ENGLISH
REFERENCE

that is

fixed phr..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

fixed phr.. you use this to give more specific details or to explain what you just said in a clearer way.

fixed phr.. a connective phrase used to introduce a clarification, precise definition, or rephrasing of a preceding statement; often functions as a transition to a more specific synonym.


SIMPLE

We meet on the first day of the week, that is, Monday.

CONTEXTUAL

The company is looking for a local partner, that is, a firm already established in the region.

COMPLEX

The results were statistically insignificant, that is, the observed changes could have occurred purely by chance rather than as a result of the treatment.

Usage

usually placed between two commas or after a semicolon to separate the original statement from the clarification.

Teaching tip

teach the Latin abbreviation 'i.e.' alongside this phrase, as they are used identically in writing to introduce a clarification.

Pitfall

He is a vegetarian, that is he doesn't eat meat.He is a vegetarian; that is, he doesn't eat meat.this phrase requires punctuation like a comma or semicolon to separate it from the main clauses.

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