sums up

USAGE SUMMARY

"sums up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that restates or summarises a longer statement. For example: "The speaker's final comment sums up the main points of his argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It sums up the man.

Independent

That sums up these A's.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Spielberg sums up.

The New York Times

NO word sufficiently sums up Daphne Guinness.

The New York Times

That sums up Margaret Thatcher for me".

Independent

(Genesis 50 20) sums up its moral.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He sums up his fellow pinup boys.

The New York Times - Books

That pretty much sums up my thinking.

Independent

But that sums up the Bitwing.

Independent

It's so sad," sums up Sukan.

Independent

That sums up my point neatly.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sums up" to concisely convey the main idea or overall impression of a longer statement or situation. It's effective when you want to provide a quick, conclusive overview for your reader.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "sums up" in formal academic papers or professional reports. While acceptable, it can sometimes lack the precision and nuance required for such contexts. Consider more formal synonyms like "encapsulates" or "summarizes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sums up" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive one, requiring an object. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used to provide a concise summary or representation of something. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe situations, ideas, or even entire seasons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "sums up" is a grammatically correct and versatile tool for concisely representing a larger idea or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more formal synonyms like "encapsulates" or "summarizes" in academic or professional settings. Remember to use "sums up" when you want to provide a quick, conclusive overview, and avoid overusing it in contexts that demand greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

summarizes

Provides a brief account of the main points of something, often used in formal writing.

boils down to

Reduces a complex matter to its simplest form or most important aspect, typically used in informal contexts.

encapsulates

Focuses on capturing the essence of something in a concise form, suitable for broader contexts.

captures

Successfully expresses or records something intangible, like a feeling or atmosphere.

represents

Acts as a symbol or sign of something, indicating a broader association.

distills

Reduces something to its most essential elements, often used in technical contexts.

exemplifies

Serves as a typical example of something, suitable for demonstrating a general principle.

epitomizes

Represents a perfect example of something, implying a high degree of typicality.

embodies

Gives a tangible or visible form to an abstract idea or quality.

presents

Introduces or offers something for consideration, lacking the conclusive nature of "sums up".

FAQs

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

The phrase "sums up" is used to describe something that concisely represents or encapsulates a larger idea or situation. For example, "That statement "sums up" the entire debate".

What are some alternatives to "sums up"?

Alternatives to "sums up" include "encapsulates", "summarizes", or "represents". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "sums up" formal or informal?

"Sums up" is generally considered appropriate for both neutral and informal contexts. In more formal writing, consider using synonyms like "encapsulates" or "distills" for a more sophisticated tone.

When is it appropriate to use "sums up" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "sums up" when you want to provide a concise overview or final thought on a topic. It's particularly useful when you need to quickly convey the essence of a more complex situation or argument.