Words and Phrases to Use for Summarising

Are you looking for the best words and phrases to use for summarising in English? Whether you are writing an essay, report, review, article, or presentation, knowing how to end your ideas clearly and effectively is an important skill. The right summarising expressions can help your writing sound more organised, more natural, and more confident.

In this lesson, we will look at useful words and phrases to use for summarising in different contexts, from formal academic writing to more natural everyday English. You will also see clear examples to help you use them correctly in your own speaking and writing. These expressions are especially helpful for B2 First and C1 Advanced learners who want to improve their writing style and create stronger conclusions.

Why Summarising Language Matters

Summarising expressions are useful because they help you:

• signal that you are coming to the end of your writing or speaking
• bring together your main ideas
• sound more confident and organised
• make your English more fluent and natural

A good conclusion is a bit like tying a ribbon around a package. Everything is already there, but it looks much better when it is neatly finished.

Formal and Academic Words and Phrases for Summarising

These expressions are best for essays, reports, formal presentations, academic writing, and business English. They sound polished, neutral, and appropriate for Cambridge exam writing.

In summary

This is one of the most useful formal phrases for introducing a final summary.

Example:

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

To sum up / To sum things up

This phrase is slightly less formal than in summary, but it still works well in essays and presentations.

Examples:

To sum up, the advantages of public transport often outweigh the disadvantages.

To sum things up, we have identified the main issues and proposed several practical solutions.

To conclude / So, to conclude

These are excellent phrases for the final paragraph of an essay or the closing moments of a presentation.

Examples:

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

So, to conclude, I believe that schools should do more to teach practical life skills.

In brief / To put it briefly

Use these expressions when you want to summarise something in a short and precise way.

Examples:

In brief, the meeting was productive but a few questions remain unanswered.

To put it briefly, we were simply not prepared for the journey.

To draw a conclusion

This phrase is more analytical and is often used in academic, scientific, or report-style writing.

Example:

To draw a conclusion, we must first consider all the evidence available.

Cambridge exam tip: This expression works particularly well in reports and discursive essays where you need to sound objective and thoughtful.

Neutral and General Words and Phrases for Summarising

These phrases are ideal for general writing, emails, articles, classroom English, blog posts, and everyday professional communication. They are clear, natural, and very flexible.

Overall

This is a very common and useful word for giving a final opinion after considering everything.

Examples:

Overall, I was pleased with the results.

Overall, the film was entertaining, although the ending was slightly predictable.

All things considered

This phrase is useful when you want to show that you have thought about both the positive and negative sides of something.

Examples:

All things considered, we made the right choice.

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

On the whole

This has a similar meaning to overall and is common in both spoken and written English.

Examples:

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

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

To wrap things up

This expression is slightly less formal, but it is very natural in presentations, meetings, lessons, and blog-style writing.

Example:

To wrap things up, I would like to thank everyone for their hard work and support.

Summing it all up

This is another good phrase for bringing several ideas together naturally.

Example:

Summing it all up, the experience taught us some valuable lessons about teamwork and preparation.

As a final point

Use this when you want to introduce one last important idea before finishing.

Example:

As a final point, it is worth remembering that success rarely happens overnight.

Informal and Conversational Summarising Phrases

These expressions are more relaxed and are best for speaking, conversations, blog posts, social media, stories, and casual writing.

In a nutshell

This is a very common idiomatic expression meaning “in a very brief way”.

Examples:

In a nutshell, the trip was amazing but exhausting.

In a nutshell, he got the job because he was the best candidate.

The long and the short of it is…

This phrase is informal and expressive. It often comes after a longer explanation.

Examples:

The long and the short of it is that we need more time.

The long and the short of it is that the plan did not work.

Ultimately

This is useful when you want to express the final or most important truth after considering everything.

Examples:

Ultimately, the decision is yours.

Ultimately, the success of the project depends on communication and trust.

Lastly / Finally

These are simple but useful words for introducing your final point.

Examples:

Lastly, I would like to thank my family for their support.

Finally, it is important to remember that language learning takes time.

The bottom line is…

This is direct and punchy. It is more informal, so it is best used in speech, blogs, or opinion pieces rather than formal essays.

Examples:

The bottom line is that we cannot afford to wait any longer.

The bottom line is that more investment is needed.

Let’s round it off by saying…

This sounds warm and conversational, so it works well in lessons, videos, and informal presentations.

Example:

Let’s round it off by saying that every bit of practice makes a difference.

Best Summarising Phrases for B2 First and C1 Advanced

If you are preparing for B2 First or C1 Advanced, it is best to choose summarising phrases that sound clear, natural, and appropriately formal.

Some of the safest and most effective options are:

• To conclude
• In summary
• Overall
• All things considered
• On the whole

These work especially well in essays, reports, reviews, and articles because they help the examiner follow your ideas easily.

A strong conclusion does not need to be long. In fact, one clear summarising phrase and one thoughtful final sentence are often enough.

For example:

To conclude, while social media offers many advantages, it can also have a negative effect on mental health if used excessively.

That sounds much stronger than simply writing:

That is all I wanted to say about this topic.

A bit blunt, that one. Like ending a symphony with a car door slam.

How to Use Summarising Phrases Well

Using these expressions is not difficult, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Match the phrase to the context

Do not use very informal phrases such as the bottom line is in a formal academic essay.

For example:

❌ The bottom line is that pollution is bad for the planet.

✅ To conclude, pollution remains one of the most serious environmental problems facing the planet.

Do not overuse summarising phrases

In most pieces of writing, you only need one strong summarising phrase near the end. If you use too many, your writing may sound repetitive or unnatural.

Add a meaningful final sentence

A summarising phrase works best when it is followed by a clear conclusion, opinion, recommendation, or final reflection.

Compare these two:

To conclude, this topic is important.

To conclude, schools should invest more in digital resources, as these can improve both learner engagement and access to information.

The second sentence is much stronger because it actually says something useful.

Common Mistakes with Summarising Language

Here are a few mistakes learners often make:

1. Using informal phrases in formal writing

Expressions like in a nutshell and the bottom line is are excellent in conversation or blog writing, but they are usually too informal for exam essays.

2. Repeating exactly the same idea

A conclusion should summarise your main point, not copy the whole essay word for word.

3. Adding completely new ideas at the end

Your conclusion should bring together what you have already discussed. It is not the right place to suddenly introduce a new argument.

4. Ending too abruptly

A piece of writing should feel complete. A summarising phrase helps the reader recognise that your argument has reached a proper conclusion.

Final Thoughts

Summarising expressions may be small, but they have a powerful effect on your English. They help you organise your thoughts, guide your reader, and finish your writing in a clear and confident way.

Whether you are writing a Cambridge exam essay, preparing a presentation, sending an email, or speaking in class, the right summarising phrase can help your English sound more natural and more polished.

To sum up, learning these phrases is a simple step that can make a big difference to your writing and speaking.

And that, in a nutshell, is the end of today’s lesson.

Related posts:

Phrases to Show Contrast

Expressing Opinions and Arguments in English

Linking Words and Phrases to Signify Importance

Functional Language for Speaking Exams

B2 First Exam Tips