the gist of it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the gist of it is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to summarize or convey the main point of a discussion or argument. Example: "After reviewing all the evidence, the gist of it is that we need to change our approach to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The gist of it is that Spike TV "has identified the audience for "Coal" and its brawny brethren like "Deadliest Catch" and "Ice Road Truckers".

Huffington Post

The gist of it is, our bodies prefer naturally occurring sources of vitamins and minerals.

Harvard University

The gist of it is simple: Eat cookies and lose up to 10 pounds a month.

The New York Times

The gist of it is that these laws may or may not be Democratic creations, but Democrats own them because they don't support Trump's more-restrictive immigration agenda.

The Washington Post

The gist of it is this: In a now-vanished age, parents knew the difference between right and wrong and taught it to their children.

The New York Times - Books

The gist of it is that government should be run more like a business, with attention to customer service and performance agreements.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The gist of it was to condemn Associated Newspapers (and perhaps unfairly, all its employees) for their century-long long record of bigotry, including support for Hitler in the 30s.

The Guardian - Opinion

The gist of it was this.

Princeton University

The gist of it was that the situation there was like Northern Ireland.

The Guardian

"The gist of it was, Thank you for all you've done for me," Marciniak said.

The New York Times - Sports

The gist of it was that as more papers went bust, the survivors would become more valuable.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the gist of it is" to clearly and concisely introduce a summary or the main point of a complex topic, ensuring your audience grasps the core message without unnecessary details.

Common error

Avoid using "the gist of it is" when a simpler phrase like "basically" or "in short" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose in straightforward situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the gist of it is" functions as a transitional phrase or discourse marker. It signals that the speaker or writer is about to provide a summary or the most important point of a discussion, argument, or situation. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its wide use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the gist of it is" is a widely used phrase that effectively introduces a summary or main point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility across various contexts, from news and media to academic discussions. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to avoid overuse in overly simple situations. Alternatives like "in essence" or "basically" can offer more concise options when appropriate. Its high frequency and consistent usage in authoritative sources underscore its reliability as a communication tool.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the essence of it is

Focuses on the fundamental nature or quality of something, similar to the core idea.

the main point is

Directly indicates the most important idea being communicated.

in essence

A more concise way of expressing the fundamental nature of something.

the long and short of it is

Offers a summarized version after a longer explanation.

the heart of the matter is

Highlights the central or crucial aspect of a situation.

basically

Indicates a simplified explanation or summary.

the substance of it is

Emphasizes the essential content or meaning.

in a nutshell

Suggests a very brief and concise summary.

the upshot is

Refers to the final or eventual outcome or conclusion.

to put it briefly

Introduces a short and concise explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "the gist of it is" in a sentence?

You can use "the gist of it is" to introduce a summary or the main point of something. For example, "After a long discussion, "the gist of it is" we need to change our marketing strategy."

What's a more concise alternative to "the gist of it is"?

Alternatives include "in essence", "basically", or "in short", which can be used for brevity depending on the context.

Is "the gist of it is" formal or informal?

While generally acceptable in various contexts, "the gist of it is" leans towards the informal side. For more formal situations, consider using phrases like "the essence of it is" or "the main point is".

What is the difference between "the gist of it is" and "the long and short of it is"?

"The gist of it is" introduces a summary of the most important aspects, whereas "the long and short of it is" often implies a summary after a longer or more complex explanation.