In your words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In your words" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to express their thoughts or ideas in their own way, often to encourage personal interpretation or clarification. Example: "Can you explain the concept of empathy in your words?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"In your words, I will bring it on".

The New York Times

In your words "I see your face and nothing ends".

The New York Times

"In your words, yes, it was unhelpful," Cable admits.

The Guardian

In your words, what is The Wannabe?

Huffington Post

In your words, people from Mexico are "bringing drugs," "crime," and are "rapists".

Huffington Post

In your words, "first it became the book of the movie.

Huffington Post

In your words, why do you think the Archie gang has continuing appeal?

Huffington Post

"In your words, Hank, yes, I'm guilty of writing 'real books,' and articles for the Internet, the Huffington Post, to be exact.

Huffington Post

"You're fully right in your words, " Sócrates told him.

The New Yorker

The fact that Obama is, in your words, "the quintessential politician" should not surprise us.

The New Yorker

Now I go through this life as a grown man fast in your words.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "In your words" to prompt someone to give their unique interpretation, rather than a regurgitated definition.

Common error

Avoid using "In your words" too frequently in a single conversation or piece of writing. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In your words" functions as a prepositional phrase used to solicit a personalized explanation or description from someone. It prompts the speaker to express something using their own vocabulary and understanding. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is considered grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

7%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "In your words" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase to encourage a personal explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's broadly accepted and functional in English. While used neutrally across various contexts, it is most prevalent in News & Media and Wiki sources. When using "In your words", aim to foster unique interpretations, while avoiding overuse to maintain clarity and engagement. Consider alternatives like "In your own terms" or "From your perspective" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In your own terms

Replaces "words" with "terms", suggesting a broader, more conceptual explanation.

In your own language

Focuses on the manner of expression, implying a specific style or vernacular.

From your perspective

Emphasizes the viewpoint or outlook of the speaker.

In your interpretation

Highlights the subjective understanding or analysis of a subject.

The way you see it

Informal way of asking for someone's opinion or understanding.

How do you put it

Seeks the specific phrasing someone uses to describe something.

As you would describe it

Directly asks for a personal description of something.

In layman's terms

Asks for an explanation in simple, non-technical language, useful when "In your words" does not work.

Your personal take

Focuses on the individual's unique viewpoint or opinion.

In your estimation

Seeks someone's judgment or assessment of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "In your words" in a sentence?

You can use "In your words" to ask someone to explain something from their perspective. For example, "Can you describe the project's goals "in your words"?"

What's a more formal alternative to "In your words"?

For a more formal setting, consider using phrases like "In your own terms" or "From your perspective". These options provide a similar meaning while maintaining a professional tone.

How is "In your words" different from "In your opinion"?

"In your words" asks for an explanation or description using someone's own language, while "in your opinion" seeks their personal viewpoint or belief about something.

When is it appropriate to use "In your words"?

It's appropriate when you want someone to explain something in their own way, ensuring you understand their personal interpretation or understanding of a topic. It encourages a personalized response.