How to say “in other words” like a native speaker
Introduce a restatement in simpler or different language. The new wording should explain the same idea, not add an unrelated point.
All phrases · Workplace
Hear “in other words” in real speech
Clip 1 · VOA Learning English
Sew and Knit, Adverbs, Yellowstone, Open Boat 2 · 8:51
About this video
Caty Weaver and Mario Ritter Jr. introduce a VOA Learning English programme with language lessons and stories. Topics include sewing and knitting, adverbs, Yellowstone and a reading of The Open Boat.
In context
They reduce the force of a statement or express doubt.In other words, they set the tone of a statement.
You can remember the term down toner by thinking about what it does.
Clip 2 · Angela Lee Duckworth
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance | Angela Lee Duckworth | TED · 5:56
About this video
Angela Lee Duckworth describes moving from management consulting to teaching mathematics. She discusses grit, which she defines as passion and perseverance for long-term goals, and asks what helps students succeed.
In context
and we have to be willing to fail, to be wrong, to start over again with lessons learned.In other words, we need to be gritty about getting our kids grittier.
Thank you.
Clip 3 · Malcolm Gladwell
Choice, happiness and spaghetti sauce | Malcolm Gladwell · 15:15
About this video
Malcolm Gladwell tells the story of Howard Moskowitz and his work on spaghetti sauce. He uses it to discuss choices, different preferences and what makes people happy.
In context
And that's what would please the maximum number of people.In other words, people in the cooking world were looking for cooking universals.
They were looking for one way to treat all of us.
When to use “in other words”
- Explaining a deadline: “The form closes at midnight. In other words, you have to send it today.”
- Restating a technical point: “This copy is read-only. In other words, you can view it but you can't edit it.”
Common learner mistake
Use plural “words” in this expression: “in other words”, not “in other word”.
Possible connected-speech patterns in “in other words”
Link N to the opening vowel of “other”. “Words” usually receives the main beat and ends with a voiced Z sound.
Related phrases
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