that is to say
To put it differently
That is to say introduces a clarification or restatement of what was just said, signaling that the speaker is about to express the same idea more precisely or in different words: The meeting is next Monday—that is to say, the fifteenth.
It functions like "in other words" or "namely," often appearing when the first attempt at explanation needs refinement.
- namelyIntroduces specific identification
- specificallyIn a precise manner
- i.e.Clarifying abbreviation
- to witIntroduces a clarification
- videlicetIntroduces a clarifying list
precisely · in other words · in fact · viz · as follows · exactly · to put it another way · spell out · indeed · strictly speaking · meaning · to be clear · in short · restate · let me explain · basically · paraphrase · like
- clarifying phrasesi.e., namely, to clarify, meaning, to wit
- clarifiersi.e., e.g., namely, meaning, specifically
- comparisonscomparison, compare, comparative, analogy, metaphor
- summariessummary, synopsis, summaries, abstract, abstracts
- transitionstransition, blending, segue, fade, changeover
that is to sayconversely
In opposite manner
in contrast · furthermore · on the contrary · moreover · in addition
that is to sayor something
Vague alternative indicator
sort of · kind of · roughly speaking · more or less · so to speak