it sums up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it sums up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something encapsulates or summarizes a larger idea or concept. Example: "In conclusion, the report highlights the main findings, and it sums up the key points effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These days, it sums up the way I feel about its creator.

The Washington Post

It sums up the man.

Independent

"It sums up the game we play.

The Guardian - Sport

It sums up male stubbornness.

The Guardian - Music

It sums up Formula One.

The Guardian - Sport

"It sums up the bloke.

The Guardian - Sport

"It sums up our season, that.

The Washington Post

It sums up my mood perfectly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It sums up everything about Senna.

The Guardian - Film

It sums up much of the essence of the book.

The New York Times - Books

"I think it sums up many things," says Boe.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it sums up" to succinctly convey the main idea or essence of a larger topic or situation. It's particularly effective when you want to provide a concise takeaway for your audience.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "it sums up" repeatedly in formal documents or academic papers. Opt for more precise verbs like "encapsulates", "illustrates", or "demonstrates" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sums up" primarily functions as a verb phrase, acting as a predicate in a sentence. It expresses that something concisely represents the main idea, essence, or totality of something else. Ludwig examples show how it is used to conclude and provide a central takeaway.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it sums up" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies a concise representation of a larger concept. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media. While alternatives like ""it encapsulates"" or ""it epitomizes"" may be suitable in more formal settings, "it sums up" remains a highly effective way to convey the essence of something succinctly. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for a wide range of writing styles. Remember to use this phrase to effectively convey the main idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it encapsulates

Emphasizes the idea of containing all essential aspects in a concise form.

it epitomizes

Highlights the representation of an ideal or perfect example.

it embodies

Focuses on giving a tangible or concrete form to an abstract idea.

it captures

Stresses the act of accurately representing the essence of something.

it reflects

Indicates a mirroring or representation of something's characteristics.

it characterizes

Focuses on identifying the distinctive traits or qualities.

it illustrates

Highlights the use of examples to make something clear or understandable.

it signifies

Emphasizes the meaning or importance conveyed by something.

it is representative of

Highlights that something is typical or symbolic of a larger group or concept.

it boils down to

Focuses on reducing a complex matter to its simplest, most essential elements.

FAQs

How can I use "it sums up" in a sentence?

You can use "it sums up" to succinctly express that something represents the essence of a larger concept. For example, "The final scene of the movie "it sums up" the entire theme of the film".

What are some alternatives to "it sums up"?

Alternatives to "it sums up" include "it encapsulates", "it epitomizes", or "it embodies", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it sums up" formal or informal?

"It sums up" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or highly professional writing.

How does "it sums up" differ from "it summarizes"?

While both phrases indicate a condensed representation, ""it sums up"" often implies capturing the overall feeling or essence, while "it summarizes" focuses more on providing a brief overview of the key points.