viz

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "viz" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a clarification or elaboration, often meaning "namely" or "that is to say." Example: "The committee has three main goals, viz, improving efficiency, enhancing communication, and fostering collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Are they, in fact, mopping up domestic work for the sake of higher paid women, and can a feminist reading of that exist without a Marxian one, viz, that if we won't all do some caring work, a tranche of people will end up doing it all?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's my country of Viz.

The Guardian

Mr Searle hav drawn too the charming scenes of the place, viz, the headmaster's office with escape runways, the many varities of Kane one with telescopic sights, the Glurk and Lesser Titwort as found in Botany, the hairy gerund as found in lat.

The Economist

It was Coolidge in 1925 who said: "The business of America is business"; Kennedy who in 1961 told the world, "Ask not what America will do for you"; and today's Republicans who have a "Contract with America .As those examples also show, our reader has no point at all in the reason he gives for thinking America positively wrong; viz, that, necessarily, it signifies the entire new world.

The Economist

In the case of the ECB, we should probably amend the analogy and use the relevant native shaggy hump-backed beast, viz, the wisent.Do wisent wisent wisent as egregiously as buffalo buffalo buffalo?

The Economist

was put on foreign wool, for the purpose of protecting the home growth, against a reduction of price: but in 1824, Huskisson, after a hard struggle with the landed interest, succeeded in reducing the duty to its present rate, viz. one penny per lb. on all wools of value above one shilling per lb., and one halfpenny on wools under that value.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

This manner of concluding [viz.

SEP

Reason thereby offers the understanding a rule viz.

SEP

A point-like entity will be too small to be exactly located in any extended region, but presumably it should still be weakly located at many regions viz., each in a series of nested regions that 'converge' on the point-like entity.

SEP

In so doing, Rick violates a normative constraint at the heart of the standard view, viz., that citizens in a pluralistic liberal democracy ought to refrain from using their political influence to authorize coercive laws that, to the best of their knowledge, can be justified only on religious grounds and so lack a plausible secular rationale.[4] Or, otherwise put, Rick violates the DRR.

SEP

Even if it is compelling, the liberal critics insist that the New Traditionalists have ignored an important option, viz., a minimalist account of liberal democracy.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "viz" to introduce a clarification or example that is essential for understanding the preceding statement. Avoid using it when the example is merely illustrative and not strictly necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "viz" in casual writing or speech, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for more common alternatives like "namely" or "for example" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "viz" is as an adverb used to introduce a specification or detailed explanation of something previously mentioned. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in providing clarity and precision, particularly in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Viz" is a formal adverb used to introduce a specific example or clarification, functioning similarly to "namely" or "that is to say". Ludwig AI data indicates it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in Science and News & Media contexts, reflecting a formal register. Alternatives like "namely", "that is", or "i.e." can be used, depending on the desired level of formality and context. When using "viz", ensure it adds essential clarification rather than merely illustrative detail, and avoid overuse in casual settings to maintain an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

namely

Replaces "viz" with a direct synonym, specifying something more precisely.

i.e.

Abbreviation that provides an explanation or restatement.

that is

Provides a more succinct way to clarify a point.

that is to say

Elaborates or clarifies the preceding statement.

in other words

Restates the information using different phrasing for clarity.

specifically

Highlights particular details following a general statement.

to be specific

Calls for a more focused and detailed explanation.

for example

Introduces an instance that illustrates a broader point.

to illustrate

Offers an example that clarifies the concept.

as follows

Introduces a list or detailed explanation.

FAQs

How is "viz" used in a sentence?

"Viz" is used to introduce an example or further explanation, functioning similarly to "namely" or "that is to say". For example: "The project has three phases, "viz planning", execution, and evaluation".

What are some alternatives to "viz"?

You can use alternatives like "namely", "that is", or "in other words" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "viz" considered formal language?

Yes, "viz" is generally considered formal and is more appropriate for academic, legal, or technical writing. Simpler alternatives may be better suited for informal contexts.

What's the difference between "viz" and "e.g."?

"Viz" (videlicet) means "namely" and introduces a specific example or clarification that is essential for understanding. "E.g." (exempli gratia) means "for example" and introduces one or more examples that are illustrative but not necessarily exhaustive.