English Reference
Fixed phrase

that is to say

fixed phrase.
C1 Advanced

fixed phrase.you use this when you want to explain something more clearly or give more detail about what you just said.

fixed phrase.a parenthetical phrase used to introduce a clarification, a more precise restatement, or a specific explanation of a preceding statement.


SIMPLE

He is a polyglot; that is to say, he speaks many languages.

CONTEXTUAL

The company is restructuring, that is to say, some departments will be merged to save costs.

COMPLEX

The results were statistically insignificant; that is to say, the observed variations could easily have occurred by chance alone.

Usage

usually set off by commas or a semicolon to separate the clarification from the main clause.

Teaching tip

teach this as a more formal alternative to 'in other words' or 'I mean'; it is particularly useful for academic writing and formal presentations.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Updated