linking phrase · neutral

To sum up

/tuː sʌm ʌp/to·SUM·up

speakingtask2

Used to give a short summary of the main points.

Examples

To sum up, we need more data before making a decision.

To sum up, most participants preferred the new policy.

To sum up, the benefits outweigh the costs.

Band 8 sentence

To sum up, while the programme has clear benefits, careful long-term monitoring will be essential to ensure sustainable outcomes.

Collocations

  • To sum up, + clause
  • To sum up the main points

Word family

sum up phrasal verbsummary noun

Common mistakes

Starting with 'To sum up' in a very formal research paperIn summary

Using 'To sum up' to introduce new informationTo sum up

Say it for a higher band

5Basically6All in all7+To sum up

Synonyms

In summary

All in all

Easily confused

In summary

In summary, the findings confirm our hypothesis.

All in all

All in all, it was a good experience.

Related words

Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.

In Emphasis & conclusion

Learn it with its set