that's one way to put it

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "That's one way to put it" is correct and usable in written English
It is often used to indicate that there may be more than one way to interpret or express an idea. For example, you could say, "Some people think bullying is inevitable, but that's one way to put it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"That's one way to put it," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

That's one way to put it, sure.

TechCrunch

I guess that's one way to put it.

TechCrunch

"Unfortunate" ― that's one way to put it.

Huffington Post

Well, that's one way to put it.

Huffington Post

That's one way to put it, at any rate.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

That is one way to put it.

The New York Times

That process is, intrusive would be one way to put it.

The Guardian

Making introductions is one way to put it.

TechCrunch

"Spontaneous" is one way to put it, you're thinking.

Huffington Post

Curiosity would be one way to put it.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that's one way to put it" to politely acknowledge a statement, especially when you have a slightly different perspective or when the statement is a significant understatement.

Common error

Avoid using "that's one way to put it" in highly formal or academic writing. It's generally better suited for conversations, informal articles, or when you aim for a slightly humorous or understated tone.

Linguistic Context

That's one way to put it functions as an idiomatic expression. It's used to acknowledge a statement or assessment made by someone else, often implying the speaker has a different perspective or finds the statement to be an understatement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

That's one way to put it is a common idiomatic phrase used to express a subtle form of disagreement or acknowledgment with reservations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's often employed when the speaker finds the original statement to be an understatement or wishes to imply an alternative viewpoint. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this phrase offers a polite way to introduce nuance or gentle criticism without direct contradiction. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse in highly formal writing, opting for more direct or specific language. Related phrases include "that's a take on it" or "that's one perspective".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's one perspective

Indicates awareness of other possible viewpoints.

you could say that

Offers a neutral acceptance of the statement with a hint of reservation.

that's a take on it

Acknowledges a perspective, but suggests other interpretations exist.

that's certainly one interpretation

Emphasizes the interpretive nature of the statement.

that's a way of seeing it

Highlights the subjective nature of the viewpoint being discussed.

that's putting it mildly

Underlines the understatement in the original statement.

it could be argued that

Introduces a degree of uncertainty or debate around the statement.

if you want to put it that way

Highlights potential disagreement or alternative wording preferences.

that's one spin on it

Suggests a biased or subjective framing of the situation.

so to speak

Indicates that the preceding words are not entirely accurate or should be taken figuratively.

FAQs

How can I use "that's one way to put it" in a sentence?

Use "that's one way to put it" to acknowledge a statement or situation, often implying there might be another, perhaps more accurate or nuanced, perspective. Example: "He said the project was 'slightly delayed,' but that's "one way to put it"; it's actually months behind schedule."

What's a more formal alternative to "that's one way to put it"?

In more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "that is one interpretation", "that is a perspective", or "it could be argued that", which convey a similar meaning with greater formality.

When is it appropriate to use "that's one way to put it"?

It is appropriate when you want to acknowledge a statement while subtly indicating that you may not entirely agree with it or that there's more to the story. It's suitable for informal and neutral contexts, like conversations or casual writing.

What does it imply when someone says "that's one way to put it"?

It often implies a degree of understatement, disagreement, or a sense that the original statement is not entirely accurate or complete. It's a polite way of suggesting an alternative viewpoint without directly contradicting the speaker.