We use “in other words” all the time especially when we’re explaining, clarifying, or simplifying something.
But if you’re writing an essay, blog, email, or professional document, repeating it can feel… repetitive.
So here are 35+ other ways to say “in other words” from formal to casual, modern to academic.
🔹 Formal / Academic Alternatives
Perfect for essays, reports, and professional writing.
1. In simpler terms
Example: “In simpler terms, the process reduces costs.”
2. To put it differently
Example: “To put it differently, we need a new strategy.”
3. That is to say
Example: “That is to say, the results were unexpected.”
4. Put another way
Example: “Put another way, growth has slowed.”
5. In essence
Example: “In essence, the plan failed.”
6. In summary
Example: “In summary, the data supports our claim.”
7. In brief
Example: “In brief, the proposal was rejected.”
8. Simply put
Example: “Simply put, it’s not sustainable.”
9. To clarify
Example: “To clarify, deadlines are strict.”
10. To rephrase
Example: “To rephrase, we need better communication.”
11. More precisely
Example: “More precisely, profits declined by 12%.”
12. Namely
Example: “We need three things, namely time, funding, and support.”
13. Specifically
Example: “Specifically, customer retention improved.”
14. In plain language
Example: “In plain language, it’s too expensive.”
15. By that I mean
Example: “By that I mean, we need consistency.”
🔹 Professional / Workplace Alternatives
Great for emails, presentations, and meetings.
16. What I mean is
Example: “What I mean is, we should delay the launch.”
17. Let me rephrase that
Example: “Let me rephrase that — the timeline is tight.”
18. To put it plainly
Example: “To put it plainly, we’re behind schedule.”
19. In practical terms
Example: “In practical terms, costs will increase.”
20. To break it down
Example: “To break it down, sales dropped in Q4.”
21. The point is
Example: “The point is, we need action.”
22. In short
Example: “In short, we must adapt.”
23. The bottom line is
Example: “The bottom line is, we need results.”
24. To sum up
Example: “To sum up, the strategy worked.”
🔹 Casual / Conversational Alternatives
Perfect for blogs, texts, and everyday speech.
25. Basically
Example: “Basically, we messed up.”
26. Long story short
Example: “Long story short, it didn’t work.”
27. So yeah
Example: “So yeah, that happened.”
28. In a nutshell
Example: “In a nutshell, it’s complicated.”
29. Here’s the thing
Example: “Here’s the thing — we need a plan.”
30. Let’s just say
Example: “Let’s just say it wasn’t ideal.”
31. Put simply
Example: “Put simply, it’s not worth it.”
32. To make it simple
Example: “To make it simple, we’re late.”
33. If you think about it
Example: “If you think about it, it makes sense.”
34. At the end of the day
Example: “At the end of the day, it’s your choice.”
35. All I’m saying is
Example: “All I’m saying is, be careful.”
36. What that means is
Example: “What that means is, we need help.”
37. In simple words
Example: “In simple words, it’s too risky.”
💡 Quick Writing Tip
Use alternatives when:
✔ You’ve repeated “in other words” more than once
✔ You want stronger academic tone
✔ You’re simplifying complex ideas
✔ You’re writing professionally
Switching it up keeps your writing clean, confident, and polished.
Final Thoughts
“In other words” isn’t wrong it’s just overused.
Whether you’re writing an essay, blog post, business email, or caption, swapping in phrases like “to put it differently,” “in essence,” “simply put,” or “basically” instantly upgrades your style.
If you’d like, I can also create:
- 35+ other ways to say “for example”
- 40+ other ways to say “however”
- 36+ alternatives to “because”
Just tell me what you’re writing 😊
