In terms of
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
Use it to isolate one specific feature of a topic for clearer, more professional comparison.
En 15 secondes
- Focuses the conversation on one specific category or angle.
- Commonly used in business, academic, and serious discussions.
- Replaces 'about' when you want to sound more professional.
Signification
This phrase helps you zoom in on one specific detail of a bigger topic. It is like saying 'regarding' or 'if we only look at this one part' to make your point clearer.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Comparing two laptops
This one is better in terms of battery life, but the other has a better screen.
This one is better regarding battery life, but the other has a better screen.
Talking about a job offer
The salary is great, but in terms of career growth, it's a bit limited.
The salary is great, but regarding career growth, it's a bit limited.
Discussing a movie with a friend
In terms of special effects, that movie was incredible, but the acting was terrible.
Regarding special effects, that movie was incredible, but the acting was terrible.
Contexte culturel
Originally a mathematical term, this phrase became a hallmark of the 'managerial revolution' in the mid-20th century. It reflects a Western cultural preference for breaking down complex problems into measurable categories. Today, it is ubiquitous in English-speaking professional environments as a way to sound precise and objective.
The 'Category' Trick
Always follow this phrase with a noun that represents a category (like 'size', 'speed', or 'cost'). It makes your English sound much more structured.
Avoid Overuse
If you use this phrase three times in one minute, you'll sound like you're trying too hard to be smart. Mix it up with 'about' or 'regarding'.
En 15 secondes
- Focuses the conversation on one specific category or angle.
- Commonly used in business, academic, and serious discussions.
- Replaces 'about' when you want to sound more professional.
What It Means
Think of in terms of as a mental spotlight. You use it to pick one specific angle of a conversation and focus on it. If you are talking about a new car, you might love the color but hate the price. You would say, 'It is great in terms of looks, but bad in terms of my bank account.' It simplifies complex topics by breaking them into smaller pieces.
How To Use It
Place the phrase before a noun or a category. It acts like a bridge between your main idea and the specific detail. You can use it at the start of a sentence to set the stage. Or, drop it in the middle to clarify your thoughts. It is very flexible. Just remember to follow it with a clear category like money, time, or quality. Don't use it for everything, or you will sound like a corporate robot.
When To Use It
You will hear this everywhere in professional settings. Use it during a job interview to discuss your skills. Use it at a restaurant when comparing two dishes. It is perfect for when you want to sound organized and thoughtful. If a friend asks about your vacation, you can use it to separate the weather from the food. It helps you give a balanced opinion without getting confused.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it when a simple 'about' or 'for' works better. If you say, 'I am thinking in terms of pizza for dinner,' you sound way too formal. Just say you want pizza! Also, do not use it to describe feelings directly. Saying 'I love you in terms of your heart' is a great way to ruin a romantic moment. Keep it for categories and comparisons, not raw emotions.
Cultural Background
This phrase grew out of mathematical and scientific language. It originally meant expressing one value using another. Over time, it escaped the lab and entered the office. Now, it is a staple of 'Corporate Speak' in the US and UK. It shows you are analytical and objective. It is the favorite tool of people who love spreadsheets and five-year plans.
Common Variations
If you get bored of saying it, try regarding or as far as... is concerned. In very casual talk, people might just say for. In business, you might hear with respect to. Another common one is from a ... perspective. These all do similar jobs. However, in terms of remains the king of academic and professional transitions.
Notes d'usage
This phrase sits comfortably in formal and neutral registers. Be careful not to use it in highly emotional or very casual settings where it can sound cold or overly analytical.
The 'Category' Trick
Always follow this phrase with a noun that represents a category (like 'size', 'speed', or 'cost'). It makes your English sound much more structured.
Avoid Overuse
If you use this phrase three times in one minute, you'll sound like you're trying too hard to be smart. Mix it up with 'about' or 'regarding'.
The 'Corporate Speak' Secret
In US offices, people often use this phrase to avoid being direct. Instead of saying 'You are late,' they might say 'In terms of punctuality, there is room for improvement.'
Exemples
6This one is better in terms of battery life, but the other has a better screen.
This one is better regarding battery life, but the other has a better screen.
Comparing specific technical features.
The salary is great, but in terms of career growth, it's a bit limited.
The salary is great, but regarding career growth, it's a bit limited.
Evaluating a life decision based on a specific category.
In terms of special effects, that movie was incredible, but the acting was terrible.
Regarding special effects, that movie was incredible, but the acting was terrible.
Breaking down a critique into parts.
I'm doing great in terms of my diet, if we only count the hours I'm asleep.
My diet is going well regarding the time I spend sleeping.
Using formal structure for a funny, relatable failure.
What are we looking at in terms of timing for tonight?
What is the plan regarding the time for tonight?
Asking for a specific detail in a casual way.
We are fine, but in terms of communication, we have a long way to go.
We are fine, but regarding communication, we have a long way to go.
Identifying a specific area of struggle in a serious talk.
Teste-toi
Choose the best word to complete the professional comparison.
The new office is much better ___ location.
The standard idiom is 'in terms of' to specify the category being discussed.
Complete the sentence to focus on the cost of a project.
___ cost, we are currently over budget.
'In terms of' is used at the start of a sentence to introduce the topic of cost.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum of 'In terms of'
Using 'about' or 'for'
What about the price?
Standard conversation
In terms of the weather, it was okay.
Business or Academic
In terms of annual revenue, we saw growth.
When to use 'In terms of'
Job Interview
In terms of my experience...
Reviewing a Product
In terms of durability...
Planning an Event
In terms of the guest list...
Comparing Food
In terms of flavor...
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsMostly, yes! However, in terms of is more specific. It tells the listener exactly which 'slice' of the topic you are talking about.
Absolutely. For example: In terms of quality, this is the best brand. It helps set the topic immediately.
It is fine, but it might feel a bit stiff. Use it if you are discussing something serious, like In terms of the trip, I'm still deciding.
People often say in terms with. That is incorrect. It must always be in terms of.
It is used equally in both! It is a standard feature of global professional English.
No, it should be followed by a noun or a gerund (an -ing word). Use In terms of pricing rather than In terms of to price.
Sometimes people use it just to give themselves time to think. If you use it without a clear category, it becomes meaningless filler.
Probably! If you say In terms of your personality, I like you, it sounds like you are conducting a performance review.
Yes, it is perfect for that. This car is better in terms of speed, but that one is better in terms of safety.
No, it is always terms (plural) within the phrase, even if you are only talking about one thing.
Expressions liées
With regard to
A formal way to introduce a topic or subject.
As for
Used to switch to a new topic or person in a conversation.
When it comes to
A more natural, slightly less formal way to highlight a specific area.
Regarding
A concise, professional way to say 'about'.
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