Quite so!
Below 3000 ft amsl, the alternative VFR limits (5 km flight visibility in Class B, C, D or E or if above 140 KIAS in Class F or G, 1.5km below 140KIAS if fixed wing in Class F or G) and 'clear of cloud' also mandate and in sight of the surface.
So if you are not 'in sight of the surface', to be in VMC you must be at least 1000 ft clear of cloud vertically, 1500m horizontally and have a flight visibility of 5km (8km above FL100).
And remember that it's 3000 ft amsl, so if you're using QFE in a MATZ you must also add aerodrome elevation to establish your true altitude when stating whether or not you're VFR.