that is to say

USAGE SUMMARY

"that is to say" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to clarify something that has already been said or to express it in a different way. For example, "I'm leaving early, that is to say, at 4:30 p.m."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You could, that is to say, lie.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cheated, that is to say.

The New York Times - Sports

How easy that is to say.

The Guardian - Opinion

From Seattle, that is to say.

The New York Times - Sports

Architecture itself, that is to say.

The New York Times - Arts

That is to say, fairly.

Independent

That is to say, in their cells.

The New York Times

That is, to say the least, unlikely.

The Economist

Just yesterday, that is to say.

The New York Times

That is to say, controversial.

The Washington Post

That is to say, much better!

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that is to say", ensure the clarification directly relates to the preceding statement and avoids introducing irrelevant information.

Common error

Avoid using "that is to say" to contradict a previous statement. The phrase is intended for clarification, not reversal. If you need to correct something, use phrases like "rather" or "I meant to say" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that is to say" functions as a discourse marker, used to introduce a restatement or clarification of a preceding statement. This is evident in the examples provided by Ludwig, where it connects an initial idea with a more detailed explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that is to say" is a commonly used explanatory phrase that introduces a restatement or clarification. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and highly usable in written English. While versatile, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral register. When writing, use "that is to say" to avoid ambiguity. For more formal writing consider alternative expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's to say

A slightly more informal version of the original phrase, but very similar in meaning.

in other words

This alternative provides a simpler and more direct way to rephrase something.

which is to say

This variation emphasizes the implication or consequence of the preceding statement.

to put it another way

This phrase offers a slightly more formal tone while still aiming for clarification.

by which I mean

This option is more personal and indicates a direct explanation of one's own words.

namely

This option is more concise and is used to introduce specific details or examples.

in simpler terms

This highlights the act of simplifying a complex idea.

specifically

This alternative narrows down the focus to a particular aspect or detail.

stated differently

Focuses on the act of rephrasing a statement using different words.

to clarify

This phrase explicitly states the intention of making something clearer.

FAQs

How can I use "that is to say" in a sentence?

Use "that is to say" to clarify or explain a previous statement in more detail. For example, "The project needs more funding, "that is to say", we need an additional $10,000".

What are some alternatives to "that is to say"?

You can use alternatives such as "in other words", "to put it another way", or "namely" depending on the context.

Is "that is to say" formal or informal?

"That is to say" is generally considered neutral in formality. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is often replaced by more concise alternatives in very formal writing.

What is the difference between "that is to say" and "in other words"?

Both phrases are used for clarification, but "that is to say" can sometimes imply a more precise or detailed explanation, while "in other words" is often used for a simpler rephrasing.