ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sum sth up

phr. v..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to give a short description that includes the main points of something.

phr. v.. to present a concise summary of the principal aspects or arguments of a discourse or situation.


SIMPLE

He sums up the main points at the end of every meeting.

CONTEXTUAL

The final chapter of the book sums up the author's research on climate change perfectly.

COMPLEX

The defense attorney's closing statement effectively summed up the inconsistencies in the witness's testimony, leaving the jury with significant doubt.

Particles
up
Separability
optional
Pattern
sum + object + up
Usage

often used at the end of a speech, essay, or meeting to review key information.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'summarize' (more formal) and 'wrap up' (more focused on finishing the event than the content); 'sum up' is common in both academic and business contexts.

Pitfall

To sum up of the story...To sum up the story...the verb is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'of'.

© 2026 English Reference