suffice it to say

USAGE SUMMARY

"suffice it to say" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to quickly suggest or imply something without providing any details or explanations. For example: "Suffice it to say, the project was not a success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Suffice it to say, I am stumped.

The New York Times - Food

Suffice it to say, they didn't.

The New Yorker

Suffice it to say, she was troubled.

The New York Times

Suffice it to say, the battle continues.

The New York Times

"Suffice it to say, it's not inexpensive".

The New York Times

Suffice it to say we sharply disagree".

The New York Times

Suffice it to say, they're not intimidated.

The New York Times

Suffice it to say, so was Caligula.

The Guardian - Opinion

Suffice it to say that such an outcome is unsustainable.

The New York Times

Suffice it to say the Red Devils earn their name.

The New York Times

(Suffice it to say the sandwich wasn't pastrami).

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the implied meaning is clear from the context. Overuse can make your writing seem evasive.

Common error

Avoid using "suffice it to say" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound dismissive or lacking in detail. Instead, vary your phrasing and provide specific information when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suffice it to say" functions as a discourse marker. It signals a transition in the narrative, allowing the speaker or writer to imply something without providing explicit details. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "suffice it to say" is a versatile phrase used to imply information concisely, without delving into excessive detail. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, especially in news and media. While valuable for brevity, avoid overuse to prevent your writing from seeming evasive. Consider alternatives like "in short" or "to put it briefly" to vary your expression. Remember that, despite its utility, clarity should always be prioritized, ensuring your intended meaning is readily understood. If in doubt, always add details to avoid misunderstanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in short

This alternative is a more concise way to indicate brevity.

to put it briefly

This alternative emphasizes the intent to be concise in one's explanation.

to make a long story short

This alternative suggests that a more detailed explanation exists but is being condensed.

in a nutshell

This alternative conveys the idea of summarizing something into its most essential parts.

without going into detail

This alternative explicitly states the intention to avoid a detailed explanation.

let's just say

This alternative is a more casual way to imply something without directly stating it.

to cut a long story short

This alternative is another variant of condensing a more detailed explanation.

briefly

This alternative is the shortest way of indicating conciseness.

the point is

This alternative emphasizes the key takeaway or conclusion.

the long and short of it is

This alternative means the most important thing is, so it avoids providing excessive detail.

FAQs

How can I use "suffice it to say" in a sentence?

"Suffice it to say" is used to introduce a statement that implies something without providing all the details. For example, "The meeting was unproductive, suffice it to say, we didn't reach any agreements".

What does "suffice it to say" actually mean?

The phrase "suffice it to say" means that what you are about to state is enough to convey the general idea, without needing further explanation or details. It's a way of being brief or avoiding unnecessary elaboration.

What can I say instead of "suffice it to say"?

You can use alternatives like "in short", "to put it briefly", or "the point is" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "suffice it to say" or provide the specific details?

It depends on the context. Use "suffice it to say" when the details are unimportant, obvious, or sensitive. Provide specific details when they are necessary for clarity or impact. Sometimes using "without going into detail" is enough.