The phrase “in terms of” is common in English, especially in academic writing, business communication, and professional discussions. It helps speakers and writers specify a category, clarify a point, or compare two ideas. But the problem is simple: it’s overused.
That’s why having strong alternatives matters. Whether you want to make your writing more formal, more conversational, or simply more precise, choosing a better phrase can improve your tone instantly. This guide gives you 20+ polished, professional, and natural alternatives to “in terms of,” complete with meanings, usage notes, and real-life examples.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Use these replacements when you want to:
- Clarify what specific category or perspective you’re referring to
- Sound more professional or academic
- Avoid repeating “in terms of” in reports, emails, or essays
- Highlight a comparison or contrast
- Introduce a specific metric, factor, or angle
- Improve writing flow and reduce wordiness
- Make your communication more precise and stylistically varied
Avoid using these alternatives when:
- The situation needs a direct, simple explanation rather than a phrase
- You’re writing informally and an overly formal alternative would feel unnatural
20+ Other Ways to Say “In Terms Of”
Below are polished, advanced, and natural alternatives.
Each includes Meaning, Usage, Tip, and 4 example sentences.
1. Regarding
Meaning: Concerning a specific topic.
Usage: Professional emails, academic writing, general communication.
Tip: Works in both formal and informal contexts.
Examples:
• Regarding your question, I’ll share the updated numbers soon.
• We need more information regarding your proposal.
• The report is clear regarding customer preferences.
• Regarding timelines, we’re still on track.
2. Concerning
Meaning: Connected to or related to something.
Usage: Neutral tone, widely used in documentation.
Tip: Good alternative for formal reports.
Examples:
• I received your message concerning the project delay.
• This chapter provides data concerning market trends.
• We had a meeting concerning the budget issues.
• There’s nothing new concerning the policy change.
3. With Respect To
Meaning: About or in relation to a specific subject.
Usage: Professional, legal, technical communication.
Tip: Very formal—best for reports and presentations.
Examples:
• With respect to safety, all requirements were met.
• The data is clear with respect to employee satisfaction.
• We need clarification with respect to the contract terms.
• The results improved significantly with respect to quality.
4. Concerning
(Already included earlier—skipping to avoid repetition.)
4. In Relation To
Meaning: Showing the connection between two ideas.
Usage: Academic writing, research, analytical discussions.
Tip: Works well in comparisons or explanations.
Examples:
• Productivity increased in relation to better scheduling.
• We analyzed the data in relation to customer behavior.
• Costs rose sharply in relation to supply shortages.
• The scores were high in relation to last year’s results.
5. From the Perspective Of
Meaning: Looking at something from a specific viewpoint.
Usage: Psychology, research, debate, reflective writing.
Tip: Great when discussing opinions or viewpoints.
Examples:
• From the perspective of students, the policy seems fair.
• From the perspective of customers, the app is easy to use.
• We reviewed the issue from the perspective of safety.
• From the perspective of growth, the plan is strong.
6. As Far As … Is Concerned
Meaning: Talking about a particular issue.
Usage: Conversational yet professional.
Tip: Add the specific topic in the middle.
Examples:
• As far as budget is concerned, we’re within limits.
• As far as quality is concerned, this is our best work.
• As far as timing is concerned, we’re flexible.
• As far as training is concerned, everything is ready.
7. When It Comes To
Meaning: Addressing a specific topic or issue.
Usage: Casual, friendly, everyday English.
Tip: Not ideal for very formal writing.
Examples:
• When it comes to design, she’s the best on the team.
• When it comes to deadlines, he’s always early.
• When it comes to customer service, quality matters.
• When it comes to teamwork, communication is key.
8. In the Context Of
Meaning: Considering the situation or background.
Usage: Academic, legal, analytical writing.
Tip: Perfect for framing complex discussions.
Examples:
• Prices increased in the context of global inflation.
• The decision makes sense in the context of our goals.
• This policy was introduced in the context of safety concerns.
• The results are significant in the context of past research.
9. Concerning
(Skipped because already used. Continuing.)
9. With Regard To
Meaning: Concerning a specific subject.
Usage: Very common in business writing.
Tip: More formal than “regarding.”
Examples:
• With regard to your request, I’ll follow up today.
• The company made changes with regard to its hiring policy.
• With regard to timelines, everything is on schedule.
• We need to discuss the update with regard to pricing.
10. In Reference To
Meaning: Referring specifically to something.
Usage: Emails, documents, formal responses.
Tip: Good for written communication.
Examples:
• In reference to your email, here are the details.
• The report was updated in reference to your feedback.
• In reference to the issue, we found a solution.
• In reference to last week’s meeting, here are the minutes.
11. As For
Meaning: Switching the topic to a specific aspect.
Usage: Neutral and flexible.
Tip: Use to shift conversation smoothly.
Examples:
• As for the budget, we’ll finalize it tomorrow.
• As for travel plans, we can discuss them later.
• As for quality, the product exceeded expectations.
• As for the timeline, everything is ready.
12. In Light Of
Meaning: Considering new information.
Usage: Professional, analytical, evaluative.
Tip: Best when explaining decisions or changes.
Examples:
• In light of recent updates, we changed the schedule.
• The policy was revised in light of new regulations.
• In light of the results, we need a new strategy.
• In light of feedback, we improved the design.
13. In Connection With
Meaning: Related to a specific matter.
Usage: Legal, investigative, formal writing.
Tip: Often used when discussing linked issues.
Examples:
• We contacted you in connection with your application.
• The report was updated in connection with new data.
• She was interviewed in connection with the research.
• The meeting is in connection with budget planning.
14. Relative To
Meaning: Compared to or measured against something.
Usage: Statistics, analysis, research.
Tip: Great for data-based discussions.
Examples:
• Sales increased relative to last year.
• The score is high relative to the average.
• Productivity improved relative to previous months.
• Costs were low relative to expectations.
15. Focusing On
Meaning: Directing attention toward a specific area.
Usage: Presentations, lessons, explanations.
Tip: Good for highlighting a key point.
Examples:
• Today, we’re focusing on customer feedback.
• The project is focusing on efficiency.
• Our strategy is focusing on growth.
• The report is focusing on performance trends.
16. Speaking Of
Meaning: Introducing a topic connected to the conversation.
Usage: Casual, conversational.
Tip: Avoid in formal writing.
Examples:
• Speaking of deadlines, did you finish the report?
• Speaking of quality, the new product is excellent.
• Speaking of meetings, when is the next one?
• Speaking of updates, here’s the latest version.
17. From a … Standpoint
Meaning: From a specific perspective or angle.
Usage: Professional, academic, analytical.
Tip: Insert a category (business, medical, financial, etc.).
Examples:
• From a financial standpoint, the plan is risky.
• From a technical standpoint, the design works well.
• From a safety standpoint, improvements are needed.
• From a customer standpoint, the app is intuitive.
18. From a … Point of View
Meaning: Expressing a viewpoint or interpretation.
Usage: Debates, discussions, essays.
Tip: Flexible and widely acceptable.
Examples:
• From a business point of view, it’s a strong decision.
• From a learner’s point of view, the material is easy.
• From a scientific point of view, the claim is accurate.
• From a consumer’s point of view, prices are high.
19. Based On
Meaning: Built upon or supported by something.
Usage: Professional writing, instructions, analysis.
Tip: More precise than “in terms of.”
Examples:
• The results are based on customer surveys.
• We made changes based on your suggestions.
• The design is based on user feedback.
• The decision was based on data.
20. About
Meaning: Relating to a topic.
Usage: Simple, common, everyday English.
Tip: Good for replacing “in terms of” in casual writing.
Examples:
• Let’s talk about your progress.
• I need more details about the event.
• The report is about market trends.
• I’m curious about your opinion.
BONUS SECTION: Short, Formal Alternatives
- “Specifically regarding…”
- “From the standpoint of…”
- “When evaluating…”
- “Examining the matter through…”
- “Considering the aspect of…”
Final Writing Tips
Use these guidelines to choose the right alternative:
- Pick a formal phrase for academic or business writing.
- Choose a simple phrase for casual conversation.
- Use data-focused options (e.g., “relative to”) when discussing numbers.
- Use perspective-focused options (e.g., “from a… standpoint”) for opinions.
- Avoid overusing the same phrase in long documents.
- Replace wordy options with shorter ones when clarity matters.
- Match the tone of the alternative to your audience and purpose.
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