summary

USAGE SUMMARY

The word summary is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are wanting to give a concise overview of a longer piece of text or speech. For example, "Here is the summary of the report: the company's profits increased by 10% last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The court held that, in their operation with respect to the challenged funding agreement and the challenged payments made under that agreement, none of the challenged provisions is a valid law of the commonwealth," the high court said in a judgment summary.

The Guardian

Updated at 1.38pm AEST Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 12.57pm AEST03 57 Australian politics live: Lunchtime summary Here is bento box of political morsels this lunchtime: The government has introduced the package of carbon tax repeal bills for the third time, ready for the senate change over next week.

The Guardian

As part of the endorsement, which came at the end of his summary of a month of political interviews, Brand also addressed his previous comments during an interview with Jeremy Paxman on the BBC's Newsnight that people should not bother voting, saying he had learned since then.

The Guardian

The other emails between Clinton and her advisers provided by the State Department contained a summary of a 2011 meeting between John McCain and senior Egyptian officials in Cairo.

The Guardian

After Osborne gave evidence to a Commons committee on this (see 4.47pm for a full summary), John Swinney, Scotland's finance minister, issued a statement saying Osborne was wrong.

The Guardian

I'll be blogging until 1pm, when I'll post a lunchtime summary.

The Guardian

I'll post a lunchtime summary at about 1pm and another in the afternoon.

The Guardian

In summary, I've thrown myself at the job, all guns blazing, sometimes too noisily and obstreperously.

The Guardian

But here's the Bank's summary of her conclusion: "Understanding recent trends in the domestic component of inflation has been challenging" and it is "critically important to monitor measures of prospective inflation to determine the appropriate path of monetary policy".

The Guardian - Business

She suggested that a 50-word summary of each amendment be introduced, but this met with huge resistance, she says, because it takes away the power of the whips.

The Guardian

I'll post a lunchtime summary before Cameron's speech and another in the afternoon.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use transition words effectively to connect different parts of your "summary", ensuring a smooth and coherent flow. Examples include "therefore", "however", and "in conclusion".

Common error

While including quotes in a "summary" can be effective, excessive use can dilute your own analysis and understanding. Paraphrase information to demonstrate comprehension and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The word "summary" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a concise account of the main points of something. It can also function as an adjective, describing something that is concise or performed speedily, as evidenced in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "summary" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun to denote a concise account of something, and occasionally as an adjective to describe brevity or speed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts. It commonly appears in news, business, and scientific domains, highlighting its neutrality and utility in conveying essential information efficiently. When writing a "summary", focusing on core ideas and avoiding over-reliance on direct quotes are best practices. Alternatives like "abstract" or "synopsis" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

synopsis

Implies a brief overview, often used for plots or stories.

abstract

Refers to a condensed version focusing on the essence of something.

overview

A general explanation or description of something.

recap

Suggests a review of previously covered material.

precis

A brief summary of the essential points or facts in a larger work.

digest

Indicates a collection of summarized information, often organized.

summation

The act of summing up; a concluding summary.

outline

Presents a structured framework highlighting key points.

compendium

A concise but comprehensive compilation of information on a specific topic.

epitome

A perfect example; a summary embodying the essential characteristics of something.

FAQs

How can I use the word "summary" in a sentence?

You can use "summary" as a noun to refer to a brief account of something. For instance, "Here's a "brief report" of the main findings."

What are some alternatives to the word "summary"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "abstract", "synopsis", or "recap".

What is the difference between a "summary" and an abstract?

A "summary" generally provides a condensed version of a larger text or event, while an abstract is typically a brief overview of a research paper or academic article. Abstracts, like summaries, aim to present the core content but serve a specific purpose in academic contexts.

When is it appropriate to use the term "executive summary"?

An "executive summary" is specifically designed for business or formal reports, providing a concise overview of the key points, findings, and recommendations for decision-makers who may not have time to read the full document.