An in other words synonym lets you restate a point without repeating the same phrase each time. The most useful options are that is, put simply, to put it another way, namely and, in speech, basically.
These phrases do one job: they signal that the next part repeats or explains the last part in clearer words. Some make the idea simpler, some make it more exact, and some cut to the real consequence. Choosing the right one depends on which of those three you are doing.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
that is, put simply, to put it another way, namelyPart of speech
Phrase (transition)Most formal
that is to say, i.e., namelyMost casual
I mean, basically, long story shortAntonyms
None. It is a linking phrase.Watch out
For example (e.g.) gives a sample. In other words (i.e.) restates. Do not mix them.Punctuation
Usually followed by a comma; after a semicolon mid sentence.
Three jobs these phrases do
Making it simpler
Put simply, in plain English and in layman's terms promise that jargon is about to disappear. They work well after a technical sentence.
Making it more exact
Namely, specifically and that is narrow a broad statement down to the precise meaning.
Spelling out the result
In effect and essentially show the practical outcome: the new rule, in effect, bans parking on the street.
Ranking each in other words synonym by tone
These restating chips start chatty and end formal. Basically and I mean belong in speech and messages. Put simply is friendly but fine in articles. That is stays neutral, so it fits nearly any context. That is to say is the most formal and slows the sentence down, which can help in a speech.
| Phrase | Tone | Best place |
|---|---|---|
| basically | casual | chat, quick emails |
| to put it another way | neutral | lectures, blog posts |
| namely | formal | reports, before a list |
| i.e. | formal, short | brackets, notes, footnotes |
Swaps in real lines
- The soil is acidic; in other words, blueberries will thrive becomes the soil is acidic; that is, blueberries will thrive.
- He declined the offer. In other words, he said no becomes he declined the offer. Put simply, he said no.
- Two members, in other words Sara and Tom, voted against becomes two members, namely Sara and Tom, voted against.
- The fee doubled, in other words, it is now unaffordable becomes the fee doubled, which means it is now unaffordable.
- In other words, we need more time becomes the point is, we need more time in a meeting.
A student essay repeats the phrase three times in one page. Rotating helps: "put simply" after a dense quote, "that is" before a definition, and "in effect" when explaining a policy's result. Each swap signals a slightly different move, so the reader can follow the logic.
Not quite the same
For example introduces one case among many; in other words restates the whole idea. In conclusion sums up an entire piece, not one sentence. Therefore gives a result that follows from a reason, not a rewording. Using therefore where you mean that is makes your argument sound like it skipped a step.
Punctuation and the i.e. question
Most of these phrases are followed by a comma. Mid sentence, a semicolon goes in front and a comma behind: the plan failed; that is, nobody signed up. The short form i.e. comes from Latin for that is, and it belongs in brackets or notes rather than flowing prose. US style usually adds a comma after it; British style often does not.
When to skip the phrase
If you keep needing to restate, the first sentence may be too hard. Try rewriting it so the reader gets it the first time. Restating works best once per paragraph at most. To clarify a key idea is helpful; to rephrase every idea is padding. More linking phrases for essays are gathered under transition words.
Frequently asked questions
Which formal phrases replace in other words?
That is to say and namely sit at the formal end. Academic writers also lean on that is, followed by a comma.
Is beginning a sentence with in other words acceptable?
Yes. Put it first and add a comma straight after. It works best right after a sentence that was complex or technical.
What does i.e. mean?
It stands for the Latin id est, meaning that is. Use it to restate or narrow, not to give examples.
How do people say in other words casually?
Basically, I mean and long story short are common in speech. They suit chats and relaxed emails.
Is in other words the same as for example?
No. For example adds a sample case, while in other words repeats the same idea more clearly.
How do I avoid repeating in other words in an essay?
Rotate between that is, put simply and in effect, based on what you are doing. Better still, simplify the original sentence so it needs no restating.