to recap

USAGE SUMMARY

"to recap" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used when summarizing an argument or discussion. For example: To recap, we discussed the key aspects of our business plan, identified potential roadblocks and created a timeline for our launch.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So, to recap: A rental Mustang did doughnuts in front of where they hold the Oscars.

Los Angeles Times

To recap.

The Guardian

So, to recap: HURRICANE.

The New York Times

Okay, to recap.

Independent

So, to recap: N.B.

The New Yorker

To recap: I was awesome.

The New York Times - Magazine

To recap some history.

The Guardian - Opinion

So, to recap.

The Guardian - Books

So, just to recap.

The Guardian - Sport

Just to recap, then.

The Guardian - Film

So just to recap.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to recap" at the beginning of a sentence or clause to signal that you are about to provide a concise summary of previously mentioned information. For instance, “To recap, the main points of the meeting were…”

Common error

Avoid using "to recap" to introduce new information or overly detailed explanations. It should genuinely summarize what has already been discussed, not introduce new complexities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to recap" functions as an introductory phrase, signaling a summary or recapitulation of previously discussed information. It prepares the audience for a condensed review of key points. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to recap" is a highly versatile and grammatically sound phrase utilized to introduce a summary or recapitulation. As Ludwig AI validates, this phrase is appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from neutral news reports to academic discussions. Its main function is to provide clarity by condensing previously shared information. When using "to recap", remember it's best suited for summarizing existing points, rather than introducing entirely new concepts. For more formal settings, alternatives like "to summarise" or "in summary" might be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to summarise

Replaces "recap" with "summarise", offering a slightly more formal tone.

to summarize

Replaces "recap" with "summarize", offering a similar meaning and level of formality.

to sum up

Offers a more casual alternative to "to recap".

in summary

Uses a prepositional phrase instead of an infinitive to convey the same meaning.

to give a summary

Emphasizes the action of providing a summary.

to put it briefly

Focuses on brevity, suitable when a very short summary is needed.

in brief

Similar to "to put it briefly" but even more concise.

to review briefly

Highlights the reviewing aspect, adding emphasis on looking back over something.

to encapsulate

Replaces "recap" with a more sophisticated synonym.

in conclusion

Indicates the final summary point, typically used at the end of a discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "to recap" in a sentence?

You can use "to recap" to introduce a summary of previously discussed points, like "To recap, we've agreed on the budget for next year."

What's a more formal alternative to "to recap"?

For a more formal alternative, consider using phrases like "to summarise" or "in summary".

Is it ever incorrect to use "to recap"?

Using "to recap" is generally correct when you are genuinely summarizing. However, it's misused if introducing entirely new information or concepts not previously mentioned.

How does "to recap" differ from "in conclusion"?

"To recap" is used to summarise points from a discussion or text, while "in conclusion" typically signals the end of an argument or presentation, offering a final summary.