Words and Phrases to Use for Summarising

Words and Phrases to Use for Summarising (B2–C1)

Words and phrases to use for summarising

Hello English learners! Are you writing an essay, report, review, or presentation? Then you definitely need the right words to summarise your ideas clearly and naturally.        Words and phrases to use for summarising

Summarising language helps you:

• signal that you’re reaching the end of an argument
• highlight key points
• sound organised, confident, and fluent

Cambridge examiners love this kind of clarity — and so do readers.

Let’s look at the most useful summarising words and phrases, grouped by register and context.

1.Formal / Academic Contexts

(Essays, reports, presentations, Cambridge exams, business writing)

Use these expressions when your tone needs to be neutral, objective, and polished.

In summary

Used at the end of a formal argument or explanation to restate the main ideas clearly.

In summary, the research suggests that students perform better when they study in short, focused sessions rather than long, exhausting ones.

To sum (things) up

Slightly less formal than in summary, but still perfectly acceptable in essays and presentations.

To sum things up, we’ve covered all the main points, and it’s clear that stricter time management is needed.

To conclude / So, to conclude

Ideal for the final paragraph of an essay or the closing of a presentation.

To conclude, modern technology has transformed the way we communicate, although it has also introduced new challenges.

To put it briefly / In brief

Used to compress a complex idea into a short, precise statement.

To put it briefly, we were unprepared for the weather, and the hike had to be cancelled.

In brief, the presentation was informative but slightly too long.

To draw a conclusion

Common in analytical, academic, or scientific writing.

To draw a conclusion, we must consider all the variables involved.

Exam tip: This phrase works especially well in reports and discursive essays.

2.Neutral / General English

(Everyday professional use, emails, classroom speaking, blog writing)

These phrases sound natural and balanced — ideal for mixed contexts.

Overall

Used to give a final evaluation, often after weighing pros and cons.

Overall, I’m happy with how things turned out.

Overall, the film was visually stunning, although the plot was predictable.

All things considered

Great for reflecting on both positive and negative aspects.

All things considered, we made the right decision.

All things considered, taking a gap year can be a smart move for some students.

On the whole

Very similar to overall, commonly used in everyday English.

On the whole, the class performed well in the exam.

On the whole, the event was a success despite a few technical issues.

Summing it all up / To wrap things up

Semi-formal expressions, perfect for lessons, meetings, or speaking exams.

Summing it all up, we learned a great deal from the experience.

To wrap things up, let me remind you that the deadline is Friday at noon.

As a final point

Used to introduce your last idea before closing.

As a final point, let’s remember to thank the volunteers.

3.Informal / Conversational Use

(Speaking, stories, blogs, social media, casual writing)

These expressions sound relaxed, natural, and engaging.

In a nutshell

Idiomatic and very common in spoken English.

In a nutshell, the party was a disaster.

In a nutshell, he got the job because he was the most qualified.

The long and the short of it

Informal and expressive — often used after a long explanation.

The long and the short of it is that we’re moving to Spain.

The long and the short of it is that the project has been postponed.

Finally / Lastly / Ultimately

Useful for ordering ideas and closing an argument.

Finally, it’s your decision.

Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the manager.

The bottom line is…

Very informal, direct, and punchy — great for opinions and arguments.

The bottom line is: we can’t afford to wait.

The bottom line is that we either find more volunteers or cancel the event.

Let’s round it off by saying…

Friendly, warm, and conversational — perfect for classes or videos.

Let’s round it off by saying that English learners are doing a brilliant job.

Let’s round it off by saying the team gave their best — and that’s what matters.

Quick Cambridge Exam Tip 

In B2 First and C1 Advanced, strong conclusions often include:

* To conclude

* Overall

* All things considered

* In summary

Using one clear summarising phrase at the end of your writing can noticeably improve your Organisation score.

Final Thoughts

Summarising expressions are small tools with big impact. Use them wisely, match them to the situation, and your English will sound clearer, more confident, and more natural — whether you are writing an essay or telling a story. 

In short? 😉

Master these phrases, and your conclusions will always land perfectly.

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