How to say things differently (In other words)
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
This guide helps you speak clearly. It helps people understand you.
These words are like signs. They show you will explain again.
These words are important. They help people follow your story.
How This Grammar Works
- Paraphrasing and Simplifying: The core function of
in other words,to put it another way, andput differentlyis to rephrase an idea, often translating it from a complex or formal register into a simpler or more accessible one. They signal: "If you didn't understand the first version, here is a clearer one." For instance:The company is implementing a strategic workforce reduction; in other words, people are going to be laid off.
- Clarifying and Specifying: The phrases
that is to sayand its Latin abbreviationi.e.(id est) are used to eliminate ambiguity by providing a more precise or exhaustive explanation. They don't just simplify; they define. They signal: "To be perfectly clear, this is the exact meaning." For example:The meeting is scheduled for the end of the business day, that is to say, 5:00 PM sharp.
- Enumerating Exhaustively: The word
namelyis unique. It is used to introduce the specific and complete set of items that constitute a general category you just mentioned. It signals: "Here are the exact and only items I'm referring to." For instance:We focused on the three primary colors, namely, red, yellow, and blue.The list is finite and complete in this context.
- Illustrating with Examples: The Latin abbreviation
e.g.(exempli gratia) introduces one or more non-exhaustive examples to illustrate a general statement. It signals: "Here are a few instances to help you understand what I mean." Consider this sentence:He enjoys endurance sports, e.g., marathon running and long-distance cycling.These are just two examples; he might enjoy others as well.
Formation Pattern
The experiment yielded anomalous results; in other words, the outcome was not what we predicted.
Our supply chain is overly complex. To put it another way, we have too many points of potential failure.
The core of the issue, that is to say, the real reason for the delay, was never addressed.
namely and the Latin Abbreviations i.e. and e.g.
Some renewable energy sources, e.g., solar and wind, are becoming cheaper than fossil fuels.
in other words | Semicolon before, comma after: ...; in other words, ... | The asset is illiquid; in other words, it cannot be easily sold for cash. |
that is to say | Commas for phrases: ..., that is to say, ... | His response was a non-sequitur, that is to say, a statement with no logical connection. |
to put it another way | Period before, comma after: ... . To put it another way, ... | Our margins are shrinking. To put it another way, our costs are rising faster than sales. |
put differently | Semicolon before, comma after: ...; put differently, ... | The algorithm has a high false-positive rate; put differently, it often flags safe items. |
i.e. (id est) | Parentheses: ... (i.e., ...) | The deadline is EOD Tuesday (i.e., 5 PM on the 14th). |
When To Use It
- To Simplify or Translate Jargon: This is a primary use case in any specialized field. Use
in other wordsorto put it another waywhen you need to make expert language accessible. - Usage:
The study investigates the phylogenetic relationships between these species. In other words, we're trying to figure out how they are related on an evolutionary family tree.
- To Eliminate Ambiguity and Add Precision: When a statement is too general or could be misinterpreted, use
that is to sayori.e.to provide a strict, specific definition. - Usage:
Please submit the draft as soon as possible. That is to say, I need it in my inbox by noon tomorrow at the latest.
- To Emphasize or Raise the Stakes: Rephrasing can add gravity to a point, making it clear that the consequences are serious.
Put differentlyis very effective here. - Usage:
Failing to meet this compliance deadline will result in significant fines. Put differently, this mistake will cost the company millions of dollars.
- To Introduce a Complete and Definitive List: When you want to specify the exact components or reasons for something,
namelyis the perfect tool. It signals that the list to follow is exhaustive. - Usage:
The new policy affects three teams in particular, namely, engineering, product, and QA.
- To Offer Illustrative, Non-Exclusive Examples: Use
e.g.when you want to give your audience a concrete idea of a category without listing all possible members. - Usage:
Her work incorporates postmodern techniques, e.g., metafiction and unreliable narration.
- To Spell Out a Logical Consequence:
i.e.is excellent for clarifying the direct implication of a statement. - Usage:
The warranty is valid for 12 months, i.e., if it breaks on the 366th day, you are not covered.
Common Mistakes
i.e. versus e.g. Catastrophei.e.(id est) means "that is" or "in other words." Use it for equivalence. The information that follows is the same as what came before, just rephrased or specified.e.g.(exempli gratia) means "for example." Use it for illustration. The information that follows is a sample of what came before.
Please bring a form of government-issued ID (e.g., your driver's license or passport).Please bring one of the accepted forms of ID (i.e., a valid driver's license or passport).I love historical cities, i.e., Rome and Athens.I love historical cities, e.g., Rome and Athens.i.e. (id est) | e.g. (exempli gratia) |A = B | It's a sample from a set. A ∈ {A, B, C, ...} |Namely for Incomplete Lists- Incorrect:
The company has several major competitors, namely, Google.(This sounds like Google is the only one.) - Correct:
The company has several major competitors, e.g., Google. - Correct:
The company has one primary competitor, namely, Google.
- Incorrect:
The server is down, in other words, the website won't load. - Correct:
The server is down; in other words, the website won't load.
- Incorrect:
The market is volatile. To put it another way we could see huge swings. - Correct:
The market is volatile. To put it another way, we could see huge swings.
Real Conversations
These phrases are not just for academic essays. They appear constantly in professional and even casual modern communication.
Scenario 1
Subject
Hi Team,
We need to lock the Q4 financial projections by the end of the day. To put it another way, all department heads must submit their final, approved numbers to me by 5 PM. There are two outstanding items holding us up, namely, the revised marketing budget and the final sales headcount.
Scenario 2
@channel Quick update: The API is throwing intermittent 503 errors. i.e., about 1 in 20 calls are failing right now. The infrastructure team is on it. Until then, maybe hold off on any major client demos, e.g., the one scheduled with Acme Corp this afternoon.
Scenario 3
Student A: So, you're arguing that the text displays a high degree of intertextuality?
Student B: Exactly. In other words, it's constantly referencing other works, both explicitly and implicitly. The author borrows from several major sources, namely, Shakespeare, the Bible, and Ovid.
Scenario 4
Friend 1: movie at 8?
Friend 2: cant, have to finish that stupid project
Friend 1: oh right
Friend 2: in other words im gonna be stuck at my desk all night :(
Quick FAQ
In formal writing, it is considered poor style. Instead of writing E.g., you could try..., you should always write it out: For example, you could try.... While you might see I.e. or E.g. at the start of a sentence in an informal email or chat, you should avoid this habit in any professional or academic context.
in other words and that is to say?They are very close, but that is to say carries a more formal and precise tone. Think of in other words as a general-purpose tool for simplifying or rephrasing in any context. That is to say is more specialized; use it when you are about to provide a very exact, almost dictionary-like definition or clarification to remove all possible doubt.
i.e. and e.g.?This is a matter of style guide. Traditionally, as Latin phrases, they were italicized. However, most modern style guides (including APA, Chicago, and MLA) now treat them as standard English and do not require italics. The most important rule is to be consistent within your document.
(...) in a spoken presentation?You create a "verbal parenthesis." When speaking, you can signal that a phrase is an aside (like for example or that is) by pausing briefly before it, slightly lowering your voice or quickening your pace for the parenthetical phrase, and then returning to your normal tone. This vocal shift signals the same thing as the punctuation does in writing.
namely? Can't I just list the items?You can, but namely adds emphasis and formality. It signals to your audience that the list you are about to provide is important and definitive. Compare We need a hammer and nails to We require two tools, namely, a hammer and nails. The second sentence uses namely to create a deliberate pause that focuses attention on the specific items, suggesting they are the complete and correct answer to an implicit question.
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
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
New Sentence
|
Sentence A. In other words, Sentence B.
|
He is a baker. In other words, he makes bread.
|
|
Semicolon
|
Sentence A; that is to say, Sentence B.
|
It is free; that is to say, it costs $0.
|
|
Parenthetical
|
Noun, in other words Noun, Verb.
|
The feline, in other words the cat, slept.
|
|
Introductory
|
To put it simply, Sentence A.
|
To put it simply, I'm quitting.
|
|
List Marker
|
Group, namely, Item 1 and Item 2.
|
I like citrus, namely, lemons and limes.
|
|
Clarification
|
Clause, or rather, Clause.
|
I'll be there at 5, or rather, 5:30.
|
Formality Spectrum
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)
The Bridge of Clarification
Simplify
- Basically Simplifies
- To put it simply Removes jargon
Clarify
- In other words Equal meaning
- That is to say Formal definition
Specify
- Namely Lists names
- Specifically Focuses in
In Other Words vs. For Example
Which connector should I use?
Are you simplifying?
Are you in a formal meeting?
Register Grid
Casual
- • Basically
- • I mean
- • So
Professional
- • In other words
- • To put it another way
Academic
- • That is to say
- • Namely
- • Specifically
Examples by Level
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.
Easily Confused
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
Sentence Patterns
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...
The Comma Rule
Don't be Redundant
The 'i.e.' Trick
Filler Words
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.
Pronunciation
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.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
I.O.W. = It's One Way (to say it differently).
Visual Association
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
Challenge
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.
Cultural Notes
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.
Conversation Starters
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'.
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
The 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.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
A: 'The software is incompatible with your OS.' B: '___, I can't use it?'
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
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
FAQ (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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