# that is to say

CEFR C1 · Fixed phrase

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/that-is-to-say
Updated: 2026-08-05

## Definition

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

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

## Examples

- He is a polyglot; that is to say, he speaks many languages.
- The company is restructuring, that is to say, some departments will be merged to save costs.
- The results were statistically insignificant; that is to say, the observed variations could easily have occurred by chance alone.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.