Guide 83 / 200 4 alternatives 2-minute read
Better ways to say “In other words”
A three-word admission that the first version didn't land.
i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler
"In other words" usually means the first sentence wasn't clear enough. Fix the first sentence, then delete the phrase. When genuine paraphrase is useful (in teaching), "that is" or "put differently" are shorter.
ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo
Before
The change is pareto-optimal; in other words, nobody loses.
After
The change helps some people and hurts nobody.
iii · The alternatives4 ways out
- 01That is neutral
close paraphrase
Pareto-optimal; that is, nobody loses.
- 02Put differently neutral
restating a claim
Put differently, nobody loses.
- 03Or neutral
quick restatement
Pareto-optimal, or nobody loses.
- 04i.e. formal
in formal writing; means "that is"
Pareto-optimal (i.e., nobody loses).
iv · Brew tipKeep this one
If the first sentence needed a second version, see if you can delete the first.