put it differently

USAGE SUMMARY

"put it differently" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a different way of saying something, for example: "He said the situation was hopeless; put it differently, there's still a lot of work to be done."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To put it differently, host language proficiency is a source of earning inequality among immigrants.

IZA Journal of Development and Migration

Different tribes put it differently.

Vice

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

Human Ecology

Different occupations require different communication skills or, to put it differently, language proficiency may be a determinant of occupational selection.

IZA Journal of Development and Migration

Mr. Dery put it differently: "It's an idea that's outlived its usefulness," he said.

The New York Times

I'll put it differently.

The Economist

Let's put it differently.

The New York Times

I'd put it differently.

The Washington Post

Republicans put it differently.

The New York Times

King put it differently.

The Guardian - Business

I would put it differently.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "put it differently", ensure that the rephrased statement genuinely offers a new perspective or clarifies the original point. Avoid using it merely to repeat the same information.

Common error

Avoid beginning multiple consecutive sentences with "put it differently" or other transitional phrases. This can make your writing sound repetitive and formulaic. Instead, vary your sentence structure and use different transitional expressions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put it differently" functions as a transitional phrase, signaling that the speaker or writer is about to express a previously stated idea in a new or clearer way. This helps to enhance understanding and provide emphasis. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for written English and is used to introduce an alternative way of saying something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

19%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "put it differently" serves as a versatile transitional tool, designed to introduce a rephrasing of a previously mentioned idea for enhanced clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for written English. Its frequent usage across news, academic, and scientific domains underscores its neutrality and adaptability. The phrase’s primary function is to offer a clearer perspective, ensuring better comprehension. Related phrases, such as "in other words" and "to rephrase it", offer similar means of restatement. Writers should aim to use the phrase to add genuine value through clarity, avoiding overuse for a polished writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to rephrase it

This alternative focuses on the act of rephrasing something that has already been stated.

in other words

This option is a common phrase used to introduce a simpler or clearer explanation.

to put it another way

Similar to the original phrase, but uses "another way" to indicate a different expression.

stated differently

This is a more concise and direct way of indicating that something is being expressed in a different manner.

expressed differently

This option highlights that the expression or articulation is being varied.

to clarify

A shorter phrase that directly signals an intent to make something clearer.

that is to say

A more formal phrase used to provide further explanation or clarification.

another way to say it

This phrase highlights that the core message is the same, but the wording is different.

to reword it

This option emphasizes the change in wording rather than the overall meaning.

to explain further

This phrase is used when the intention is to elaborate on a point, providing more detail.

FAQs

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

You can use "put it differently" to introduce a rephrasing of a previous statement. For example, "The project is facing significant challenges; "put it differently", it's unlikely to be completed on time."

What are some alternatives to "put it differently"?

Some alternatives include "in other words", "to rephrase it", or "to put it another way". Each option serves to introduce a restatement of a previous idea.

Is it correct to use "put it differently" at the beginning of a paragraph?

While grammatically correct, starting a paragraph with "put it differently" can be less impactful. It's often more effective to use it within a paragraph to clarify a specific point, not as a broad introduction.

How does "put it differently" compare to "in simpler terms"?

"Put it differently" introduces a restatement that may or may not be simpler. "In simpler terms" specifically indicates that the following explanation will be easier to understand.