15 Other Ways to Say “In Other Words” (With Examples)

Ever find yourself repeating “in other words” to clarify a point, making your speech sound repetitive and unprofessional? This common phrase can limit your fluency and impact.

This article will show you other ways to say “in other words,” offering creative and precise alternatives. Learn these phrases to make your explanations more fluid and compelling in any conversation, from casual chats to professional meetings.

What is Another Way to Say “In Other Words”?

1. To put it differently
2. In simpler terms
3. That is to say
4. Put another way
5. To rephrase
6. In plain language
7. To clarify
8. Stated differently
9. To express it another way
10. In a different light
11. To put it simply
12. Otherwise stated
13. To restate
14. In essence
15. To elaborate

1. To put it differently

To put it differently is a versatile phrase used to rephrase a statement for clarity or emphasis, often in conversational or written contexts like discussions or essays. It carries a neutral, approachable tone, making it ideal for explaining complex ideas to friends, colleagues, or readers. Using “to put it differently” instead of in other words suggests a deliberate effort to reframe thoughts in alternative words for better understanding. It’s perfect for situations where you want to clarify or offer a new perspective without sounding repetitive.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your friend is confused about a new app’s features during a tech talk. You could say: “To put it differently, it simplifies your tasks!”
• Imagine your colleague is struggling to understand a project goal in a meeting. You might say: “To put it differently, we aim for efficiency!”

2. In simpler terms

In simpler terms conveys rephrasing a complex idea into more straightforward words, often with a helpful, accessible tone, ideal for teaching or casual explanations. It suggests breaking down jargon or complexity, making it great for conversations with beginners or non-experts. Using “in simpler terms” instead of in other words emphasizes making ideas easier to grasp with clear, concise words. It’s perfect for situations where you want to ensure clarity for someone unfamiliar with the topic.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your sibling is confused by a scientific article you shared. You could say: “In simpler terms, it’s about energy flow!”
• Imagine your coworker is puzzled by a technical report’s jargon. You might say: “In simpler terms, it predicts growth!”

3. That is to say

That is to say introduces a restatement or clarification of a point, with a formal yet clear tone, often used in academic writing or structured discussions. It implies a precise rephrasing to ensure understanding, making it suitable for essays, presentations, or professional settings. Using “that is to say” instead of in other words adds a formal touch, emphasizing exactness in choosing alternative words. It’s great for situations where you want to clarify a statement with precision and authority.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your friend is discussing a new diet plan and you clarify its goal. You could say: “That is to say, it balances nutrition!”
• Imagine your teammate is explaining a strategy and you rephrase it. You might say: “That is to say, we prioritize speed!”

4. Put another way

Put another way conveys rephrasing an idea to offer a different perspective, with a conversational, versatile tone suitable for both casual and professional contexts. It suggests an alternative angle, making it ideal for discussions, emails, or creative writing where clarity is needed. Using “put another way” instead of in other words highlights a fresh take on the same idea, using different words to enhance understanding. It’s perfect for situations where you want to reframe a point to make it more relatable or clear.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your cousin is confused about a movie plot you described. You could say: “Put another way, it’s a redemption story!”
• Imagine your colleague misinterprets a marketing plan’s focus. You might say: “Put another way, it targets young adults!”

5. To rephrase

To rephrase indicates restating an idea using different words, with a neutral, clear tone, often used in teaching, writing, or discussions to clarify meaning. It suggests a deliberate effort to improve comprehension, making it great for educational or collaborative settings. Using “to rephrase” instead of in other words emphasizes the act of reformulating words for clarity or emphasis. It’s ideal for situations where you want to ensure a concept is understood by restating it clearly.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your friend is struggling with a math concept you explained. You could say: “To rephrase, it’s about ratios!”
• Imagine your coworker is confused by a project brief. You might say: “To rephrase, we’re focusing on innovation!”

Related Post: 15 Other Ways to Say So (With Examples)

6. In plain language

Plain language conveys an idea in simple, straightforward words, with a clear, accessible tone, ideal for teaching or addressing non-experts. It emphasizes clarity over complexity, making it perfect for breaking down technical or complex topics for a broad audience. Using “in plain language” instead of in other words highlights the use of simple, everyday words to ensure understanding. It’s great for situations where you want to make a complex idea accessible to everyone.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your sibling is puzzled by a legal document’s terms. You could say: “In plain language, it’s a contract clause!”
• Imagine your teammate is confused by a technical software update. You might say: “In plain language, it improves speed!”

7. To clarify

To clarify suggests restating something to make it clearer, with a helpful, precise tone, often used in conversations, teaching, or professional settings. It implies addressing confusion or ambiguity, making it ideal for situations requiring clear communication, like meetings or tutoring. Using “to clarify” instead of in other words emphasizes the goal of resolving misunderstandings with precise words. It’s perfect for situations where you want to ensure a point is fully understood by rephrasing it.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your friend misunderstands a travel itinerary you shared. You could say: “To clarify, we leave tomorrow!”
• Imagine your colleague is unsure about a project deadline. You might say: “To clarify, it’s due next week!”

8. Stated differently

Stated differently conveys rephrasing a point with alternative words, with a formal, precise tone, suitable for academic writing, reports, or professional discussions. It suggests a deliberate reformulation to enhance understanding, making it great for structured or analytical contexts. Using “stated differently” instead of in other words emphasizes a formal, intentional shift in words to convey the same idea. It’s ideal for situations where you want to present a rephrased idea with clarity and professionalism.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your cousin is confused by a philosophical idea you discussed. You could say: “Stated differently, it’s about free will!”
• Imagine your teammate misinterprets a budget plan’s goal. You might say: “Stated differently, we’re cutting costs!”

9. To express it another way

To express it another way conveys restating an idea with different words, with a conversational yet clear tone, suitable for both casual and professional settings. It suggests offering a fresh perspective, making it ideal for discussions, emails, or presentations needing clarity. Using “to express it another way” instead of in other words highlights a thoughtful reformulation with alternative words. It’s great for situations where you want to rephrase a point to ensure it resonates or is understood.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your friend is confused about a new hobby you described. You could say: “To express it another way, it’s relaxing!”
• Imagine your colleague is unclear about a sales strategy. You might say: “To express it another way, we target loyalty!”

10. In a different light

In a different light suggests rephrasing an idea to present it from a new perspective, with a thoughtful, nuanced tone, ideal for creative or analytical discussions. It implies reframing to highlight a new angle, making it great for debates, writing, or deep conversations. Using “in a different light” instead of in other words emphasizes a shift in viewpoint using alternative words. It’s perfect for situations where you want to reframe an idea to spark new understanding or insight.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your sibling is debating a career choice and you reframe it. You could say: “In a different light, it’s about passion!”
• Imagine your coworker is rethinking a project’s purpose. You might say: “In a different light, it drives engagement!”

Related Post: 15 Other Ways to Say “Different” (With Examples)

11. To put it simply

To put it simply, conveys rephrasing an idea in straightforward, easy-to-understand words, with a clear, helpful tone, ideal for teaching or casual explanations. It emphasizes simplicity, making it great for breaking down complex ideas for beginners or a general audience. Using “to put it simply” instead of in other words highlights the use of concise, accessible words to clarify. It’s ideal for situations where you want to ensure a complex concept is easily digestible.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your friend is confused by a financial term you mentioned. You could say: “To put it simply, it’s about savings!”
• Imagine your teammate is puzzled by a technical process. You might say: “To put it simply, it automates tasks!”

12. Otherwise stated

Otherwise stated conveys rephrasing a point with different words, with a formal, precise tone, often used in academic or professional writing to clarify ideas. It suggests an alternative formulation, making it suitable for essays, reports, or structured discussions. Using “otherwise stated” instead of in other words emphasizes a formal, deliberate shift in words to restate a point. It’s great for situations where you want to clarify an idea with a professional, polished tone.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your cousin is studying history and is confused by a concept. You could say: “Otherwise stated, it’s about trade routes!”
• Imagine your colleague is reviewing a policy change. You might say: “Otherwise stated, it streamlines processes!”

13. To restate

To restate indicates repeating an idea with different words to clarify or reinforce it, with a neutral, clear tone, suitable for teaching, writing, or discussions. It suggests a deliberate reformulation, making it ideal for situations where clarity or emphasis is needed. Using “to restate” instead of in other words emphasizes the act of reiterating with alternative words for understanding. It’s perfect for situations where you want to ensure a point is clear by rephrasing it carefully.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your friend is confused about a recipe’s instructions. You could say: “To restate, mix before baking!”
• Imagine your teammate is unclear about a project goal. You might say: “To restate, we’re boosting efficiency!”

14. In essence

In essence conveys summarizing or rephrasing the core of an idea, with a thoughtful, concise tone, often used in analytical or reflective contexts. It suggests capturing the heart of a concept, making it great for discussions, essays, or presentations needing clarity. Using “in essence” instead of in other words emphasizes the distilled meaning using key words. It’s ideal for situations where you want to simplify or highlight the core of a complex idea.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your sibling is confused by a philosophical discussion you had. You could say: “In essence, it’s about happiness!”
• Imagine your coworker is summarizing a business plan’s goal. You might say: “In essence, it’s about growth!”

15. To elaborate

To elaborate suggests expanding or rephrasing an idea with additional details or clarity, with a helpful, explanatory tone, suitable for teaching or discussions. It implies adding depth to ensure understanding, making it great for educational or collaborative settings. Using “to elaborate” instead of in other words emphasizes providing more context or alternative words to clarify. It’s perfect for situations where you want to clarify a point by offering a more detailed explanation.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your friend is unclear about a travel plan you suggested. You could say: “To elaborate, we’ll visit two cities!”
• Imagine your colleague is confused by a marketing strategy. You might say: “To elaborate, we target new markets!”

Conclusion

With these other ways to say “in other words” you’ve discovered, your explanations will never be monotonous again. You now have a powerful toolkit to re-explain complex ideas more fluently and professionally. Start using these phrases today to make your words more persuasive than ever!

For more ways to elevate your communication, check out Other Ways to Say.