namely that

USAGE SUMMARY

"namely that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce an explanation or clarification of what has just been said. For example, "We have many challenges to face in the coming year, namely that of a declining economy and rising unemployment rates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Namely, that man pursues woman".

The New York Times

Namely, that had better contraceptive options existed, their families might have been more modest.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The colonial postcard "rests, and operates, upon a false equivalency — namely, that illusion equals reality.

The New Yorker

Namely, that purpose trumps moral ambiguity.

TechCrunch

Namely that Brady won the competition.

The New York Times - Sports

Namely, that he could lose his shirt.

The New York Times

Namely, that the London Olympics mean business.

The Guardian - Sport

Namely, that sometimes it's just a paycheck.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Namely that s equals j omega.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Namely, that much concrete weighs a lot.

Princeton University

(Namely, that I was in the sixth grade. Enough said).

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "namely that" to introduce a specific point or clarification that is essential for understanding the preceding statement. It helps to narrow down a broader topic to a key element.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "namely that". Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. Vary your sentence structure and use alternative phrases like "specifically that" or "in particular that" to add diversity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "namely that" functions as a connector, specifically introducing a clarification, explanation, or key detail to the preceding statement. It signals that what follows is a crucial point for understanding the previous information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to introduce an explanation or clarification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

18%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "namely that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce a specific clarification or explanation. As Ludwig AI points out, it's effective for providing key details following a general statement. It finds common usage in News & Media and Academic contexts and is generally considered neutral in tone, leaning toward the formal side. When writing, it’s best to use "namely that" to enhance clarity and avoid overuse, consider other terms like "specifically that" for sentence variation. The phrase is valuable for ensuring your reader grasps the crucial points you’re conveying.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specifically that

Replaces "namely" with "specifically", adding a nuance of precision.

in particular that

Substitutes "namely" with "in particular", highlighting a specific aspect.

that is to say

Offers a more formal and explanatory tone than "namely that".

which means that

Emphasizes the consequence or implication of the preceding statement.

to be precise

Introduces a more exact or accurate restatement.

put another way

Signals a rephrasing for better understanding.

more accurately

Suggests a refinement or correction of the previous statement.

to clarify

Directly indicates the intention to make something clearer.

stated differently

Implies a different perspective or phrasing of the same idea.

in other words

Provides a simpler or more accessible explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "namely that" in a sentence?

Use "namely that" to introduce a specific detail, reason, or clarification following a general statement. For instance, "The project faces several challenges, namely that funding is limited and resources are scarce."

What are some alternatives to "namely that"?

Alternatives include "specifically that", "in particular that", or "that is to say", each offering a slightly different nuance while serving the same purpose of providing clarification.

Is it always necessary to use a comma before "namely that"?

While not always mandatory, using a comma before "namely that" can improve readability, especially if the preceding clause is lengthy or complex. Consider the flow and clarity of your sentence.

What's the difference between "namely that" and "such as"?

"Namely that" introduces a specific, defining detail or explanation, while "such as" introduces examples. For example, "The report highlighted key issues, namely that accountability was lacking" versus "The report highlighted areas needing improvement, such as project management and resource allocation."