To recap

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "To recap" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to remind readers of what has already been discussed by summarizing the main points in a concise manner. For example, "To recap, the key benefits of using a digital marketing strategy are improved reach, less expensive than traditional marketing, and higher customer engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(To recap, robots don't have rights, and can't strike).

Vice

To recap.

The Guardian

To recap: I was awesome.

The New York Times - Magazine

To recap some history.

The Guardian - Opinion

To recap: sometimes stress is good.

The New Yorker

To recap, the three finalists were: 1.

The New Yorker

To recap: bosses incur real costs when training their workers.

The New York Times

To recap: Iowa lost to Iowa State in triple overtime.

The New York Times

To recap: Don's real name is Dick Whitman.

The New Yorker

To recap, England were 122 for 1 after 25 overs.

The Guardian - Sport

To recap: hasn't deregulation been a bit of a failure?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "To recap" at the beginning of a sentence or paragraph to clearly signal that you are about to provide a summary or review of previously discussed information. This helps readers follow your line of reasoning more easily.

Common error

Avoid using "To recap" too frequently within a short piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your introductory phrases with alternatives like "in summary" or "in brief" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "To recap" functions as an introductory phrase. It alerts the reader that a summary or review of previously discussed information is about to be presented. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "To recap" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed introductory phrase used to signal a summary or review of previously discussed information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for a variety of contexts, with particularly high usage in news and media. For those seeking alternatives, phrases like "in summary" or "to summarize" offer similar functionality. While versatile, overusing "To recap" should be avoided to maintain writing clarity and reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In summary

This alternative provides a more concise and direct way to introduce a summary.

To summarise

This alternative is the British English spelling of "To summarize", offering a slight regional variation.

To summarize

This alternative offers a very similar meaning, focusing on providing a brief account of something.

In brief

This alternative offers a shorter, more informal way to introduce a summary.

In essence

This alternative focuses on highlighting the core or fundamental aspects of what has been discussed.

In conclusion

This alternative is more suitable for ending a discussion with a final summary.

To put it briefly

This alternative emphasizes the intention to be concise and to the point.

Let's review

This alternative suggests a more active process of revisiting key points.

As a reminder

This alternative highlights the purpose of refreshing someone's memory.

By way of review

This alternative is a more formal way of introducing a summary or revisiting information.

FAQs

How can I use "To recap" in a sentence?

"To recap" is typically used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a summary of previously discussed information. For example, "To recap, the main points are X, Y, and Z."

What are some alternatives to "To recap"?

Alternatives include "in summary", "to summarize", "in brief", and "as a reminder". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "To recap"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "To recap" functions as an introductory phrase, signaling the start of a summary or review.

How formal is the phrase "To recap"?

"To recap" is generally considered to be neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in highly formal academic or professional contexts, you might prefer alternatives like "by way of review" or "in conclusion".