Useful options include in summary, to summarize, in conclusion, and overall. The best choice depends on context: phrases used to signal a summary or concluding synthesis.
Choose the Phrase for the Final Synthesis
- In summary
- To summarize
- In conclusion
- Overall
- In brief
- To recap
- Wrapping up
- In short
- Taking everything together
- Bringing it together
- Concluding
- On balance
In summary
“In summary” is the most standard formal phrase for drawing together key points.
Example: In summary, the main findings point in the same direction.
To summarize
“To summarize” is direct and works well before a brief restatement of the main argument.
Example: To summarize, the main findings point in the same direction.
In conclusion
“In conclusion” is best when you are actually closing an essay, report, or presentation.
Example: In conclusion, the main findings point in the same direction.
Overall
“Overall” is useful for stating the broad takeaway after considering everything.
Example: Overall, the main findings point in the same direction.
In brief
“In brief” is concise and slightly more formal than “in short”.
Example: In brief, the main findings point in the same direction.
To recap
“To recap” is natural when you are revisiting points already covered.
Example: To recap, the main findings point in the same direction.
Wrapping up
“Wrapping up” is informal and particularly natural in speech or presentations.
Example: Wrapping up, the main findings point in the same direction.
In short
“In short” is concise and suitable for a brief bottom-line statement.
Example: In short, the main findings point in the same direction.
Taking everything together
“Taking everything together” emphasizes synthesizing several pieces of evidence or argument.
Example: Taking everything together, the main findings point in the same direction.
Bringing it together
“Bringing it together” is conversational and suggests connecting the main strands.
Example: Bringing it together, the main findings point in the same direction.
Concluding
“Concluding” is a direct participle but usually works better within a sentence than as a standalone transition.
Example: Concluding, the main findings point in the same direction.
On balance
“On balance” fits a conclusion that weighs different considerations rather than merely restating them.
Example: On balance, the main findings point in the same direction.