B2 Conjunctions & Connectors 11 min read Medium

Clarifying English: Namely & That is to say

Use namely for specifics, that is to say for rephrasing, ensuring crystal-clear communication.

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'namely' to list specific names and 'that is to say' to explain or rephrase an idea more clearly.

  • Use 'namely' to identify specific members of a group: 'Two colors, namely red and blue.'
  • Use 'that is to say' to clarify a statement: 'He is a polyglot; that is to say, he speaks many languages.'
  • Always use punctuation (commas or semicolons) before these connectors to separate the clarification from the main clause.
General Idea + 🔍 (namely / that is to say) + Specific Detail

Overview

Learn to speak clearly. Use 'namely' and 'that is to say'.

These words help people understand you in two ways.

'Namely' gives names. 'That is to say' explains the idea.

It helps answer the question, 'What do you mean?'.

Good speakers use these words. They help you speak well.

How This Grammar Works

'Namely' gives parts. 'That is to say' gives an explanation.
Namely as a Specifier
'Namely' gives the names of things in a group.
The information is important. Example: 'One problem, namely, no money.'
This information is the main point of the sentence.
Namely tells your listener, "Here are the exact items I was referring to." It implies that the list or item that follows is definitive or exhaustive for the current context. You're not just giving an example; you're giving the example or the complete list.
That is to say as an Elucidator
'That is to say' makes hard words easy to understand.
Both parts have the same meaning.
Example: 'He has no money; that is to say, he is poor.'
'Namely' zooms in. 'That is to say' makes the picture clear.

Formation Pattern

1
Use marks and commas correctly. This helps people read.
2
Pattern for Namely
3
Put a comma before 'namely'. Do not put a comma after.
4
Short sentence, namely, list of things.
5
"The plan has a critical flaw, namely, its unrealistic timeline."
6
"We need to contact several key stakeholders, namely, the investors, the board members, and the department heads."
7
Sentence: namely, list of things. This is more formal.
8
"The investigation revealed two primary causes: namely, human error and systemic failure."
9
Pattern for That is to say
10
Put a comma before and after 'that is to say'.
11
Use a comma before it for short parts.
12
Use this mark (;) to join two full sentences.
13
| Punctuation Combination | When to Use | Example |
14
| :---------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------ | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
15
Use commas to put a small note in a sentence.
16
Use it to explain the first part of your sentence.
17
Use this mark (;) to join two big ideas.
18
Correct marks show that you are a good writer.

When To Use It

Do you want to name items or explain things?
Use namely when you want to:
  • Introduce a definitive or exhaustive list. This is its most common function. You've mentioned a group, and now you are listing all its members relevant to the context.
  • "Three countries were involved in the initial agreement, namely, France, Germany, and Italy."
  • Pinpoint the single, precise identity of something. You're removing all ambiguity by stating exactly what or who you mean.
  • "He was driven by one ambition, namely, to become the CEO."
  • Identify a specific reason or cause. It can be used to zero in on the exact factor responsible for a situation.
  • "The system failure was due to a single component, namely, the primary power converter."
Use that is to say when you want to:
  • Rephrase a complex idea in simpler terms. This is vital for ensuring your audience understands, especially with technical or academic language.
  • "The experiment requires a double-blind protocol; that is to say, neither the participants nor the researchers know who is in the control group."
  • Clarify a potentially ambiguous statement. If your words could be interpreted in more than one way, you can use it to provide the intended meaning.
  • "Please finish the report by EOD, that is to say, before 5:00 PM your local time."
  • State the logical consequence or implication of something. You're explaining what a situation means in practical terms.
  • "The company lost its primary client; that is to say, a third of its revenue is now gone."
  • Correct or refine a statement you just made. It can be used to make a previous point more precise.
  • "I work in communications—or, that is to say, I'm a public relations specialist for a tech firm."

Common Mistakes

Learn these words. They help you speak better English.
  1. 1The Interchangeability Fallacy: The most frequent mistake is treating namely and that is to say as synonyms. They are not. Using one where the other is required is a clear grammatical error.
  • Incorrect: "We visited several cities in Italy, that is to say, Rome, Florence, and Venice."
  • Why it's wrong: This introduces a specific list of examples, not an explanation. The correct word is namely.
  • Correct: "We visited several cities in Italy, namely, Rome, Florence, and Venice."
  1. 1Punctuation Errors: Forgetting the punctuation, especially the comma after that is to say, is a very common slip. This comma is not optional; it separates the clarifying phrase from the rest of the sentence.
  • Incorrect: "The feedback was constructive that is to say it gave us clear steps for improvement."
  • Correct: "The feedback was constructive, that is to say, it gave us clear steps for improvement."
  1. 1Confusion with e.g. and i.e.: These Latin abbreviations have specific meanings that often get confused with namely. Understanding the difference is key.
| Phrase | Latin Origin | Function | Meaning |
| :---------------- | :----------------------- | :------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------- |
Use this word to list everything. It means these exact things.
| that is to say | (English) | Explanation / Rephrasing | "In other words..." |
| i.e. | id est | Explanation / Rephrasing | "That is" (synonym for that is to say) |
| e.g. | exempli gratia | Illustration (non-exhaustive) | "For example" |
Namely means a full list. E.g. means only some examples.
  • Use namely: "The project requires two software licenses, namely, Chronos and Spectra." (Exactly two, and these are them).
  • Use e.g.: "The project requires various software tools, e.g., Chronos, Spectra, and others." (These are just some examples).

Real Conversations

While these phrases are most common in formal writing, you will hear them in any context where precision is important. Native speakers use them to avoid ambiguity in professional settings, academic discussions, and even in detailed casual conversations.

In a Work Email or Slack Message:

- "The Q4 marketing campaign will focus on two key demographics, namely, young professionals aged 25-35 and university students."

- "The server will be down for maintenance tonight; that is to say, you won't be able to access the shared drive between 10 PM and 11 PM."

In an Academic Lecture or Paper:

- "The Stoic philosophers advocated for apatheia, that is to say, a state of mind free from emotional disturbance."

- "The study identified three confounding variables, namely, participant age, socioeconomic status, and prior exposure to the material."

In a Considered Casual Conversation:

- "I've been trying to cut down on certain foods, namely, anything with processed sugar."

- "He's a digital nomad, that is to say, he works remotely while traveling the world. So he doesn't really have a fixed address."

Notice how in each case, the phrase serves a clear purpose: namely provides the exact items, and that is to say provides an essential explanation. It's about being clear and direct, not just sounding formal.

Quick FAQ

  • Can i.e. always replace that is to say?
i.e. means that is. Use it in writing for work. Do not speak it.
Always punctuate it as ...; i.e., ... or ..., i.e., ....
  • Can I start a sentence with namely or that is to say?
Do not start a sentence with these words. Use them in the middle.
  • Is namely only for lists of more than one item?
You can use it for just one thing. It means this exact one.
  • Which is more formal, namely or that is to say?
Both are considered part of a formal register. Neither is inherently more formal than the other. Their use is dictated by their logical function (specifying vs. explaining), not by a desire to sound more or less formal. The context determines the formality.
  • Are there casual alternatives?
Use like with friends. Use namely at work. It sounds very good.
  • Is the comma after that is to say really mandatory?
Use commas with these words. Commas make the sentence easy to read.

Punctuation and Placement Patterns

Connector Preceding Punctuation Following Punctuation Typical Use Case
namely
Comma (,)
None or Comma
Listing specific names/items
that is to say
Semicolon (;) or Comma
Comma (,)
Explaining or rephrasing a clause
namely
Dash (—)
None
Emphasis in creative writing
that is to say
Comma (,)
Comma (,)
Short parenthetical clarification

Written Abbreviations

Full Phrase Abbreviation Latin Origin
that is to say
i.e.
id est
namely
viz.
videlicet
for example
e.g.
exempli gratia

Meanings

Connective phrases used to introduce a more detailed or specific explanation of what has just been mentioned, often to avoid ambiguity.

1

Identification

Used to give the specific names of people or things that have just been referred to as a group.

“We need to address the main issue, namely the lack of funding.”

2

Reformulation

Used to explain a previous statement in different words to make it easier to understand.

“The project was a failure; that is to say, it did not meet any of its targets.”

3

Precision

Used to narrow down a broad statement to a very specific instance or definition.

“The law applies to all residents, namely those who have lived here for over five years.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Clarifying English: Namely & That is to say
Form Structure Example
Namely (List)
Noun Phrase + , namely + List
I have one goal, namely to win.
Namely (Single)
Noun Phrase + , namely + Noun
The best player, namely Messi, scored.
That is to say (Clause)
Clause + ; that is to say, + Clause
It's free; that is to say, you pay nothing.
That is to say (Phrase)
Clause + , that is to say, + Phrase
He is a polyglot, that is to say, a linguist.
Namely (Dash)
Noun Phrase + — namely + List
The three colors — namely red, white, and blue.
That is to say (Dash)
Clause — that is to say, + Clause
He left — that is to say, he ran away.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
The responsibility lies with the CEO, namely Mr. Smith.

The responsibility lies with the CEO, namely Mr. Smith. (Workplace accountability)

Neutral
The boss, namely Mr. Smith, is responsible.

The boss, namely Mr. Smith, is responsible. (Workplace accountability)

Informal
It's the boss's fault—specifically Smith.

It's the boss's fault—specifically Smith. (Workplace accountability)

Slang
It's on the big man, Smith.

It's on the big man, Smith. (Workplace accountability)

The Clarification Bridge

Clarification

Namely

  • Identification Naming the parts
  • Exhaustive The whole list

That is to say

  • Reformulation New words
  • Definition Explaining meaning

Namely vs. For Example

Namely
100% of the list I have two kids, namely Bob and Sue.
For Example
Part of the list I have many kids, for example, Bob.

Which one should I use?

1

Are you listing names/items?

YES
Use 'namely'
NO
Go to next step
2

Are you explaining an idea?

YES
Use 'that is to say'
NO
Use 'for example'

Examples by Level

1

I have two pets, namely a cat and a dog.

2

He is my father's brother, that is to say, my uncle.

3

We go there on the last day, namely Sunday.

4

It is free; that is to say, you don't pay.

1

There are three colors in the flag, namely red, white, and blue.

2

The shop is closed on the weekend, that is to say, Saturday and Sunday.

3

I only like one sport, namely football.

4

She is a vegetarian; that is to say, she does not eat meat.

1

We need to focus on the main problem, namely the budget.

2

The contract is annual; that is to say, it lasts for one year.

3

Only one person can go, namely the winner.

4

He is very frugal; that is to say, he hates spending money.

1

The research focuses on two variables, namely age and income.

2

The policy is retroactive; that is to say, it applies to past events.

3

We must address the root cause, namely systemic inequality.

4

The software is open-source; that is to say, the code is public.

1

The doctrine of separation of powers, namely the division into legislative, executive, and judicial branches, is vital.

2

The witness was unreliable; that is to say, her testimony was full of contradictions.

3

The aesthetic is minimalist, namely characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity.

4

The economy is in a state of stagflation; that is to say, inflation is high while growth is stagnant.

1

The ontological argument, namely that the very concept of God implies His existence, remains controversial.

2

The treaty is non-binding; that is to say, it lacks any mechanism for legal enforcement.

3

The poet employs an archaic lexicon, namely words that have fallen out of common usage.

4

The phenomenon is ephemeral; that is to say, its existence is fleeting and transitory.

Easily Confused

Clarifying English: Namely & That is to say vs Namely vs. For Example

Learners use 'namely' when they only want to give one example out of many.

Clarifying English: Namely & That is to say vs That is to say vs. I mean

Learners use 'I mean' in formal writing.

Clarifying English: Namely & That is to say vs Namely vs. Viz.

Learners try to say 'viz.' out loud.

Common Mistakes

I like fruits namely apples.

I like fruits, namely apples.

Missing comma before namely.

Namely Tom is my brother.

My brother is Tom.

Namely cannot start a sentence like this.

He is a doctor that is to say he helps people.

He is a doctor; that is to say, he helps people.

Missing semicolon and comma for 'that is to say'.

I have many friends, namely John.

I have many friends, for example, John.

Namely implies John is your ONLY friend.

We visited Europe, namely France and Italy.

We visited two countries in Europe, namely France and Italy.

Namely should refer back to a specific noun phrase (two countries).

The results were good, namely the profit increased.

The results were good; that is to say, the profit increased.

Namely is for nouns/lists; that is to say is for explaining the whole clause.

Sentence Patterns

I have ___ goals for this year, namely ___ and ___.

The situation is ___; that is to say, ___.

We must contact the ___, namely ___.

She is ___; that is to say, she ___.

Real World Usage

Academic Essays very common

The study identifies three outliers, namely the participants from the 2018 cohort.

Legal Contracts constant

The assets, namely the property at 5th Ave, shall be transferred.

Business Presentations common

We have a new strategy; that is to say, we are pivoting to mobile.

Medical Reports occasional

The patient shows signs of tachycardia, namely a resting heart rate over 100 bpm.

Instruction Manuals common

Connect the two cables, namely the red and the black ones.

Formal Emails very common

I will be out of the office next week, namely from Monday to Wednesday.

💡

The 'All or Nothing' Rule

Use 'namely' only when you list every single item in the group. If you only list some, use 'including' or 'for example'.
⚠️

Punctuation Matters

Never forget the comma before 'namely'. Without it, the sentence becomes a 'run-on' and is hard to read.
🎯

Semicolon Power

Use a semicolon before 'that is to say' if the information following it is a complete sentence. It looks much more professional.
💬

Speaking vs. Writing

In casual conversation, people usually say 'I mean' instead of 'that is to say'. Save 'that is to say' for when you want to sound precise or authoritative.

Smart Tips

Replace 'like' with 'namely' if you are listing specific items you just mentioned.

I have two favorite authors like Dickens and Orwell. I have two favorite authors, namely Dickens and Orwell.

Add '; that is to say,' followed by a simpler explanation.

The fiscal year-end results were suboptimal. The fiscal year-end results were suboptimal; that is to say, we lost money.

You don't always need a list. 'Namely' works great to highlight one specific thing.

The main reason is the weather. There is one main reason for the delay, namely the weather.

Read it out loud as 'that is' or 'that is to say' to sound more natural.

The price is net (i.e. without tax). The price is net, that is to say, without tax.

Pronunciation

/ˈneɪmli/

Namely Stress

Stress the first syllable: NAYM-lee.

/ðæt ɪz tə seɪ/

That is to say Rhythm

This is a fast phrase. 'That is' often sounds like 'That's'. The stress is on 'say'.

Parenthetical Drop

The problem, (lower pitch) namely the cost, (return to normal) is huge.

The pitch drops slightly for the clarifying phrase to show it is extra information.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

N for Namely = N for Names. T for That is to say = T for Translation (explaining it in other words).

Visual Association

Imagine a magnifying glass. When you look through it at a word, you see the specific names (Namely) or a clearer definition (That is to say).

Rhyme

If you want to name the few, 'namely' is the word for you. If the meaning isn't clear, 'that is to say' should then appear.

Story

A detective is at a crime scene. He says, 'We have one suspect (General), namely the butler (Specific Name).' Then he adds, 'He had a motive; that is to say, he wanted the money (Explanation).'

Word Web

specificallyspecificallyin other wordsi.e.viz.to be preciseclarification

Challenge

Write three sentences about your favorite hobby. Use 'namely' to list your equipment and 'that is to say' to explain a difficult rule of the hobby.

Cultural Notes

In UK universities, 'namely' is preferred over 'specifically' in formal essays to introduce evidence.

US legal documents frequently use 'that is to say' to ensure there is no 'wiggle room' in definitions.

Using 'namely' in international business helps non-native speakers by providing a clear signal that a list is coming.

'Namely' comes from Middle English 'nameliche', meaning 'by name' or 'particularly'. 'That is to say' is a literal translation of the Old French 'c'est à dire'.

Conversation Starters

What are the three things you value most in a friend, namely...?

If you say a movie is 'interesting', that is to say...?

Tell me about your favorite city, namely its best features.

You said you are 'busy'; that is to say...?

Journal Prompts

Describe your perfect day using 'namely' to list the activities.
Explain your philosophy of life. Use 'that is to say' at least twice to clarify your points.
Write a formal complaint about a product. Use 'namely' to list the defects.
Compare two career paths. Use 'that is to say' to explain the differences in lifestyle.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with 'namely' or 'that is to say'.

We have only one problem, ___ a lack of time.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: namely
We are identifying the specific problem (a noun phrase), so 'namely' is the best fit.
Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
'That is to say' requires a semicolon before and a comma after when connecting two clauses.
Correct the error in the following sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

I like many cities, namely London.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
'Namely' implies London is the ONLY city you like. Since you said 'many cities', you must use 'for example'.
Rewrite the sentence using 'that is to say'. Sentence Transformation

The tickets are non-refundable. (Meaning: You can't get your money back).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
This correctly rephrases the first statement with proper punctuation.
Match the connector to its function. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a, b, c
Namely is for identification, That is to say is for reformulation, and For example is for a partial list.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Is the meeting mandatory? B: Yes, ___, you must attend.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: that is to say
B is explaining what 'mandatory' means in this context.
Sort the following by formality (Highest to Lowest). Grammar Sorting

1. i.e. 2. That is to say 3. I mean

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Abbreviations like i.e. are most formal/academic, followed by the full phrase, then the spoken 'I mean'.
Is the following rule true or false? True False Rule

'Namely' can be used to start a new sentence to introduce a list.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
'Namely' is an internal connector and should not start a sentence.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with 'namely' or 'that is to say'.

We have only one problem, ___ a lack of time.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: namely
We are identifying the specific problem (a noun phrase), so 'namely' is the best fit.
Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
'That is to say' requires a semicolon before and a comma after when connecting two clauses.
Correct the error in the following sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

I like many cities, namely London.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
'Namely' implies London is the ONLY city you like. Since you said 'many cities', you must use 'for example'.
Rewrite the sentence using 'that is to say'. Sentence Transformation

The tickets are non-refundable. (Meaning: You can't get your money back).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
This correctly rephrases the first statement with proper punctuation.
Match the connector to its function. Match Pairs

Connect the following:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a, b, c
Namely is for identification, That is to say is for reformulation, and For example is for a partial list.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Is the meeting mandatory? B: Yes, ___, you must attend.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: that is to say
B is explaining what 'mandatory' means in this context.
Sort the following by formality (Highest to Lowest). Grammar Sorting

1. i.e. 2. That is to say 3. I mean

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Abbreviations like i.e. are most formal/academic, followed by the full phrase, then the spoken 'I mean'.
Is the following rule true or false? True False Rule

'Namely' can be used to start a new sentence to introduce a list.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
'Namely' is an internal connector and should not start a sentence.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Complete the sentence with the best option. Fill in the Blank

She has a passion for classic literature, ___ Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: namely
Select the sentence that uses the clarifying phrase correctly. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: His plan was audacious; that is to say, it was extremely bold and risky.
Identify and correct the error in the sentence. Error Correction

The event requires formal attire, that is to say, a gown or a suit.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The event requires formal attire, namely, a gown or a suit.
Translate the sentence into English. Translation

Translate into English: 'El software es intuitivo; es decir, es fácil de usar para todos.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["The software is intuitive; that is to say, it's easy for everyone to use."]
Arrange the words to form a grammatically correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It's a challenging task; that is to say, it requires great effort.
Match the clarifying phrase with its primary function. Match Pairs

Match the phrases with their functions:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Complete the sentence with the most appropriate connector. Fill in the Blank

He has a peculiar habit, ___ always humming when he's focused.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: namely
Correct the punctuation in the sentence. Error Correction

The deadline is fast approaching that is to say, we need to work faster.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The deadline is fast approaching; that is to say, we need to work faster.
Identify the sentence with the correct usage. Multiple Choice

Choose the grammatically correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The main objective, namely, increasing sales, is still paramount.
Translate into English, using an appropriate clarifying phrase. Translation

Translate into English: 'Ella es vegetariana; es decir, no come carne.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["She is vegetarian; that is to say, she doesn't eat meat."]
Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence. Sentence Reorder

Form a coherent sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All members must attend the meeting, namely, John, Sarah, and Emily.
Match the context with the most suitable clarifying phrase. Match Pairs

Match the context with the best phrase:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

Mostly, yes. 'Namely' is slightly more formal and is usually used for a complete list, while 'specifically' can be used for just one item.

It depends on your relationship. In a professional setting, it's fine. In a very casual chat, 'meaning' or 'so' is better.

It is common but not strictly required if the list follows immediately. However, a comma *before* it is mandatory.

'Viz.' is just the written abbreviation for 'namely'. You should never say 'viz' out loud; you should say 'namely'.

Yes. 'We will meet on Tuesday; that is to say, Wednesday.' It acts as a formal correction.

Because the word 'namely' implies you are naming the specific things that make up the group. If you leave some out, you aren't truly naming the group.

Yes, 'i.e.' stands for 'id est', which is Latin for 'that is'. It is used in writing to save space.

Yes, but it's less common. 'He has one hobby, namely collecting stamps.' Here, it introduces a gerund (noun-like verb).

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

Spanish high

es decir / a saber

Spanish speakers often use 'es decir' where English would prefer 'namely' for a list.

French high

c'est-à-dire / à savoir

French uses 'c'est-à-dire' much more frequently in casual speech than English uses 'that is to say'.

German moderate

nämlich / das heißt

In German, 'nämlich' cannot start a clause, whereas in English, it can follow a comma.

Japanese moderate

つまり (tsumari) / すなわち (sunawachi)

Japanese often places these at the very start of a new sentence, which is rare for 'namely'.

Arabic partial

أي (ay) / بمعنى (bi-ma'na)

Arabic uses these particles more frequently to clarify grammar, not just meaning.

Chinese high

即 (jí) / 也就是说 (yě jiù shì shuō)

Chinese often omits the punctuation that is strictly required in English.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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