a summary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a summary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are referring to a brief overview of a longer text or other media. For example, "The article offers a comprehensive analysis of the issue, but for those who don't have the time to read it, here is a summary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What a summary.

Independent

This was a summary.

The New York Times

Here's a summary in graphs.

The New York Times

I'll post a summary soon.

The Guardian

I'll post a summary shortly.

The Guardian

(see here for a summary).

The New York Times

Felix Salmon has a summary.

The New York Times

Here's a summary of them.

The Guardian

A summary of the ongoing debate.

The New Yorker

Read a summary of the controversy.

The New Yorker

A Summary of Justice Scalia's Bench Statement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using more precise synonyms like "abstract" or "executive summary" depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid making "a summary" too vague or generic. Provide specific details and context to make it useful and informative for the reader. Include what the summary is about.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a summary" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a concise overview or condensed version of a larger text or event. Ludwig AI confirms its common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, the phrase "a summary" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that serves to introduce a condensed version of more extensive content. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and common across varied contexts like news, science, and general knowledge. To ensure effective communication, it's important to keep summaries accurate and specific, avoiding overgeneralization. While alternatives such as "a synopsis" or "an abstract" can be used depending on the context, "a summary" remains a versatile and widely understood option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a synopsis

Emphasizes a brief overview, often used in literary or cinematic contexts.

a precis

Highlights a more formal and concise summary, often used in academic or legal settings.

an abstract

Specifically refers to a brief summary of a research paper or scientific article.

a digest

Implies a collection of summaries or excerpts.

a rundown

Suggests a quick and informal overview of events or information.

a brief

Focuses on the conciseness and succinctness of the overview.

a recap

Indicates a review or summary of what has already happened.

an outline

Presents a structured framework of the key points.

a thumbnail sketch

Emphasizes a very brief and general overview.

a conspectus

Offers a comprehensive and broad overview.

FAQs

How can I use "a summary" in a sentence?

You can use "a summary" to introduce a condensed version of a longer text or event. For instance, "Here's "a summary" of the key findings from the report".

What are some alternatives to "a summary"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a synopsis", "an abstract", or "a recap".

Is it always necessary to include "a summary" in a document?

No, it depends on the purpose and audience. If the document is lengthy or complex, ""a summary"" can help readers quickly grasp the main points. However, for shorter documents, it may be redundant.

How long should "a summary" typically be?

The length of ""a summary"" depends on the length and complexity of the original content. A good rule of thumb is to keep it concise, typically no more than 10% of the original length. Focus on including only the most essential information.