To put it differently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To put it differently" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to rephrase or clarify a statement in a different way for better understanding. Example: "The project deadline is approaching quickly. To put it differently, we need to finish our tasks by the end of this week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To put it differently, different phenomena of insight are likely to be elicited in different situations and, indeed, the object of the insight assessment itself will have a determining influence on the actual phenomenon of insight that is elicited.

BMC Psychiatry

To put it differently, tirtha creates its own specific chain of dependency or hierarchy.

Human Ecology

To put it differently, doubt means delay.

The New York Times

To put it differently, Facebook photo-sharing model had been leaking for a while.

The Guardian - Tech

To put it differently, this is a generation an sich ("in itself") but not für sich ("for itself").

The New Yorker

To put it differently: people laugh because their emotions have a greater inertia and persistence than their thoughts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To put it differently, as Adam Smith said, "there is a lot of ruin in a nation".

The New York Times

To put it differently, nation-building in Iraq could go one of two ways: like Beirut or like Bosnia.

The New York Times

To put it differently, we use one ear to listen to one another, the other ear to listen to the water.

The New York Times

To put it differently, the Lab's theories are irrelevant, as the personal and poetic realm of aesthetic experience comes to the fore regardless.

The New Yorker

To put it differently, there are things that I wish I hadn't heard about actors whom I love to watch, particularly when the source is credible.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "To put it differently" to introduce a clearer or more concise explanation of a complex idea. It signals to the reader that you are about to rephrase something for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid starting consecutive sentences with transitional phrases like "To put it differently". Overusing them can make your writing sound repetitive and unnatural. Vary your sentence structure and use other methods to connect ideas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "To put it differently" functions as a transitional phrase. It serves to introduce a rephrasing or clarification of a preceding statement. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use in various contexts. Examples show it effectively signals a restatement for better understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "To put it differently" is a highly versatile transitional phrase used to rephrase or clarify a statement. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and very common in various contexts, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedic sources. Its primary function is to enhance clarity, offering a different perspective or simplifying complex ideas for better understanding. While highly useful, remember to avoid overuse to maintain a natural and engaging writing style. Consider alternatives like "in other words" or "to rephrase it" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In other words

Uses more common and direct wording.

To rephrase it

Focuses specifically on rewording the previous statement.

Stated differently

Formal alternative with a passive voice.

Put another way

Offers a slightly more casual tone.

To explain further

Emphasizes elaboration and additional detail.

More simply

Aims for clarity through simplification.

Expressed differently

Highlights a change in expression while keeping the meaning intact.

That is to say

Aims for clarification and restatement.

To clarify

Directly indicates the intent to make something clearer.

In simpler terms

Indicates an intention to use less complex language.

FAQs

How can I use "To put it differently" in a sentence?

Use "To put it differently" to introduce a rephrased explanation of a previous statement. For example, "The data shows a significant decrease in sales. To put it differently, the company is losing money."

What are some alternatives to "To put it differently"?

You can use alternatives like "in other words", "to rephrase it", or "stated differently" to introduce a restatement or clarification.

When is it appropriate to use "To put it differently" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "To put it differently" when you need to clarify a complex or potentially confusing statement by rephrasing it in simpler or more direct terms.

Is there a difference between "To put it differently" and "in other words"?

While both phrases introduce a restatement, "To put it differently" suggests a change in perspective or approach, whereas "in other words" usually implies a more direct and straightforward rephrasing.