In summation

USAGE SUMMARY

"in summation" is correct and usable in written English.
According to Merriam-Webster, it means "summarizing what has been said; in short". It can be used to bring an essay, speech, or other form of writing to a close. For example: "In summation, the high cost of college tuition is a major concern for many families, and finding ways to make higher education more affordable should be a priority for our society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"In summation, it's not simple," Messick said.

The New York Times - Sports

In summation, Neil never amounted to anything… Grade: F.

The New York Times

In summation, he argued: "That's really the only definitive thing to be said".

The New York Times

In summation, Neil has failed to find and follow his spiritual lodestar.

The New York Times

In summation, he said, "I have no problem with Paul O'Neill's focus when it comes to the game".

The New York Times - Sports

In summation, the sad condition of Neil's family lives appears to be the consequence of Nurture defeating Nature.

The New York Times

In summation, Neil has made a modest effort to serve the communities in which he has lived.

The New York Times

In summation, they were swept aside by a team that could easily go on to lose close to 100 games.

The New York Times - Sports

In summation, the Chatpad looks just dandy.

TechCrunch

In summation, the EPL is angry that you're watching Everton draw level with Liverpool for free online.

TechCrunch

In summation, all the speakers unanimously agreed that RSS is great, as did most of the audience.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "In summation" to clearly signal the end of your argument or presentation and provide a concise recap of the main points.

Common error

Avoid starting every paragraph or section with formal transition words like "In summation". Use them sparingly to prevent your writing from sounding repetitive and stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In summation" functions as a transitional phrase, specifically a concluding transition. Ludwig indicates it is grammatically correct and usable. It serves to signal the end of a discussion or argument and to provide a concise summary of the key points.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

According to Ludwig, "In summation" is a grammatically correct phrase used to signal a concluding summary. With a neutral to formal register, it commonly appears in "News & Media" and scientific writing, as indicated by examples from The New York Times, TechCrunch, and PlosOne. When employing "In summation", ensure you are providing a clear and concise recap of your main points to effectively signal the end of your discussion. Although effective, avoid overuse to prevent your writing from sounding repetitive. Alternatives like "to summarize" or "in conclusion" can offer variety while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To summarize

More direct and commonly used, but lacks the slightly formal tone.

In conclusion

Very similar in meaning, but can be used in a broader range of contexts.

In summary

Synonymous, but slightly less formal.

In brief

Shorter and more concise, implying a very quick summary.

To put it briefly

Offers a more conversational tone while still summarizing.

In essence

Highlights the core meaning or most important aspect.

In short

Provides a quick and succinct summary.

To recap

Implies a review of previously discussed points.

Overall

Provides a general overview or concluding thought.

All in all

Indicates a comprehensive consideration of all factors leading to a conclusion.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "In summation" in a sentence?

Use "In summation" at the end of your discussion or argument to summarize your main points. For example, "In summation, this data demonstrates a clear need for further research."

What are some alternatives to using "In summation"?

Alternatives include "to summarize", "in conclusion", or "in short". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it always necessary to use "In summation" at the end of an essay?

No, using "In summation" is not always necessary. It's helpful when you need to clearly signal the end and reiterate main points, but a strong concluding sentence can also suffice. Use it strategically to enhance clarity.

What's the difference between "In summation" and "in summary"?

"In summation" and "in summary" are very similar, both used to provide a concise recap. "In summation" can sometimes carry a slightly more formal tone, but they are largely interchangeable.