to summarize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to summarize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to provide a brief overview or recap of information or ideas. Example: "To summarize, the main points of the discussion were the importance of teamwork and effective communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To summarize: it's good.

The New York Times - Travel

So I'd like to summarize.

The New York Times

To summarize, Obama took a break.

The New Yorker

To summarize — Pros: 1) Not corrupt.

The New York Times

Just to summarize the discussion.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

To summarize: Trump — he's up! He's down!

The Washington Post

To summarize, read, inquiry, learn, and implement.

Stanford University

All the lawyers' personalities are too intricately drawn to summarize.

The New York Times - Arts

To summarize, five months is a long time.

The New York Times

To summarize: Mr. Martin thinks Théo is smart.

The New York Times - Style

"To summarize, want to live until a ripe old age?

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to summarize" to clearly signal that you are about to provide a condensed version of previously presented information, helping your audience follow the key points more easily.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "to summarize". Vary your transitional phrases to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to summarize" functions as an introductory infinitive phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signals the presentation of a condensed version of previously discussed information. It acts as a discourse marker, guiding the reader or listener to anticipate a concise recap.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

30%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "to summarize" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a concise recap of information. As Ludwig AI indicates, it effectively signals the intent to provide a condensed version of previously discussed content. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news articles and scientific papers to academic discussions and general communication. While highly useful, it's important to avoid overuse and vary transitional phrases for better reader engagement. Common alternatives include "in summary" and "in conclusion".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in summary

A more concise way to introduce a summary.

to sum up

A casual way of saying "to summarize".

to recap

Short for recapitulate, suggesting a review of what has been said.

in conclusion

Signals the end of a discussion or argument with a summary of key points.

to put it briefly

Highlights the intention to be concise.

in essence

Captures the core meaning in a condensed form.

in short

Introduces a very brief version of what has been discussed.

in a nutshell

Suggests conveying something complex in a simple, concise manner.

briefly

Indicates that the following information will be a short overview.

overall

Provides a general assessment or summary view.

FAQs

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

You can use "to summarize" to introduce a concise overview of key points. For example, "To summarize, the main benefits include improved efficiency and reduced costs."

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

A more formal alternative is "in conclusion", often used in academic or professional settings to signal the end of a discussion or argument.

Is it always necessary to use a comma after "to summarize"?

Yes, it is generally recommended to use a comma after "to summarize" to separate the introductory phrase from the main clause. For example, "To summarize, the results indicate a positive trend."

What is the difference between "to summarize" and "in summary"?

"To summarize" is an infinitive phrase used to introduce a summary, while "in summary" is a prepositional phrase that serves the same purpose. They are largely interchangeable, though "to summarize" can sometimes feel slightly more conversational.