What Does "that is to say" Mean?
- Grammatical function: It functions as an appositive marker, introducing a restatement, clarification, or explanation of the preceding idea. It signals equivalence or further specification.
- Typical sentence position: Primarily medial, but can occasionally appear at the beginning or end of a sentence for emphasis.
- Register: Neutral to formal. While not overly stiff, it's more common in written or carefully spoken language than in casual conversation.
How to Use It
- Syntactic patterns: Typically follows a clause or phrase that needs further explanation. It introduces a clause or phrase that clarifies the previous one.
- Punctuation rules: Almost always set off by commas. When it interrupts a sentence, use commas before and after. If it introduces a clause at the end, a single comma precedes it.
- Grammatical flexibility: Can start a sentence, though this is less common and can sound somewhat emphatic. It can be moved within a sentence, but this may affect the flow. Negating it directly is rare; negation usually applies to the clause it introduces.
- What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Using it excessively or in very informal contexts can sound stilted. Omitting the commas is a common error.
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from that is to say on Ludwig.guru.
"You could, that is to say, lie." — The New York Times - Magazine
"Architecture itself, that is to say." — The New York Times - Arts
"That is to say, fairly." — Independent
"That is to say, in their cells." — The New York Times
"That is to say, controversial." — The Washington Post
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/that+is+to+say
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| in other words |
Provides a simpler or more accessible explanation. |
| namely |
Introduces specific examples or details. |
| specifically |
Highlights a particular aspect or detail. |
| to put it another way |
Offers a different phrasing of the same idea. |
| to be precise |
Adds greater accuracy or detail. |
| that is |
Shorter, slightly less formal version. |
| i.e. |
Abbreviation for id est, used in writing for brevity. |
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect punctuation: Forgetting to use commas to set off "that is to say" can make the sentence difficult to read.
- Overuse: Using it too frequently can make your writing sound repetitive and unnatural.
- Confusion with "in other words": While similar, "that is to say" often implies a more precise or technical explanation, whereas "in other words" aims for simpler language.
- Learners often confuse it with similar phrases like "in other words" or use it unnecessarily, disrupting the flow of the sentence.
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Function |
Register |
Typical Position |
| that is to say |
Clarification, restatement |
Neutral to formal |
Medial (within a clause) |
FAQs
Where can "that is to say" appear in a sentence?
"That is to say" primarily appears mid-clause, interrupting the flow to offer a clarification. While it can occasionally start a sentence for emphasis, or end one, it's most natural and effective when placed in the middle, set off by commas.
How does "that is to say" differ from "in other words"?
Both phrases introduce a restatement, but "that is to say" often implies a more precise or technical explanation, digging deeper into the nuance of the original statement. "In other words," on the other hand, tends to offer a simpler or more accessible explanation, making the original statement easier to understand.
How can I avoid misusing "that is to say"?
Avoid overuse by considering whether the clarification is truly necessary; sometimes, the original statement is clear enough. Be mindful of the context and choose a more suitable alternative if a simpler restatement is needed, or if the sentence becomes too clunky by including "that is to say" unnecessarily. Ensure you use commas correctly to set it off from the rest of the sentence.