before starting the next.”
Formal Clarification
Providing a more precise definition of a term just used.
“We need to improve our fiscal responsibility, that is to say, we must stop overspending.”
Specific Identification
Naming specific members of a group previously mentioned.
“Three students were chosen, namely, Sarah, John, and Alex.”
Reference Table
| Frase | Significado | Uso Principal | Formalidad |
|---|---|---|---|
|
`in other words`
|
Para refrasear/simplificar
|
Clarificación/simplificación general
|
Versátil (Media)
|
|
`that is to say`
|
Para explicar con más precisión
|
Clarificar o elaborar una declaración
|
Ligeramente Formal
|
|
`to put it another way`
|
Para refrasear de otra manera
|
Ofrecer una perspectiva alternativa
|
Versátil (Media)
|
|
`put differently`
|
Para expresar de una manera alternativa
|
Proporcionar un punto de vista más simple o distinto
|
Versátil (Media)
|
|
`namely`
|
Específicamente/por nombre
|
Introducir elementos o detalles específicos
|
Más Formal
|
|
`i.e.`
|
Es decir / En otras palabras
|
Especificar o clarificar con precisión
|
Formal/Académico
|
Espectro de formalidad
The project is not fiscally viable; that is to say, the costs exceed our budget. (Business discussion)
The project is too expensive. In other words, we can't afford it. (Business discussion)
Basically, it's too much money. (Business discussion)
Bottom line: we're broke. (Business discussion)
Formas de Clarificar y Refrasear en Inglés
Refraseo General
- `in other words` Para simplificar o expresar de otra manera
- `to put it another way` Para ofrecer un fraseo alternativo
Clarificación Específica
- `that is to say` Para elaborar o precisar
- `namely` Para introducir ejemplos específicos
- `i.e.` Del latín 'id est'; especifica
Diferencia Clave
- `i.e.` vs `e.g.` Clarificación vs. Ejemplo
Eligiendo tu Clarificador
¿Debes Refrasear?
¿Tu afirmación es potencialmente poco clara o demasiado compleja?
¿Necesitas simplificar/refrasear generalmente?
¿Necesitas elaborar o especificar una implicación?
¿Necesitas introducir ejemplos o detalles específicos?
Expresiones Aclaratorias
Clarificación General
- • `in other words`
- • `to put it another way`
- • `put differently`
Elaboración Específica
- • `that is to say`
- • `namely`
- • `i.e.`
Para Ejemplos
- • `e.g.`
- • `for example`
Consejos de Puntuación
- • Coma después de la frase introductoria
- • Punto y coma para enlazar cláusulas
Ejemplos por nivel
I like fruit. I mean, I like apples.
The shop is closed. I mean, no shopping today.
He is my brother. I mean, my big brother.
I am busy. I mean, I have no time.
The movie was boring. Basically, nothing happened.
He is a vegetarian. So, he doesn't eat meat.
I'm lost. I mean, I don't know this street.
She's a doctor. Basically, she helps sick people.
The project is over budget. In other words, we spent too much money.
He is a polyglot. In other words, he speaks many languages.
The water is potable. In other words, you can drink it.
I'm feeling under the weather. In other words, I'm sick.
The results were inconclusive; that is to say, we need to repeat the test.
To put it simply, the engine is dead.
The policy is mandatory, that is, everyone must follow it.
We need to diversify our portfolio; to put it another way, don't put all your eggs in one basket.
The witness was unreliable, namely, he changed his story three times.
The architecture is monolithic, which is to say, it lacks modularity.
He suffers from insomnia, or to be more precise, sleep-onset association disorder.
The treaty was signed by three nations, specifically, France, Germany, and Italy.
The protagonist's hubris—or, to use the vernacular, his big ego—leads to his downfall.
The fiscal stimulus was, in a manner of speaking, a drop in the ocean.
The law is retroactive, viz., it applies to events that occurred before it was passed.
Her performance was transcendent; that is, it went beyond the boundaries of ordinary experience.
Fácil de confundir
Learners use 'i.e.' (that is) when they want to give an example, and 'e.g.' (for example) when they want to clarify.
Learners use 'actually' to restate a point, but 'actually' is for correcting or adding surprise.
Namely is used for a complete list of specific things already mentioned. For example is for just one or two possibilities.
Errores comunes
I like cats, I mean dogs.
I like cats. No, I mean dogs.
I mean is it's cold.
I mean, it's cold.
I mean... (used every 3 words)
Use it only when clarifying.
I mean that I am happy.
I mean, I am happy.
Basically he is nice.
Basically, he is nice.
He is a doctor so he helps people.
He is a doctor; so, he helps people.
Basically, I am go home.
Basically, I am going home.
I mean, it is a big dog, for example, a Husky.
It is a big dog, for example, a Husky.
He is a polyglot, in other words, he speaks many languages.
He is a polyglot; in other words, he speaks many languages.
In other words oranges are orange.
In other words, oranges are orange.
I like sports in other words football.
I like sports, specifically football.
He is late, in another words, he is not here.
He is late; in other words, he is not here.
We need three things, namely: bread, milk, and eggs.
We need three things, namely, bread, milk, and eggs.
The viz. results were good.
The results, viz., the scores, were good.
He is a doctor, that is to say he works in a hospital.
He is a doctor, that is to say, he works in a hospital.
The car is red, specifically, it is crimson.
The car is red; specifically, it is crimson.
Patrones de oraciones
The ___ was ___; in other words, ___.
To put it simply, ___.
We need to ___, that is to say, ___.
There are two ___, namely, ___ and ___.
Real World Usage
I am very detail-oriented; in other words, I never miss a deadline.
Basically, I'm not coming.
The data is skewed, namely, the outliers are affecting the mean.
I'm allergic to nuts; in other words, no peanuts please.
To put it simply, your hard drive is broken.
The Party of the First Part, namely, the Landlord...
La Puntuación Importa
The report was extensive; in other words, it took hours to read.¡No Confundas `i.e.` y `e.g.`!
i.e. es para in other words (clarificación), y e.g. es para for example (ilustración). Confundirlos puede cambiar completamente el significado. I like fruits, e.g., apples and oranges. vs. I like fruit (i.e., the edible reproductive body of a seed plant).
Úsalos para Impactar y ser Breve
in other words, don't come in today."Matices en la Comunicación Global
We need to optimize our workflow, that is to say, streamline our processes for efficiency.Lee tu Escrito en Voz Alta
to put it another way, it's not easy to grasp."Smart Tips
Immediately follow it with 'in other words' and a simpler definition to keep your reader engaged.
Use 'namely' instead of 'like' to sound more professional and precise.
Use 'I mean' to buy yourself a few seconds to think of a better way to say what you just said.
Replace 'Basically' with 'To put it simply' to avoid sounding too casual or dismissive.
Pronunciación
The 'In other words' pause
There is always a slight pause after 'words' before continuing the sentence. This is represented by the comma.
Linking 'That is'
In 'That is to say', the 't' in 'that' and the 'i' in 'is' often link together in American English to sound like a soft 'd'.
Rising-Falling
In other words (rise), he's late (fall).
The rise on 'words' signals that a clarification is coming.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
I.O.W. = It's One Way (to say it differently).
Asociación visual
Imagine a bridge connecting a giant, heavy stone (a complex word) to a light, fluffy feather (a simple word). The bridge is labeled 'In other words'.
Rhyme
If your meaning isn't clear and you want to be heard, just start your next sentence with 'In other words'.
Story
A professor was giving a lecture about 'nocturnal felines'. The students looked confused. He stopped, smiled, and said, 'In other words, cats that stay awake at night.' Suddenly, everyone understood.
Word Web
Desafío
Write a sentence about your job using a very difficult technical word, then use 'In other words' to explain it to a 5-year-old.
Notas culturales
British speakers often use 'that is to say' more frequently in semi-formal speech than Americans, who prefer 'in other words'.
In Western academia, over-using 'basically' is seen as a sign of poor vocabulary. Students are encouraged to use 'specifically' or 'namely'.
Using 'to put it another way' is a common 'softening' technique in meetings to avoid sounding too aggressive when repeating a point.
The phrase 'in other words' has been used in English since the 1300s, appearing in Middle English texts to introduce translations or paraphrases.
Inicios de conversación
Can you describe your job in one sentence, and then say 'In other words' to explain it to a child?
What is a 'polyglot'? Use 'that is to say' in your answer.
If you had to explain 'cryptocurrency' to your grandmother, how would you start with 'Basically'?
Name three things you can't live without, using 'namely'.
Temas para diario
Errores comunes
Test Yourself
The new app is very user-friendly, ___, it's simple enough for anyone to use.
That is to say se usa para clarificar o simplificar la declaración anterior. Namely introduce ejemplos específicos, y e.g. significa por ejemplo.Find and fix the mistake:
All students must bring essential supplies e.g., a laptop, pens, and paper.
E.g. se usa para dar ejemplos. La oración original usaba e.g. correctamente, pero carecía de puntuación para el paréntesis. La oración corregida incluye la puntuación adecuada.Choose the correct sentence:
Namely generalmente requiere dos puntos o un punto y coma antes cuando introduce una lista que elabora la cláusula precedente.Score: /3
Ejercicios de practica
8 exercisesThe results were negative; ___, the patient is healthy.
The atmospheric pressure is dropping rapidly. ___ it's going to rain.
Find and fix the mistake:
I have two brothers, in other words, Mike and Sam.
The financial obligations of the contract are currently exceeding our liquid assets.
You should always use a comma after 'In other words' at the start of a sentence.
Connect the following:
A: 'The software is incompatible with your OS.' B: '___, I can't use it?'
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesThe project deadline is flexible, ___, we can submit it next week if needed.
He has a lot of hobbies i.e., hiking, cycling, and reading.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: 'El objetivo principal, es decir, el más importante, es reducir los costes.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the phrases with their functions:
We need to focus on sustainable practices, ___, methods that protect the environment.
The car was a vintage model; in other words it was very old.
Which sentence correctly uses `namely`?
Translate into English: 'Ella es mi amiga, es decir, la conozco desde la infancia.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
The new policy affects all employees, ___, everyone from management to interns.
Score: /12
Preguntas frecuentes (8)
Yes, it is very common. Just make sure to follow it with a comma: `In other words, it's over.`
`i.e.` means 'that is' (clarification), while `e.g.` means 'for example' (illustration).
It can be if used to dismiss someone's complex point. In professional settings, use `to put it simply` instead.
If you are joining two full sentences into one, yes. Otherwise, use a period and start a new sentence.
Usually, 'namely' is used for a list, but it can be used for one thing if that thing is the specific identity of what you just mentioned.
No, 'I mean' is considered too informal for academic writing. Use `that is to say` or `in other words`.
It is a very formal abbreviation for 'namely'. You will mostly see it in old books or legal papers.
Try not to use it more than once or twice per page. Overuse makes your writing look like you can't explain things clearly the first time.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
En otras palabras / Es decir
Spanish speakers often use 'o sea' as a filler, similar to 'I mean', but much more frequently.
En d'autres termes / C'est-à-dire
French often uses 'soit' in mathematical or very formal logic contexts where English would use 'namely'.
Mit anderen Worten / Das heißt
German word order (V2) must be maintained after these connectors if they are part of the main clause.
言い換えれば (Iikaereba) / つまり (Tsumari)
Japanese connectors often appear at the very start of a sentence to set the logical frame for everything that follows.
بمعنى آخر (Bima'na akhar)
Arabic also uses 'ay' (أي) as a very short, formal particle to mean 'that is' or 'namely'.
换句话说 (Huàn jù huà shuō)
Chinese often uses 'jiùshì' (就是) in casual speech to mean 'that is' or 'I mean'.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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