GV

Summarizing Linkers

Words for concluding and summarizing: in conclusion, to sum up

intermediate

When to Use Summarizing Linkers

  • •Ending essays: In conclusion, the evidence supports...
  • •Summarizing points: To sum up, there are three main reasons.
  • •Overall assessment: Overall, the project was successful.
  • •Brief summary: In short, we need more time.
  • •Final thoughts: All in all, it was a good experience.

How to Form Summarizing Linkers

Affirmative (+)

Summarizing linker + comma + main clause

Negative (-)

In conclusion, the plan is not feasible.

Question (?)

Rarely used in questions

💡 Usually at the start of a sentence or paragraph. Followed by a comma. Signal that you're wrapping up.

Examples of Summarizing Linkers

✓In conclusion, climate change requires immediate action.

✗In the conclusion, climate change requires immediate action.

'In conclusion' (no 'the') is the correct phrase.

✓To sum up, the benefits outweigh the costs.

✗To sum up the benefits outweigh the costs.

Use comma after summarizing linker.

✓Overall, I enjoyed the course.

✗Over all, I enjoyed the course.

'Overall' is one word when used as an adverb.

Common Mistakes with Summarizing Linkers

💡 Practice Tips for Summarizing Linkers

  • • Formal: In conclusion, To conclude, In summary
  • • Neutral: To sum up, Overall, On the whole
  • • Informal: All in all, In short, Basically
  • • Use at the end of essays, presentations, discussions
  • • Don't introduce new information after these—summarize only
Quick Quiz
  1. 1. , climate change requires immediate action.
  2. 2.Which sentence is correct? 
  3. Question 3: Add the comma: To sum up blank the benefits outweigh the costs.
    3.Add the comma: To sum up the benefits outweigh the costs.
  4. Question 4: Punctuate correctly: To sum up blank the main points are clear. (single mark)
    4.Punctuate correctly: To sum up the main points are clear. (single mark)
  5. Question 5: Fix the spelling: Over all, I enjoyed the course. → blank, I enjoyed the course.
    5.Fix the spelling: Over all, I enjoyed the course. → , I enjoyed the course.
  6. Question 6: Choose the formal version: blank, the data supports our hypothesis. (essay-style)
    6.Choose the formal version: , the data supports our hypothesis. (essay-style)
  7. Question 7: Brief summary linker: blank, we need more time. (informal, two words)
    7.Brief summary linker: , we need more time. (informal, two words)
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