Reformulative Linking (In Other Words, Put Differently)

This grammar uses small phrases. These phrases are like road signs. They say, "Hey, I am saying this again!" The most common phrase is in other words. Another good one is so. You can also say that means. These phrases connect two ideas. The first idea might be a bit difficult. The second idea is always easier. You are translating your own thoughts. It is a very kind way to speak. It shows you care about the listener. You want them to follow your story. Imagine you are at a cafe. You order something fancy. The waiter looks lost. You use a linking phrase. You give them a simple name. Now they are happy. You get your coffee. Everyone wins. It is not about repeating yourself. It is about clarifying yourself. Repeating is saying the same words twice. Reformulating is saying the same meaning with new words. It is like changing clothes. The person is the same. The outfit is different. One outfit is formal. The other outfit is for the beach. Both are you.

1. 1Using these links is easy. Follow these four steps:
2. 2Say your first sentence clearly.
3. 3Pause for a very short moment.
4. 4Say your linking phrase like in other words or so.
5. 5Say your second, easier sentence.
6. 6In writing, you often use a comma. Put the comma after the linking phrase. For example: "The car is very expensive. In other words, it costs a lot of money." See how it works? The first sentence is the "hard" one. The second sentence is the "easy" one. The link sits in the middle. You can also use that means at the start of a sentence. "I am busy on Friday. That means I cannot come to your party." It feels natural. It feels friendly. You can even use so for a very fast link. "It is raining, so we should stay inside." The structure is always: Idea A + Link + Idea B. Keep Idea B shorter than Idea A. That is the secret to being clear.

Use this when you see a "blank stare." A blank stare means someone is lost. They are not nodding. They are not smiling. Use it when you use a technical word. If you talk about your job, use it. Your friends might not know your work words. Use it when you are nervous. Nervous people often talk too fast. They use complicated sentences. Stop and say, "In other words..." It helps you calm down too. Use it in a job interview. It shows you can explain hard things. Bosses love that skill. Use it when giving directions. Directions are hard to follow. Saying them two ways is helpful. Use it when you teach someone a game. Rules are confusing. Use so to make them simple. It is like a grammar traffic light. It tells the listener when to slow down. It tells them when to pay attention. It is great for ordering food. If the menu is in a different language, use it. Explain what you want simply. Use it when you talk to children. They need simple words. It makes you a fun person to talk to.

Do not use it for everything. If you say, "I am hungry. In other words, I want food," it is too much. People know what hungry means. You will sound a bit strange. It is like wearing a winter coat in summer. It is not wrong, but it is not needed. Do not use it if the person is an expert. If you talk to a doctor about "medicine," do not simplify it too much. They might feel like you are being rude. Don't use it if you are in a big rush. It takes more time to say things twice. Only use it when clarity is the most important thing. If the house is on fire, don't say, "The building is combusting. In other words, it is on fire!" Just run. Use your common sense. Think about your listener. Do they need the help? If yes, use the link. If no, keep it short. Don't be the person who explains why a joke is funny. That is the worst way to use this grammar. If they didn't laugh, just move on. Do not reformulate the punchline. It won't help.

Many people forget the bridge. They say two sentences with no link. "The film was boring. I did not like it." This is okay, but it feels jumpy. It feels like two separate thoughts. The link makes it one smooth thought. Another mistake is using the wrong link. Don't use but when you mean in other words. But changes the direction. In other words keeps the direction. Another common error is making the second sentence harder. That defeats the purpose! Always aim for smaller words in the second part. Some people use in other words too much. If you say it every minute, it gets annoying. It is like a spice. Use a little bit to make the food taste better. Don't dump the whole jar in. Also, watch your commas. In school, teachers look for that comma after in other words. If you forget it, the sentence looks messy. Lastly, don't use it to just repeat the exact same words. "I like cats. In other words, I like cats." This is just silly. Use your brain and find a synonym. A synonym is a word with the same meaning. It makes you sound like you know a lot of English.

How is this different from and? And adds a new piece of information. "I have a dog and I have a cat." These are two different pets. In other words stays on the same topic. It just gives it a new look. How is it different from because? Because gives a reason. "I am happy because it is my birthday." In other words gives a definition or a simpler version. "I am happy. In other words, I am smiling a lot." It is also different from but. As we said before, but shows a conflict. "I like pizza, but I am on a diet." These ideas fight each other. Reformulation ideas are best friends. They help each other. They support each other. Think of so as a fast version of in other words. So is great for speaking. In other words is great for writing or formal talks. That is to say is very formal. You might hear it in a university or a big meeting. For A1 level, stick to so and in other words. They are your best tools. They are the "Swiss Army Knife" of your English conversation.