put it like this

USAGE SUMMARY

"put it like this" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to make a comparison or explanation in order to help someone understand your point or opinion. For example, you could say, "We need to find a way to cut down on costs, put it like this, every dollar we save is a dollar we can invest in new projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Let's put it like this.

The New Yorker

"I'll put it like this," he said.

The New Yorker

OK, let's put it like this.

The Guardian - Sport

Well, let's put it like this.

The Guardian

Maybe I can be you – and put it like this.

The Guardian - Books

Just put it like this: it's something different".

The Guardian - Music

"Let's just put it like this: I'm more than grateful for going.

The New York Times - Sports

"Let's put it like this: He didn't intend to hurt Rondo," Rivers said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Put it like this: It's a possibility that they were falsely accused".

The New York Times

He put it like this: "I've delivered babies of babies that I delivered.

The New York Times

Let me try to put it (like this): You save money.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "put it like this" to preface a simplification or clarification of a complex idea, ensuring your audience grasps the core concept more easily.

Common error

Avoid using "put it like this" excessively in formal writing or presentations. While it's acceptable in casual communication, opt for more professional alternatives like "in other words" or "to rephrase" for a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put it like this" primarily functions as a discourse marker. It signals to the listener or reader that the speaker is about to rephrase or simplify a previous statement. Ludwig AI provides many examples that confirm this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "put it like this" functions as a discourse marker to signal a rephrasing or simplification of a previous statement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its communicative purpose is to provide clarification, often in a more straightforward way. While the phrase sees frequent use in news and media, Ludwig examples show that its register ranges from neutral to informal, meaning it is best to use more formal alternatives in academic or professional contexts. Although "put it like this" is a very common phrase, remember to consider context and register to ensure proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to put it another way

This phrase suggests offering a different phrasing of the same idea.

in other words

This phrase indicates a restatement of something in simpler terms.

to rephrase it

This phrase suggests a more concise and clear way of expressing the same point.

let me rephrase that

This phrase is used to correct or clarify a previous statement.

simply put

This phrase introduces a simplified explanation.

to clarify

This phrase indicates an intent to make something easier to understand.

in simpler terms

This phrase suggests explaining something without technical jargon.

for instance

This phrase introduces an example to illustrate a point.

by way of explanation

This phrase introduces an explanation to provide context.

what I mean to say is

This phrase indicates a correction or clarification of a previous statement.

FAQs

How can I use "put it like this" in a sentence?

Use "put it like this" to introduce a clearer or simpler explanation of a topic. For example, "The project is behind schedule; "put it like this", we need to work overtime to meet the deadline."

What phrases are similar to "put it like this"?

You can use alternatives like "in other words", "to put it another way", or "simply put" to introduce a restatement or simplification.

Is it appropriate to use "put it like this" in formal writing?

While "put it like this" is acceptable in informal contexts, it's best to use more formal alternatives like "to rephrase it" or "to clarify" in formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "put it like this" and "in other words"?

"Put it like this" is a more conversational way to introduce a simplification, while "in other words" is a more direct and slightly more formal way to indicate a restatement of the same information.