Summarizing and rephrasing: closing and restating phrases (B1 Vocabulary)

Use in summary, to sum up or in conclusion at the start of a sentence to close a talk by restating the main points.

Wrapping up: pulling the main points together

Not ""In conclusion, let's look at the first point." (you are opening, not closing)" — say ""In conclusion, the project should continue next year." (closing with a decision)". These phrases close a talk; in conclusion usually ends on a judgment or decision.
Try it: Lars: So, after all that evidence, what's your final point? Mei: ___, public transport needs more funding. Choose the words for the blank. (In conclusion / In other words / For example) Answer: In conclusion — In conclusion introduces the final judgment at the end of a discussion.

Word	Pronunciation	Example
In summary,	/ɪn ˈsʌməri/	In summary, Amina recommended a smaller event.
To sum up,	/tə ˌsʌm ˈʌp/	To sum up, the workshop was useful but too short.
In conclusion,	/ɪn kənˈkluːʒən/	In conclusion, the project should continue next year.

Say an idea again with in other words, to put it another way or what I'm saying is; to put it simply makes it easier.

Not ""The fee is refundable. In other words, the room is bigger." (adding a new, different point)" — say ""The fee is refundable. In other words, you can get your money back." (same idea, new words)". Use in other words only when you are restating the same idea, not when you are adding a new one.
Try it: Diego: So cars can't use the trail? Yasmin: No. ___, you can only walk or cycle there. Choose the words for the blank. (In other words / In conclusion / On the other hand) Answer: In other words — In other words says the same thing again in different words.
Try it: Ethan: Should we cancel the picnic? Amina: Not cancel. What I'm ___ is that we could move it to Sunday. Choose the word for the blank. (saying / say / said) Answer: saying — The fixed phrase is what I'm saying is: it makes your point clearer.

Word	Pronunciation	Example
In other words,	/ɪn ˈʌðər ˈwɜrdz/	The fee is refundable. In other words, you can get your money back.
To put it simply,	/tə ˌpʊt ɪt ˈsɪmpli/	To put it simply, the app saves time.
To put it another way,	/tə ˌpʊt ɪt əˈnʌðər weɪ/	Ethan isn't against the plan. To put it another way, he just wants more time.
What I'm saying is	/wʌt aɪm ˈseɪɪŋ ɪz/	What I'm saying is, the room is too small for us.

Use all in all to give your overall view, and the main thing is or the point is to name what matters most.

Try it: Mei: So the food was cold, but the music and the people were great? Lars: Yes. ___, it was a good party. Choose the words for the blank. (All in all / All on all / At all) Answer: All in all — All in all gives your overall view after the details.

Word	Pronunciation	Example
All in all,	/ˌɔl ɪn ˈɔl/	All in all, the trip was a great success.
The main thing is	/ðə meɪn θɪŋ ɪz/	The main thing is that nobody got hurt.
The point is	/ðə pɔɪnt ɪz/	The point is, we need more time.

Incorrect	Correct	Why
"In conclusion, let's look at the first point." (you are opening, not closing)	"In conclusion, the project should continue next year." (closing with a decision)	These phrases close a talk; in conclusion usually ends on a judgment or decision.
"The fee is refundable. In other words, the room is bigger." (adding a new, different point)	"The fee is refundable. In other words, you can get your money back." (same idea, new words)	Use in other words only when you are restating the same idea, not when you are adding a new one.