summarize it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "summarize it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to provide a brief overview or condensed version of a text or information. Example: "After reading the report, please summarize it in a few sentences for the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You can read it there, but I'll summarize it here.

The New York Times

Since he hadn't been there for the first act, one of them undertook to summarize it for him.

The New Yorker

To summarize: It is never permissible for a school to discriminate based on viewpoint.

The New York Times

"The relationship is too complicated for me to summarize it handily," Mr. Steel said.

The New York Times - Arts

"You can summarize it as profit taking and preparation," he said.

The New York Times

I can summarize it in seven words: health care, health care, health care, revenue.

The New York Times

If you've got a good, clear case and can summarize it in less than 300 words, do share.

The New York Times

The best way to summarize it is this way: I'm running against a man who trusts Washington, D.C., to make decisions on behalf of Illinois folks.

The New York Times

Several detainees, Arabs like Mr. Al-Najjar, have been released when secret evidence turned out to be worthless when the government had to summarize it.

The New York Times

There's more, much more — sendups of mangy environmental types, religious communities, and corporate bonhomie — but I couldn't possibly summarize it even if I wanted to.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

While he faulted its graphics, he summarized it as "one hell of a good game".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "summarize it" in emails, ensure the summary captures the core message and any required actions, saving recipients time.

Common error

Avoid over-simplifying when asked to "summarize it". Ensure the summary retains crucial details and context, rather than presenting a misleadingly simplified version.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "summarize it" functions as a request for a concise overview. It's a direct way of asking someone to condense information into its most essential points. Ludwig shows various examples where this phrase is used in different contexts to solicit brief explanations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "summarize it" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase that directly requests a condensed version of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. For alternative phrasing, consider using "recap it" or "give the gist of it". While effective, avoid oversimplification to ensure the summary remains accurate and informative. This straightforward command serves as a practical tool for efficient communication in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give the gist of it

This alternative focuses on conveying the main point or essence of something, rather than a detailed summary.

condense it

This alternative emphasizes reducing the length of something, focusing on brevity.

recap it

This alternative uses a more informal term, "recap", to suggest a summary, suitable for casual contexts.

put it in a nutshell

This phrase is idiomatic, suggesting a very brief and concise summary, often used informally.

outline it

This alternative focuses on providing a structured overview, emphasizing the key points in a clear sequence.

give a synopsis of it

This phrase uses "synopsis", implying a brief summary that captures the essence of the subject.

briefly explain it

This option highlights the action of explaining something in a short amount of time.

provide an abstract of it

This alternative is more formal, often used in academic or scientific contexts to describe a concise summary of a research paper or article.

offer a precis of it

This more formal option suggests a concise summary that retains the essential points and tone of the original.

shorten it

This alternative emphasizes making something shorter without necessarily focusing on summarizing the content.

FAQs

How can I use "summarize it" in a sentence?

You can use "summarize it" when you want someone to provide a brief overview of something. For example, "Could you "summarize it" for the team before the meeting?"

What are some alternatives to saying "summarize it"?

Instead of "summarize it", you could use phrases like "recap it", "outline it", or "give the gist of it" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "summarize it" or "provide a summary of it"?

Both "summarize it" and "provide a summary of it" are grammatically correct, but "summarize it" is more concise. The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality. The longer version would work in formal settings, while the shorter is great for quick communication.

When is it appropriate to ask someone to "summarize it"?

It's appropriate to ask someone to "summarize it" when you need a quick overview of information, such as a document, meeting, or discussion. This is particularly helpful when time is limited or when you need to quickly grasp the main points.