In other words

USAGE SUMMARY

"In other words" can be used in written English.
It is used when you want to rephrase or explain something in a simpler way. For example: "Our company is committed to a carbon-neutral future; in other words, we plan to reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In other words, human.

The New York Times

In other words, "Nope".

The New Yorker

In other words breakfast.

The New Yorker

In other words, worthless.

The New York Times

In other words, Ew.

The New York Times - Arts

In other words, history.

The New Yorker

In other words, oaks.

The New York Times

In other words: fun.

The New York Times

In other words: Greed?

The Economist

In other words, gravitation.

The New Yorker

In other words, hipsters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "In other words" to clarify complex ideas or jargon for a broader audience. This helps ensure your message is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "In other words" excessively, as it can become repetitive and disrupt the flow of your writing. Instead, vary your methods of rephrasing and clarifying information.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "In other words" is as a transitional phrase, serving as a discourse marker. It signals that the speaker or writer is about to rephrase or clarify a preceding statement. Ludwig confirms its use in providing simpler explanations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

As Ludwig AI confirms, "In other words" serves as a versatile transitional phrase that provides clarification and enhances understanding by rephrasing complex ideas. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, reflecting its widespread use in making information accessible to a broad audience. While grammatically correct and very common, overuse should be avoided. Alternatives such as "to put it differently" or "that is to say" can add variety to writing. Ultimately, "In other words" is a valuable tool for effective communication when used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To put it differently

Focuses on expressing the same idea using different wording.

That is to say

Introduces a clarification or restatement of a previous statement.

Stated simply

Emphasizes the act of simplifying a complex idea.

To rephrase it

Highlights the action of rephrasing something already mentioned.

In simpler terms

Indicates an explanation using less complex language.

Put another way

Suggests an alternative formulation of the same concept.

What I mean is

Emphasizes the speaker's intention to clarify their meaning.

Expressed differently

Focuses on the manner in which the idea is conveyed.

More precisely

Introduces a more accurate or detailed explanation.

To clarify

Signals an intention to make something clearer or easier to understand.

FAQs

How can I use "In other words" effectively in a sentence?

Use "In other words" to introduce a simpler or more direct explanation of a preceding statement. For example: "The policy aims to promote sustainable development; in other words, it seeks to balance economic growth with environmental protection."

What are some alternatives to using "In other words"?

You can use alternatives like "to put it differently", "that is to say", or "stated simply", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "In other words" in formal writing?

Yes, "In other words" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when clarifying complex topics for a wider audience. However, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "to rephrase it" or "more precisely" for a more polished tone.

What's the difference between "In other words" and "For example"?

"In other words" rephrases or clarifies a previous statement, while "For example" introduces a specific instance or illustration to support a point. The first aims to make a concept clearer, and the second aims to make a concept more concrete.