C1 Conjunctions & Connectors 15 min read ふつう

アイデアを明確にする：「言い換えれば」（接続詞）

「in other words」は、言いたいことを別の言葉で説明し、「メッセージを明確に」するのに役立つ表現です。
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'in other words' to explain a complex idea more simply or to provide a different perspective on what you just said.

  • Place it at the start of a new sentence or after a semicolon to clarify the previous point.
  • Always follow 'In other words' with a comma to set off the introductory phrase.
  • Ensure the second statement logically restates or simplifies the first statement without changing the core meaning.
Complex Idea 🧠 + ; + In other words, + Simple Explanation 💡

Overview

### 概要
C1レベルという、英語学習における「上級者」の領域に到達した皆さんにとって、英語はもはや単なる「意思疎通の道具」ではなく、自身の思考をいかに精密に、そして戦略的に相手に伝えるかという「表現の武器」になっているはずです。その中で、今回取り上げる in other words という表現は、単なる「言い換え」のフレーズではありません。これは、コミュニケーションの質を劇的に高めるための談話標識（Discourse Marker）であり、話し手や書き手が、自身のメッセージを聴衆に合わせて最適化しようとする「知的配慮」の象徴でもあります。
日本語でも、私たちは複雑な説明をした後に「つまり……」や「言い換えれば……」と付け加えることがありますよね。これは、相手が自分の話を正しく理解しているかを確認し、もし難解であれば、より噛み砕いた表現で橋渡しをする作業です。英語の in other words も全く同じ役割を果たしますが、C1レベルにおいては、このフレーズを「単なる繰り返し」ではなく、「意味的な等価性（Semantic Equivalence）」を構築するための高度なツールとして使いこなす必要があります。
英語は日本語に比べて、論理の明快さ（Clarity）を極めて重視する言語です。日本語が「察しの文化」であり、文脈から意味を汲み取ることが美徳とされるのに対し、英語では「誤解の余地をなくすこと」が話し手の責任とされます。in other words をマスターすることは、この「話し手の責任」を果たし、抽象的な概念を具体的なイメージに落とし込んだり、専門的な内容を一般的に理解可能な言葉に翻訳したりする能力を証明することに他なりません。本講義では、この表現の文法的な構造から、ネイティブスピーカーが使い分けるニュアンスの差、そして日本人が陥りやすい落とし穴まで、徹底的に解説していきます。
### 仕組みと日本語との比較
in other words の本質的な機能は、「メタ言語的コメント（Metalinguistic Comment）」です。これは、これから話す内容が新しい情報ではなく、直前に述べた内容を「別の言語的枠組みで再構築したもの」であることを聞き手に予告する合図です。言語学的に見れば、前の命題（A）と後の命題（B）の間に A = B という等式を成立させる働きをしています。
ここで、日本語の「つまり」や「言い換えれば」と比較してみましょう。日本語の「つまり」は非常に多機能で、言い換えだけでなく、結論の要約（「つまり、ダメだということだ」）や、単なる思考の繋ぎ（フィラー）としても使われます。しかし、英語の in other words は、より明確に「同一内容の別表現への変換」に特化しています。
日本語と英語の構造的な違いも影響します。日本語は「主述の関係」が曖昧でも「て・に・を・は」の助詞で意味を繋げられますが、英語は SVO（主語・動詞・目的語）の語順が情報の骨格を成します。そのため、in other words を使う際は、単に単語を置き換えるだけでなく、文全体の構造をよりシンプルに、あるいはより具体的に作り変えることが求められます。
例えば、日本語では「彼は非常に慎重な性格だ。言い換えれば、石橋を叩いて渡るタイプだ」と言います。これを英語にする際、He is extremely cautious. In other words, he always plays it safe. のように、抽象的な形容詞 cautious を、より具体的なイディオム plays it safe に変換することで、聞き手の脳内での理解を助ける「認知的な橋渡し」を行うのです。このように、in other words は、情報の抽象度をコントロールするためのレバーのような役割を果たしていると考えてください。
### 構成パターンと句読点
C1レベルのライティングにおいて、in other words の配置と句読点（Punctuation）の使い方は、あなたの教養と正確さを示す重要な指標となります。このフレーズは、文の中で「挿入句」または「導入的な副詞句」として機能します。
| パターン | 構造 | 例文 | 役割とニュアンス |
|---|---|---|---|
| 文中の挿入 | S, in other words, V... | The fiscal deficit, in other words, the gap between spending and revenue, is widening. | 文の流れを止めずに、直前の名詞句や概念を補足・定義します。コンマで囲むのが必須です。 |
| セミコロンによる接続 | Clause 1; in other words, Clause 2. | The results were inconclusive; in other words, we need more data. | 2つの独立した文を論理的に密接に結びつけます。ピリオドよりも「直前の文の直接的な言い換え」であることを強調します。 |
| 文頭での使用 | Sentence 1. In other words, Sentence 2. | The company is downsizing. In other words, many people will lose their jobs. | 前の文全体を受けて、その結論や本質をズバリと言い換えます。最も一般的で強調度が高い形です。 |
| ダッシュによる強調 | Statement — in other words — Rephrasing. | It was a complete fiasco — in other words — a disaster. | 劇的な効果や、感情的な強調を伴う言い換えに使われます。口語的、あるいはドラマチックな文章で見られます。 |
特に注意すべきは、in other words の直後のコンマです。これは、このフレーズが文の主要素（主語や動詞）ではなく、あくまで「談話のガイド」であることを示すための重要なサインです。これがないと、読者はどこまでが言い換えの合図で、どこからが実際の内容なのかを一瞬迷ってしまい、読解のリズムが崩れてしまいます。
### 使用場面と具体的な使い分け
in other words をいつ使うべきか。その判断基準は「読者や聞き手の認知負荷（Cognitive Load）」をいかに軽減するか、という点にあります。以下のような状況で特に効果を発揮します。
  1. 1専門用語や抽象的概念の平易化（Simplification）
学術的な議論やビジネスの専門的な文脈で、難解な語彙を使った後に、それを日常的な言葉に落とし込む場合です。
  • The algorithm utilizes recursive backtracking. In other words, it tries every possibility until it finds a solution.
  • （そのアルゴリズムは再帰的バックトラッキングを利用しています。言い換えれば、解決策が見つかるまであらゆる可能性を試すのです。）
  1. 1曖昧さの排除と明確化（Clarification）
自分の発言が多義的に取られる可能性がある場合、あるいは意図をより正確に伝えたい場合です。
  • We need to optimize our human capital. In other words, we should invest more in employee training.
  • （人的資源を最適化する必要があります。つまり、従業員研修にもっと投資すべきだということです。）
  1. 1要約と結論の提示（Summarizing）
長い説明の後に、そのエッセンスを一行でまとめたい場合です。これはプレゼンテーションの締めくくりなどで非常に有効です。
  • The market is saturated, competition is fierce, and our costs are rising. In other words, we are in trouble.
  • （市場は飽和し、競争は激化し、コストは上昇しています。端的に言えば、我々は苦境に立たされているのです。）
  1. 1皮肉やユーモア、あるいは厳しい現実の直視
あえてオブラートに包んだ表現の後に、in other words を使って身も蓋もない真実を突きつける手法です。
  • He is currently between professional opportunities. In other words, he's unemployed.
  • （彼は現在、職業的な機会の合間にいます。要するに、失業中ということです。）
### 日本人学習者が陥りやすい間違い
日本人が in other words を使う際、母国語である日本語の干渉（L1 Interference）によって起こりやすいミスがいくつかあります。
1. 「順接の結論」との混同（Therefore との取り違え）
日本語の「つまり」は、「Aだから、結果としてBだ」という因果関係でも使われることがあります。しかし、in other words はあくまで「A = B（言い換え）」であり、「A → B（因果）」ではありません。
  • 間違い: It rained heavily. In other words, the game was cancelled.
  • 正解: It rained heavily. Therefore, the game was cancelled.
in other words を使うなら、The weather was unsuitable for outdoor sports; in other words, it was raining cats and dogs. のように、内容が同一である必要があります。
2. 接続詞としての誤用（Run-on sentences）
in other words は副詞句であり、and や but のような接続詞ではありません。2つの文を繋ぐには、ピリオドかセミコロンが必要です。
  • 間違い: He is a polyglot in other words he speaks many languages.
  • 正解: He is a polyglot; in other words, he speaks many languages.
コンマだけで繋いでしまうのは、C1レベルでは避けたい文法ミス（Comma Splice）です。
3. 語彙の重複（Redundancy）
全く同じ難易度の言葉を並べるだけでは、in other words を使う意味がありません。日本語の「つまり」を口癖のように多用する癖が英語に出ると、文章が冗長になります。言い換えることで「より分かりやすくなる」か「より強調される」かのどちらかのメリットがあるかを確認してください。
### 類似表現との比較と使い分け
上級者として、in other words 以外の選択肢も持っておく必要があります。文脈に応じてこれらを使い分けることで、表現の幅が広がります。
| 表現 | ニュアンス・特徴 | 例文 |
|---|---|---|
| That is to say (i.e.) | よりフォーマルで、定義や詳細な補足に近い。学術論文で多用される。 | The project is feasible; that is to say, it can be completed within the budget. |
| Namely | 具体的な名前や例を挙げて特定する場合に使う。 | We need to focus on one thing, namely, customer retention. |
| To put it simply / Put simply | 複雑な内容をあえて極限まで簡略化することを宣言する。 | Put simply, the plan failed because we lacked funding. |
| To put it another way | 視点を変えて説明し直すニュアンスが強い。 | He's very independent. To put it another way, he doesn't like working in teams. |
| Rather | 直前の表現を訂正し、より適切な表現に置き換える（「むしろ」）。 | It wasn't a mistake; rather, it was a deliberate choice. |
特に That is to say と In other words の違いは微妙ですが、That is to say は「前の言葉の定義をより厳密にする」傾向があり、In other words は「聞き手に分かりやすく翻訳し直す」というコミュニケーション上の意図がより強く感じられます。
### よくある質問 (FAQ)
Q1: in other words を使いすぎると、相手に失礼（馬鹿にしている）と思われませんか？
A1: その懸念は重要です。あまりにも明白なことを何度も言い換えると、「こんなことも分からないのか」というニュアンスを与えかねません。しかし、抽象的な議論やビジネスの複雑な交渉において、in other words を使って合意事項を確認することは、むしろ「誤解を防ごうとする誠実な姿勢」と受け取られます。ポイントは、言い換えた後の内容が、相手にとって価値のある「要約」や「明確化」になっているかどうかです。
Q2: メールの文頭で In other words, と書き始めるのは一般的ですか？
A2: はい、非常に一般的です。特に、前段で状況説明や背景を詳しく書いた後、結論を強調したい時に In other words, we need your approval by Friday. のように使います。これにより、相手は長いメールの「結局何が言いたいのか」を即座に把握できます。
Q3: In short や In a nutshell との違いは何ですか？
A3: In short や In a nutshell は「要約（Summarizing）」に特化しています。In other words も要約に使えますが、本質は「言い換え（Rephrasing）」です。In short は「短くまとめると」というプロセスに焦点を当て、In other words は「別の表現で言うと（＝中身は同じですよ）」という内容の等価性に焦点を当てています。
### 最後に：C1レベルのマスターへ
in other words を自在に操れるようになることは、あなたの英語が「情報の羅列」から「戦略的な対話」へと進化することを意味します。日本語の「つまり」という言葉の裏にある、相手を思いやる気持ちや論理を整理する知性を、そのまま英語の in other words に乗せてみてください。
次に英語で文章を書くとき、あるいはプレゼンテーションをするとき、少し抽象的な表現を使ってしまったなと感じたら、迷わず in other words と付け加えてみましょう。そして、その後に続く言葉で、あなたのメッセージをより鮮やかに、より力強く再定義してみてください。その繰り返しが、ネイティブスピーカーをも唸らせる、真の英語運用能力を育んでいくはずです。頑張ってください（頑張りましょう）！

Sentence Positioning and Punctuation

Position Preceding Punctuation Following Punctuation Function
Start of Sentence
Period (.)
Comma (,)
Introduces a new, clearer thought.
Middle of Sentence
Semicolon (;)
Comma (,)
Connects two closely related ideas.
Parenthetical
Comma (,)
Comma (,)
Rare; used for quick asides.

Synonyms and Abbreviations

Form Type Usage Context
i.e.
Abbreviation
Formal writing only (Latin: id est).
That is to say
Phrase
Very formal/Academic.
To put it simply
Phrase
Neutral/Informal simplification.

Meanings

A phrase used to introduce a statement that repeats what has been said in a different and usually simpler way, or to explain the true meaning of something.

1

Simplification

To take a technical or jargon-heavy statement and make it understandable for a general audience.

“The patient is suffering from acute rhinitis; in other words, he has a very bad cold.”

“We need to optimize our synergistic workflows. In other words, we need to work together better.”

2

Summarization

To condense a long, rambling explanation into a single, punchy point.

“He didn't call, he didn't write, and he missed the meeting. In other words, he's not interested.”

“The weather was terrible, the food was cold, and the hotel was dirty. In other words, the trip was a disaster.”

3

Strategic Reframing

To change the 'spin' of a statement to highlight a specific consequence or interpretation.

“The government is 'adjusting the tax brackets.' In other words, they are raising our taxes.”

“The software is 'undergoing a scheduled maintenance window.' In other words, it's broken right now.”

Reference Table

Reference table for アイデアを明確にする：「言い換えれば」（接続詞）
使用タイプ 機能 前の句読点 例文
簡素化
複雑な用語を分解する
コンマ(,)またはセミコロン(;)
It's convoluted; in other words, it's confusing.
明確化
より分かりやすい視点を提供する
ピリオド(.)またはコンマ(,)
I didn't get it. In other words, please re-explain.
要約
簡潔なバージョンを提供する
コンマ(,)またはセミコロン(;)
Long story short; in other words, it worked out.
強調
重要な点を際立たせる
ピリオド(.)またはセミコロン(;)
You must submit on time. In other words, no extensions.
実用的な解釈
理論と実践を結びつける
コンマ(,)
He's a polyglot, in other words, he speaks many languages.
よくある間違い
新しい考えを導入する
なし
I love coffee, in other words, I like tea. (Incorrect!)

フォーマル度スペクトル

フォーマル
The company is undergoing a restructuring process; in other words, your position has been eliminated.

The company is undergoing a restructuring process; in other words, your position has been eliminated. (Workplace)

ニュートラル
The company is cutting costs. In other words, they are letting people go.

The company is cutting costs. In other words, they are letting people go. (Workplace)

カジュアル
The boss is cleaning house. In other words, you're fired.

The boss is cleaning house. In other words, you're fired. (Workplace)

スラング
You're getting the boot. In other words, you're ghosted by the payroll.

You're getting the boot. In other words, you're ghosted by the payroll. (Workplace)

「in other words」の力

in other words

目的

  • 明確にする Make clear or intelligible
  • 簡素化する Make something easier to understand
  • 言い換える Say something in different words
  • 強調する Give special importance to

文脈

  • 学術 Explaining complex theories
  • ビジネス Simplifying jargon in meetings
  • カジュアル Summarizing during a chat
  • デジタル Clarifying on social media/text

「in other words」と類似の接続詞の比較

In Other Words (意味の言い換え)
She's adept. In other words, she's skilled.
That is to say (i.e.) (厳密な定義)
Monolingual speakers. That is to say, they speak one language.
For instance (e.g.) (具体的な例)
Some fruits are red. For instance, apples and cherries.
Consequently (結果)
He studied hard. Consequently, he passed.

「in other words」を使うべきか？

1

先ほど、複雑または不明確なことを述べましたか？

YES
次へ進みます。
NO
別の接続詞を検討するか、省略します。
2

次の文は、前のアイデアの直接的な言い換え/簡素化ですか？

YES
はい！「in other words」を使いましょう。
NO
いいえ。 「however」（対比）や「consequently」（結果）などを使いましょう。
3

句読点は正しいですか？（前にコンマ/セミコロン、後にコンマ）

YES
完璧です！これで大丈夫。
NO
句読点を修正しましょう。（これは提案ではなく、ルールです！）

「in other words」の用途

🧠

簡素化

  • • 技術用語
  • • 学術概念
  • • 抽象的なアイデア
✨

明確化

  • • 不明瞭な記述
  • • 誤解された点
  • • 曖昧なフレーズ
📄

要約

  • • 長い説明
  • • 詳細な議論
  • • 核となるメッセージ
📢

強調

  • • 重要な要点
  • • 決定的な結果
  • • 重要な示唆
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レベル別の例文

1

I am a doctor. In other words, I help sick people.

2

It is 12:00 PM. In other words, it is lunchtime.

3

She is my mother's sister. In other words, she is my aunt.

4

The shop is closed. In other words, we cannot buy milk.

1

The movie was very boring. In other words, I didn't like it.

2

He is very wealthy. In other words, he has a lot of money.

3

The test was quite easy. In other words, everyone passed.

4

I have a lot of work. In other words, I am very busy today.

1

The company is downsizing. In other words, they are firing people.

2

The recipe is quite complex. In other words, it takes a long time to cook.

3

He was very vague about his plans. In other words, he didn't tell me where he was going.

4

The tickets are non-refundable. In other words, you can't get your money back.

1

The candidate lacks the necessary credentials; in other words, he isn't qualified for the position.

2

The software is incompatible with your operating system. In other words, it won't run on your computer.

3

The economic outlook is rather bleak. In other words, we should expect a recession soon.

4

She was quite economical with the truth. In other words, she lied to us.

1

The author utilizes a stream-of-consciousness narrative; in other words, the prose mimics the chaotic flow of human thought.

2

The geopolitical situation has reached a stalemate. In other words, neither side is willing to make the first move toward peace.

3

The experiment failed to produce statistically significant data. In other words, the results could have happened by pure chance.

4

He is a man of few words and even fewer actions. In other words, he is completely unreliable.

1

The legislation is essentially a paper tiger; in other words, it possesses the appearance of authority without any actual power of enforcement.

2

The protagonist's hubris is the catalyst for his inevitable downfall. In other words, his own pride is what destroys him.

3

The market has reached a point of total saturation. In other words, there is simply no room left for new competitors to gain a foothold.

4

Her silence was not an admission of guilt, but rather a refusal to engage with a flawed premise. In other words, she wasn't hiding anything; she was protesting.

間違えやすい

Clarifying Ideas: 'In other words' (Connectors) 対 In other words vs. For example

Learners use 'in other words' when they are actually giving an example of a category.

Clarifying Ideas: 'In other words' (Connectors) 対 In other words vs. However

Learners sometimes use it to introduce a contrasting idea.

Clarifying Ideas: 'In other words' (Connectors) 対 In other words vs. Namely

Learners use 'in other words' to list items.

よくある間違い

✗

I like cats in other words I love them.

✓

I like cats. In other words, I love them.

Missing punctuation and capitalization.
✗

He is my brother, in other words my sibling.

✓

He is my brother. In other words, he is my sibling.

Comma splice error.
✗

In other words I am happy.

✓

In other words, I am happy.

Missing comma after the phrase.
✗

I am tall in other words.

✓

In other words, I am tall.

The phrase must come before the clarification, not after.
✗

The shop is closed in other words we go home.

✓

The shop is closed. In other words, we are going home.

Needs a period or semicolon to separate the two independent thoughts.
✗

He is rich, in other words, he has money.

✓

He is rich; in other words, he has money.

Using a comma instead of a semicolon creates a run-on sentence.
✗

In other words, he is rich he has money.

✓

He has money. In other words, he is rich.

Incorrect logical order.
✗

The weather is bad, in other words, it's raining.

✓

The weather is bad; in other words, it's raining.

Advanced learners still struggle with the semicolon vs. comma distinction.
✗

He is a vegetarian. In other words, he eats meat.

✓

He is a vegetarian. In other words, he doesn't eat meat.

Logical contradiction; the second part must clarify, not oppose.
✗

I'm tired. In other words, furthermore, I'm going to sleep.

✓

I'm tired. In other words, I'm going to sleep.

Using two connectors with the same function is redundant.
✗

The fiscal policy is regressive, in other words, it hurts the poor.

✓

The fiscal policy is regressive; in other words, it hurts the poor.

At C1, comma splices in formal writing are considered a significant error.
✗

The results were anomalous, in other words, they were strange.

✓

The results were anomalous; in other words, they were unexpected.

Using a synonym that is too simple can sometimes sound patronizing in academic contexts.
✗

In other words, the treaty was signed.

✓

The parties reached an agreement. In other words, the treaty was signed.

Using the phrase without a preceding context to clarify.

文型パターン

The ___ is ___; in other words, ___.

He/She is ___, ___, and ___. In other words, he/she is ___.

So, in other words, you're saying ___?

The ___ has reached ___; in other words, ___.

Real World Usage

Job Interviews very common

I have a high degree of emotional intelligence; in other words, I work well with difficult people.

Texting/WhatsApp common

I'm not coming. In other words, I'm staying in bed all day.

Academic Lectures constant

The cells are undergoing mitosis; in other words, they are dividing.

Legal Contracts occasional

The tenant shall vacate the premises; in other words, you have to move out by Friday.

Customer Support very common

Your subscription has lapsed. In other words, you need to pay to keep using the app.

Dating occasional

I think we should see other people. In other words, I'm breaking up with you.

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💡

簡潔にまとめましょう

明確さが目的です。言い換えの後は、元の文よりも短く、シンプルな説明を目指しましょう。聞き手もきっと喜んでくれますよ！
In other words, keep it short.
⚠️

矛盾を避けましょう

「in other words」は、前に述べたことと同じ内容であることを示唆します。対立する考えや矛盾する内容を導入する際には、絶対に使わないでください。それは「however」や「on the contrary」の役割です。
I like dogs; in other words, I hate cats.
(Incorrect usage!)
🎯

誤解を先回りしましょう

専門用語や複雑な表現を使った場合、相手が困惑するのを待つ必要はありません！積極的に「in other words」を使って、みんなが最初から理解できるように配慮しましょう。思いやりのある話し方ですよ。 "It's a complex algorithm; in other words, it's a complicated set of instructions."
🌍

コミュニケーションの壁を越える

国際的な環境では、「in other words」は非常に役立ちます。特にリモート会議中に、文化や言語の微妙な違いを乗り越え、多様な背景を持つ人々にメッセージを理解してもらうのに役立ちます。
The synergy is paramount; in other words, teamwork is essential.
💡

句読点も大切です

ほとんどの場合、「in other words」の前にはコンマかセミコロンを置き、その後には必ずと言っていいほどコンマを置きます。これにより、文章の流れと読みやすさが向上します。 "She's a diligent student; in other words, she studies very hard."

Smart Tips

Break it into two. Use 'In other words' at the start of the second sentence to summarize the main point of the first.

The multifaceted nature of the socioeconomic crisis implies a need for a holistic approach to policy-making. → The socioeconomic crisis is complex. In other words, we need a plan that covers everything.

Immediately follow it with '; in other words,' and a simple definition.

The patient is experiencing xerostomia. → The patient is experiencing xerostomia; in other words, dry mouth.

Use 'In other words' to strip away the politeness.

We have decided to move in a different direction with our staffing needs. → We have decided to move in a different direction. In other words, you didn't get the job.

If you can't follow a sentence with 'In other words,' your first sentence might be too confusing even for you!

The thing is the stuff with the guy. → The situation is complicated. In other words, I don't know what to do.

発音

/ɪn ˈʌðər wɜːrdz/ [pause]

The Comma Pause

There is always a slight drop in pitch and a brief pause after 'words' to signal the start of the clarification.

in OTHer WORDS,

Stress Pattern

The primary stress is usually on 'oth' and 'words'.

Falling-Rising

In other words... (rising at the end)

Conveys that the speaker is searching for a simpler way to explain something.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'In other words' as an 'Equal Sign' (=) for sentences.

視覚的連想

Imagine a translator standing between two people. One person speaks in complex code, and the translator says 'In other words' before speaking in plain English.

Rhyme

When the meaning is blurred and not quite clear, say 'In other words' so all can hear.

Story

A scientist explains a 'rapid atmospheric discharge' to a child. The child looks confused. The scientist smiles and says, 'In other words, it's lightning.' The child understands immediately.

Word Web

ClarifySimplifyReformulateRestateExplainParaphraseSummary

チャレンジ

Write down a complex sentence about your job or a hobby. Then, write 'In other words,' and explain it as if you were talking to a 10-year-old.

文化メモ

British speakers might use 'That is to say' or 'Put simply' more frequently in formal contexts than Americans, who favor 'In other words'.

In Western academia, using 'in other words' is seen as a sign of a 'considerate writer' who cares about the reader's understanding.

It is often used to 'translate' corporate jargon into actionable items during meetings.

The phrase 'in other words' has been used in English since at least the 14th century (Middle English). It is a literal translation of the concept of 'paraphrasing'.

会話のきっかけ

“

Can you explain your job to me? In other words, what do you actually do all day?

“

The economy seems very volatile right now. In other words, are you worried about your savings?

“

Some people say that 'less is more.' In other words, do you prefer a minimalist lifestyle?

“

The climate crisis is accelerating. In other words, do you think we've passed the point of no return?

日記のテーマ

Describe a difficult concept from your field of study. Then use 'in other words' to explain it to a child.
Write about a time someone misunderstood you. Use 'in other words' to show how you tried to clarify your meaning.
Analyze a political speech or news article. Identify a euphemism and use 'in other words' to explain the reality behind it.
Reflect on the phrase 'Time is money.' In other words, how do you value your free time?

よくある間違い

Incorrect

正解

Incorrect

正解

Incorrect

正解

Incorrect

正解

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Test Yourself

アイデアを言い換えるのに適切な接続詞を選びましょう。

The CEO announced a strategic realignment; _______, they're changing the company's direction.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: in other words
「In other words」は、フォーマルなビジネス用語である「strategic realignment」を、より明確で分かりやすい概念に簡素化し、言い換えるためにここで使われています。
文中の間違いを見つけて修正しましょう。 Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

I don't like chocolate, in other words, I love vanilla.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I don't like chocolate; however, I love vanilla.
「In other words」は言い換えを導入するものであり、対比する考えを導入するものではありません。元の文の後半は前半と矛盾しているので、「however」が適切な接続詞です。
正しい文になるように単語を並べ替えましょう。 Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It's better to get there early, in other words, you get a good seat.
「in other words」というフレーズは、早く到着する方が良い理由を明確にするために使われています。適切な流れのために、フレーズの前後にコンマが必要です。

Score: /3

練習問題

8 exercises
Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. 選択問題

Which sentence uses 'in other words' correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
A semicolon is needed to separate the two independent clauses, and a comma is needed after the phrase.
Fill in the missing connector.

The company is bankrupt; ____, it has no money left.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
'In other words' clarifies the meaning of 'bankrupt'.
Identify the error in the following sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

The weather is very volatile, in other words, it changes quickly.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
This is a comma splice. A semicolon or period is required.
Combine the two sentences using 'in other words'. Sentence Transformation

He is very stingy. He hates spending money.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
This correctly uses the semicolon and the comma.
Match the technical term with its 'in other words' clarification. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: d
All these pairs represent a technical term and its simpler clarification.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: 'The boss said we need to optimize our human capital.' B: '____, he's going to fire us?'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
B is clarifying the boss's jargon.
Is the following rule true or false? True False Rule

'In other words' can be used to introduce a completely new and unrelated idea.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
It must be used to restate or clarify the previous idea.
Choose the best second half of the sentence. Sentence Building

The experiment was a failure; in other words, ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Starting over is the logical consequence of a failed experiment.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

11 exercises
アイデアを言い換えるのに最適なフレーズを選びましょう。 穴埋め問題

The data indicated a statistically significant correlation; _______, the two variables were clearly linked.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: in other words
文中の「in other words」の使い方の間違いを特定し、修正しましょう。 Error Correction

I'm really busy with work, in other words, I'm going to the concert tonight.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I'm really busy with work; however, I'm going to the concert tonight.
正しい文を選びましょう。 選択問題

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He's a procrastinator; in other words, he often delays tasks until the last minute.
英語に翻訳しましょう。 翻訳

Translate into English: 'Ella es muy introvertida, en otras palabras, prefiere pasar tiempo sola.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["She is very introverted, in other words, she prefers to spend time alone.","She is very introverted; in other words, she prefers to spend time alone."]
正しい文になるように単語を並べ替えましょう。 Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It's a complex conceptual framework; in other words, it's hard to understand.
最初の文を、その意味を言い換えたものと合わせましょう。 Match Pairs

Match the statements with their correct rephrasing using 'in other words'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
最も適切なフレーズで文を完成させましょう。 穴埋め問題

The experiment yielded inconclusive results; _______, we couldn't draw a clear conclusion.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: in other words
文の句読点を修正しましょう。 Error Correction

The new policy is draconian in other words it's extremely harsh.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The new policy is draconian; in other words, it's extremely harsh.
「in other words」が適切に使われている文を選びましょう。 選択問題

Which usage of 'in other words' is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The project deadline is Friday, in other words, we have three days left.
自然な英語に翻訳しましょう。 翻訳

Translate into English: 'El gerente fue muy explícito; en otras palabras, no dejó lugar a dudas.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["The manager was very explicit; in other words, he left no room for doubt."]
文法的に正しく意味の通じる文になるように単語を並べ替えましょう。 Sentence Reorder

Order these words to make a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: To win the game, we must stay focused and work together; in other words, teamwork is key.

Score: /11

よくある質問 (8)

Yes, it is very common to start a new sentence with this phrase to clarify the previous one. Just remember the comma: `In other words, ...`

It is neutral. It is perfectly acceptable in formal essays, business meetings, and casual conversation.

`i.e.` is a formal abbreviation used in writing (meaning 'that is'). `In other words` is used in both speech and writing and is slightly more flexible.

Yes, in standard written English, a comma is required because it is an introductory phrase.

No. Use `for example` or `such as` for examples. Use `in other words` to say the same thing in a different way.

It's best to avoid over-using it. If you need to clarify multiple times, try using `that is to say` or `simply put` for variety.

Only if it's set off by commas as a parenthetical, but this is rare and usually less clear than using a semicolon.

It can be neutral, but it can also be used to show frustration or to be blunt (e.g., 'In other words, shut up').

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

En otras palabras / Es decir

Spanish often uses 'o sea' in informal speech, which is much more common than 'in other words' is in informal English.

French high

En d'autres termes / C'est-à-dire

French speakers might use 'enfin' to reformulate, which doesn't translate directly to 'in other words'.

German high

Mit anderen Worten / Das heißt

German punctuation rules around these phrases are stricter regarding comma placement.

Japanese moderate

言い換えれば (Iikaereba) / つまり (Tsumari)

Japanese connectors often come at the very beginning of a sentence and have specific politeness levels.

Arabic moderate

بمعنى آخر (Bima'na akhar) / أي (Ay)

Arabic often uses these phrases to explain classical terms in modern dialects.

Chinese high

换句话说 (Huàn jù huà shuō)

Chinese does not use semicolons in the same way, so the transition is usually a new sentence.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Next
例えば：高度な例を挙げる

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