in two words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in two words' is a grammatical and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a single idea or concept in a concise manner. For example: If I had to sum up my experience in the restaurant in two words, I would say "unmemorable food".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

In two words, kind of.

The New York Times

In two words, privacy and control.

The New York Times

In two words: Boris Johnson.

The Guardian - Opinion

In two words – house training.

The Guardian - Opinion

And in two words: Holy Cow.

The Guardian - Tech

Speed expressed his philosophy in two words: "Together, Stronger".

Independent

In two words, then, he has a magisterial modesty.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Summarise Latitude in seven words?

Independent

My life in six words.

Independent

In three words: Strange.

The Guardian

In three words: Surreal.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in two words" to introduce a succinct summary or key takeaway, enhancing clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "in two words" as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "in brief" or "to sum up" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in two words" functions as an introductory phrase, signaling that the speaker or writer is about to provide a very brief summary or description. Ludwig shows that this phrase is frequently used to emphasize conciseness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in two words" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a succinct summary or description, signaling to the reader or listener that you are about to provide a highly condensed explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, though alternatives may be more appropriate for highly formal settings. To avoid redundancy, consider using phrases like "in brief" or "to sum up". By strategically employing "in two words", you can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing or speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in brief

Emphasizes conciseness and directness in a more general way.

in short

Indicates a condensed version of a longer explanation.

to put it briefly

Highlights the act of summarizing something concisely.

in essence

Highlights the core or fundamental nature of something.

in a nutshell

Implies reducing something complex to its most essential elements.

concisely

Highlights that something is expressed in a brief and clear manner.

simply put

Stresses the simplicity and clarity of the explanation.

basically

Indicates a simplified explanation of a topic.

to summarize

Focuses on the act of providing a summary.

in a word

Uses a single word instead of two for extreme brevity.

FAQs

How can I use "in two words" effectively in a sentence?

Use "in two words" to preface a concise summary or description, making your point more impactful. For example, "The movie? In two words: utterly captivating".

What phrases are similar to "in two words"?

Alternatives include "in short", "to put it briefly", or "in a nutshell", offering similar ways to introduce a concise summary.

Is it grammatically correct to use "in two words"?

Yes, "in two words" is grammatically correct and commonly used to introduce a brief summary or description.

When is it appropriate to use "in two words" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "in two words" when you want to provide a very short and memorable summary or to emphasize the conciseness of your description. It works well in both informal and formal contexts, though overuse should be avoided.