Phrases for Paraphrasing in English: A B2–C1 Guide with Examples

Hello, English learners! Welcome to a new lesson. Today, we are going to look at useful phrases for paraphrasing in English.

To paraphrase means to express the same idea in different words. We often paraphrase when we want to make something clearer, simpler, shorter or more suitable for a particular situation.

For example:

Original: The company experienced a significant decline in sales.

Paraphrase: In other words, the company sold far fewer products than before.

Paraphrasing is especially useful in:

• speaking, when you want to explain your idea more clearly
• writing, when you want to avoid repetition
• exams, especially B2 First and C1 Advanced
• academic and formal English
• summaries, reports, essays and presentations

Good paraphrasing does not mean changing every word mechanically. It means keeping the same meaning while expressing the idea in a new and natural way.

Let’s look at the most useful phrases for paraphrasing in English.

In other words

In other words is one of the most common phrases for paraphrasing. We use it when we want to explain the same idea more clearly or simply.

• The hotel was extremely noisy, and we hardly slept at all. In other words, our stay was far from relaxing.
• The project requires a great deal of planning, cooperation and patience. In other words, it will not be completed overnight.

This phrase is useful in both speaking and writing.

To put it another way

To put it another way is similar to in other words, but it can sound a little more thoughtful or formal.

• The course is not designed for complete beginners. To put it another way, you need some previous knowledge of English before joining.
• He is not refusing to help; to put it another way, he simply does not have enough time at the moment.

This expression is very useful when you want to explain a point from a slightly different angle.

To put it differently

To put it differently means that you are going to express the same idea in a different way.

It is useful when the first explanation may have sounded too direct, too complicated or too unclear.

• My boss is not satisfied with my performance. To put it differently, he thinks I need to improve the quality of my work.
• The plan is ambitious. To put it differently, it will be difficult but not impossible.

This phrase is often used in formal or semi-formal English.

That is to say

That is to say is used to clarify or explain something more precisely. It is quite formal and is more common in writing than in everyday conversation.

• The agency will organise our stay on the island, that is to say, accommodation, transport and meals.
• The school wants to improve students’ digital literacy, that is to say, their ability to use technology confidently and responsibly.

The expression is useful when you want to define exactly what you mean.

What I mean is…

What I mean is… is very useful in spoken English. We use it when we want to make our meaning clearer, especially after saying something that might be misunderstood.

• I do not think the idea is bad. What I mean is that it needs more development before we use it.
• I am not saying you were wrong. What I mean is that there may be another way to solve the problem.

This phrase is particularly useful in discussions, meetings and speaking exams.

What I meant was…

What I meant was… is used when you want to explain something you said earlier, especially if someone misunderstood you.

• I did not mean to criticise your work. What I meant was that the introduction could be clearer.
• I did not mean that we should cancel the project. What I meant was that we should delay it until we have more information.

This phrase is excellent for polite clarification.

Simply put / To put it simply

Simply put and to put it simply are used when you want to explain something in a simple and direct way.

• The new tax system is extremely complicated. Simply put, many people do not understand how much they need to pay.
• Some people consume more calories than they burn. To put it simply, this can lead to weight gain.

These phrases are very useful when explaining complex ideas in simple language.

In simple terms

In simple terms is another useful phrase for explaining something clearly and without technical language.

• The device converts sunlight into electricity. In simple terms, it uses the sun to produce power.
• Inflation means that prices rise over time. In simple terms, your money buys less than before.

This phrase is helpful in lessons, articles, presentations and explanations.

In a nutshell

In a nutshell means briefly or in a few words. It is used when you want to summarise the main idea.

• We missed the bus, lost the tickets and arrived two hours late. In a nutshell, the journey was a disaster.
• The course includes grammar, vocabulary, writing and speaking practice. In a nutshell, it prepares students for all parts of the exam.

This expression is slightly informal, but it is very common and natural.

In short

In short is used to summarise the main point briefly.

• The flat was too small, too expensive and too far from the city centre. In short, it was not suitable.
• He forgot the meeting, lost the documents and arrived late. In short, he was badly prepared.

In short is useful in writing when you want to give a clear conclusion or summary.

In a word

In a word is used when you want to summarise your opinion or reaction in one word or very briefly.

• The performance was powerful, emotional and beautifully acted. In a word, unforgettable.
• The hotel was dirty, noisy and badly managed. In a word, awful.

Be careful: in a word is not always a true paraphrasing phrase. It is more often used to give a very short summary or judgement.

To be specific / To be more specific

To be specific and to be more specific are used when you want to give more exact information.

• The water is no longer safe to drink. To be specific, high levels of chemicals were found after the accident.
• Many people struggle with English grammar. To be more specific, they often have problems with tenses and prepositions.

This phrase does not simply repeat the same idea. It narrows the idea and gives clearer detail.

More precisely

More precisely is used when you want to correct or refine what you have just said.

• The meeting will take place next week — more precisely, on Thursday morning.
• The course is for advanced students — more precisely, for learners at B2 and C1 level.

This phrase is useful when accuracy matters.

In practical terms

In practical terms is used when you explain what an idea means in real life.

• The school wants to modernise its teaching methods. In practical terms, this means using more digital tools in the classroom.
• The company plans to reduce costs. In practical terms, some departments will have smaller budgets.

This phrase is excellent for formal writing, reports and presentations.

What this means is…

What this means is… is useful when you want to explain the result or practical meaning of something.

• The number of online learners has increased sharply. What this means is that schools need to offer more digital resources.
• The population is getting older. What this means is that healthcare systems will face greater pressure.

This phrase is very useful for essays and analytical writing.

The point is…

The point is… is used when you want to emphasise the main idea.

• The point is, students need regular practice, not just last-minute revision.
• The point is not that technology is bad. The point is that we need to use it wisely.

This phrase is more conversational, but it can be very effective in speaking.

Examples of Phrases for Paraphrasing in Exam-Style Writing

Original sentence

• Some people believe that children spend too much time using digital devices.

Possible paraphrases

• In other words, many people are concerned that children use screens too often.
• To put it another way, there is growing concern about the amount of time children spend on phones, tablets and computers.
• Simply put, some people think children have too much screen time.

Original sentence

• The government should invest more money in public transport.

Possible paraphrases

• In other words, more public funding should be used to improve buses, trains and other forms of transport.
• To put it differently, public transport needs greater financial support from the government.
• In practical terms, this would mean better services, lower fares and more reliable connections.

Original sentence

• Learning a foreign language can improve your career opportunities.

Possible paraphrases

• In other words, speaking another language can help you find better jobs.
• To put it another way, language skills can make a person more attractive to employers.
• Simply put, knowing another language can be good for your career.

Final Thought on Phrases for Paraphrasing

Learning useful phrases for paraphrasing will help you express ideas more clearly, avoid repetition and sound more natural in English.

Use in other words, to put it another way and simply put when you want to explain an idea more clearly. Use in a nutshell and in short when you want to summarise. Use to be specific, more precisely and in practical terms when you want to make your meaning more exact.

Paraphrasing is not about sounding complicated. It is about making meaning clearer — and in good English, clarity is always the real winner.

Related posts:

Words and Phrases for Conclusion 

Making Generalisations in English: Useful Phrases and Examples 

Prepositional Phrases for Formal Writing 

Linking Words and Phrases 

How to Write a C1 Advanced Essay 

How to Write an Essay for B2 First (FCE) 

Words and Phrases for Giving Examples in English 

Suggestions in English 

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