to put it differently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to put it differently" is a valid phrase in written English.
It is used to provide a rephrasing of a previous statement or idea. For example: People in low-income households spend a disproportionately high percentage of their income on basic needs. To put it differently, those with the least money end up spending the most of what they have.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To put it differently, different phenomena of insight are likely to be elicited in different situations and, indeed, the object of the insight assessment itself will have a determining influence on the actual phenomenon of insight that is elicited.

BMC Psychiatry

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

Or, to put it differently, did Singapore improve the living standards of its people faster and more comprehensively than any other society?

Huffington Post

To put it differently, doubt means delay.

The New York Times

Or to put it differently, extreme intellectual modesty.

The New York Times - Books

Or, to put it differently, were IKB and ACA dupes or dopes?

The New Yorker

Or, to put it differently, they did not think they needed it.

Independent

Or would he, to put it differently, rather the mission succeed or the business flourish?

The New Yorker

Or, to put it differently, everyone else seems to have staked a clear position.

The New York Times

Or, to put it differently: this movie is the real thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to put it differently" to clarify complex ideas immediately after their initial presentation. This helps ensure your audience grasps the concept before moving on.

Common error

Avoid using "to put it differently" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Use synonyms like "in other words" or "to rephrase it" to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to put it differently" functions as a discourse marker. It signals a rephrasing or restatement of a preceding idea for clarification or emphasis. As Ludwig AI points out, it indicates that the speaker or writer is presenting the same information from a slightly different angle.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to put it differently" is a versatile discourse marker used to rephrase ideas for clarity or emphasis. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains such as News & Media and Science. While it's a common phrase, remember not to overuse it to maintain writing engagement; instead, consider alternatives like "in other words" or "to rephrase it". By clarifying complex thoughts and making them easier to understand, "to put it differently" is an important device that may greatly improve the coherence of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in other words

A common phrase used for rephrasing something in a simpler way.

that is to say

Offers a more formal way to clarify a statement.

to rephrase it

Focuses on the act of rephrasing itself.

put another way

Similar in meaning, but with a slightly different structure.

stated differently

Emphasizes the manner in which something is expressed.

to explain further

Used to add more detail or clarity to a statement.

more precisely

Used to provide a more accurate or detailed explanation.

in simpler terms

Highlights the use of more accessible language.

looked at differently

Highlights the change in the perspective of thinking something.

if you will

Used to add qualification with the idea of giving a way to think something.

FAQs

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

Use "to put it differently" to rephrase a previous statement for clarity or emphasis. For example, "The data shows a significant increase in sales; to put it differently, our marketing strategy is working."

What are some alternatives to "to put it differently"?

You can use alternatives such as "in other words", "that is to say", or "to rephrase it" to introduce a clearer or simpler explanation.

Is there a more formal way to say "to put it differently"?

Yes, a more formal alternative is "that is to say". This phrase is suitable for academic or professional writing where a higher level of formality is required.

When should I use "to put it differently" instead of "in other words"?

While both phrases are similar, "to put it differently" may be preferred when you want to emphasize that you are offering a new perspective or angle on the same information, rather than just simplifying it, while "in other words" is best used for simplification.