Meaning
used to rephrase or clarify a preceding statement, often with more precise language
Primary Function
clarification / elaboration opener
Communicative Purpose
makes a previous statement more explicit
Pattern
That is to say
Core Structure
That is to say
Função primária
clarification / elaboration opener
Propósito comunicativo
makes a previous statement more explicit
Situações de gatilho
formal writing, lectures, explanations
Contextos
academic, professional
Padrão
That is to say
Estrutura central
That is to say
Slots de substituição
none, as it is a fixed expression
Colocados típicos
- i.e.
- namely
- to clarify
Substituições comuns
- In other words
- To clarify
- What I mean is
Erros comuns
using casually in conversation sounds pedantic
Similar / contraste
In other words, Namely
Interferências
L2 speakers may incorrectly say That is to mean
Família do chunk
- formal clarification markers
Nuance
precise, slightly bookish; good for academic definitions
Efeito pragmático
enhances clarity and intellectual precision
Dica de memória
that is to say = that is, to say it another way
Nota
Used in academic and professional contexts to clarify or rephrase a statement more precisely. Avoid in casual conversation where it may sound overly formal or pedantic.
Upgrade path
from In other words → That is to say → i.e.
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