almost defies summary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost defies summary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something complex or intricate that is difficult to encapsulate in a brief explanation. Example: "The novel's intricate plot and deep character development almost defies summary, leaving readers with a sense of wonder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The plot almost defies summary.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

THE contradictions, complications and inscrutabilities encompassed by Andrea di Robilant in his new book, "A Venetian Affair," are so wonderfully numerous that the plot at its heart very nearly defies summary.

The New York Times - Books

Alain de Botton, writer Derrida defies summary.

The Guardian - Books

The totality of Western criticism in the 20th century defies summary except in terms of its restless multiplicity and factionalism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His answer defies summary, so I'll just quote it in full: I get such a chuckle when these things come out.

The New York Times

It almost defies belief.

The New York Times

It almost defies credibility.

The New York Times - Sports

That almost defies intervention.

The Guardian - Opinion

The plot almost defies description.

The Guardian

The sheer scale of the disaster almost defies comprehension.

The New York Times

Still, our local cascade of gubernatorial catastrophe almost defies belief.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost defies summary" when you want to convey that something is incredibly complex and difficult to condense into a brief overview without losing essential details.

Common error

Avoid using "almost defies summary" too frequently. Overuse can weaken its impact. Instead, vary your language to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost defies summary" functions as a descriptive modifier, typically used to characterize a subject (like a plot, theory, or concept) as exceptionally complex and challenging to encapsulate briefly. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Books

33%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "almost defies summary" is a phrase used to describe something exceptionally complex and difficult to summarize briefly without losing essential details. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its primary function is to convey complexity, and it is most commonly found in News & Media, Books, and Encyclopedia sources. While grammatically sound and used in reputable sources, it's important to avoid overuse. Related phrases include "nearly resists summarization" and "practically resists concise description". Use this phrase when you want to emphasize the intricacy of a subject and signal that a simple explanation may be insufficient.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly resists summarization

Replaces "defies" with "resists" and "summary" with "summarization", slightly altering the formality.

virtually precludes summarization

Substitutes "almost defies" with "virtually precludes", indicating a stronger sense of impossibility.

practically resists concise description

Replaces "defies summary" with "resists concise description", emphasizing the difficulty in providing a brief account.

approaches impossibility to summarize

Uses a more literal construction to convey the near impossibility of summarizing.

is nearly un-summarizable

Transforms the phrase into an adjective, indicating the inherent quality of being difficult to summarize.

borders on being beyond summarization

Emphasizes the proximity to being completely impossible to summarize.

verges on defying encapsulation

Replaces "summary" with "encapsulation", focusing on the difficulty of capturing the essence of something.

is close to being un-summarizable

Uses a simpler and more direct structure to express the near impossibility of summarization.

challenges attempts at brief description

Focuses on the active resistance to attempts at summarization, rather than the inherent impossibility.

nearly escapes simple description

Highlights the idea that the subject avoids a simple and concise description.

FAQs

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

You can say, "The plot of the book "almost defies summary" due to its numerous subplots and intricate character arcs."

What does "almost defies summary" mean?

It means that something is so complex, detailed, or intricate that it is extremely difficult, but not entirely impossible, to provide a brief and comprehensive overview of it.

Are there synonyms for "almost defies summary"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "nearly resists summarization", "practically resists concise description", or "approaches impossibility to summarize".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "almost defies summary"?

Use it when describing complex narratives, intricate processes, or multifaceted concepts that are challenging to simplify without losing significant meaning. For instance, "The scientific theory "almost defies summary" because of its reliance on advanced mathematical models."