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In short

Academic essay writing expression

Use `in short` to provide a quick, punchy summary after giving a detailed explanation.

Em 15 segundos

  • Summarize long explanations into one simple point.
  • Use it at the start of a sentence with a comma.
  • Perfect for business, essays, or saving a boring story.

Significado

A way to summarize a long story or complex idea into just a few words. It helps you get straight to the point after explaining the details.

Exemplos-chave

3 de 6
1

Summarizing a project update

We had some delays with the software, but the hardware is ready. In short, we are on track.

In short, we are on track.

💼
2

Explaining a bad travel experience

The hotel was dirty and the flight was canceled. In short, it was a nightmare.

In short, it was a nightmare.

😊
3

Ending a formal essay paragraph

The data shows a decrease in sales across all regions. In short, the strategy failed.

In short, the strategy failed.

👔
🌍

Contexto cultural

This phrase reflects the Western cultural emphasis on brevity and directness in communication. It became a staple of academic and professional writing in the 20th century to help readers navigate dense information. Today, it bridges the gap between formal reports and everyday storytelling.

💡

The Comma Rule

Always put a comma after `In short`. It gives the reader a tiny breath before your big conclusion.

⚠️

Don't be a hypocrite

If you say `In short` and then speak for five more minutes, people will get frustrated. Keep the summary under two sentences!

Em 15 segundos

  • Summarize long explanations into one simple point.
  • Use it at the start of a sentence with a comma.
  • Perfect for business, essays, or saving a boring story.

What It Means

In short is your verbal shortcut. It acts like a "fast-forward" button for your conversation. You use it to give the bottom line quickly. It turns a long, messy explanation into one clear point. Think of it as the "TL;DR" for your speech.

How To Use It

Place this phrase at the start of a new sentence. Always follow it with a comma. Then, state your main conclusion in a punchy way. It works best after you have already given some details. It signals to the listener that the summary is coming.

When To Use It

Use it in business meetings to wrap up your thoughts. It is perfect for academic essays to conclude a paragraph. Use it when you notice your friends look a bit bored. It helps you regain their attention by being brief. It’s great for emails when you need to be professional.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use it to start a conversation from scratch. You need to provide some context first. Avoid using it if your "summary" is actually very long. That would be quite ironic and confusing! Also, don't use it in very emotional, intimate heart-to-hearts. It might sound a bit too clinical or rushed.

Cultural Background

Efficiency is highly valued in many English-speaking professional cultures. People often say "time is money." Being able to "cut to the chase" is a respected skill. This phrase shows you respect the other person's time. It is a staple of both British and American English.

Common Variations

You will often hear in a nutshell in casual chats. To sum up is very common in school settings. Friends might prefer saying long story short. In very formal reports, you might see in summary instead.

Notas de uso

This is a neutral-to-formal transition. It is highly effective in professional emails and academic writing, but perfectly acceptable in spoken English when you want to be clear.

💡

The Comma Rule

Always put a comma after `In short`. It gives the reader a tiny breath before your big conclusion.

⚠️

Don't be a hypocrite

If you say `In short` and then speak for five more minutes, people will get frustrated. Keep the summary under two sentences!

💬

The 'TL;DR' Connection

In modern internet slang, people use 'TL;DR' (Too Long; Didn't Read). `In short` is the polite, professional version of this.

Exemplos

6
#1 Summarizing a project update
💼

We had some delays with the software, but the hardware is ready. In short, we are on track.

In short, we are on track.

Used to give a clear status update after explaining issues.

#2 Explaining a bad travel experience
😊

The hotel was dirty and the flight was canceled. In short, it was a nightmare.

In short, it was a nightmare.

Summarizes a list of complaints into one strong word.

#3 Ending a formal essay paragraph
👔

The data shows a decrease in sales across all regions. In short, the strategy failed.

In short, the strategy failed.

Provides a definitive conclusion to a set of facts.

#4 Texting a friend about a movie
🤝

The acting was bad and the plot made no sense. In short, don't watch it.

In short, don't watch it.

A quick recommendation based on previous points.

#5 A humorous explanation of a disaster
😄

I tried to fix the sink, but now the kitchen is a swimming pool. In short, call a plumber.

In short, call a plumber.

Uses brevity to highlight the absurdity of the situation.

#6 Describing a difficult breakup
💭

We wanted different things and couldn't stop arguing. In short, it's over.

In short, it's over.

Provides a final, heavy conclusion to a complex situation.

Teste-se

Choose the correct phrase to summarize the situation.

The weather was cold, the food was cold, and I forgot my coat. ___ , the camping trip was a disaster.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: In short

`In short` is the standard expression used to summarize a series of events.

Where should the comma be placed?

In short ___ we need to hire more staff immediately.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: ,

After introductory phrases like `In short`, a comma is required to separate it from the main clause.

🎉 Pontuação: /2

Recursos visuais

Formality Spectrum of 'In Short'

Informal

Used with friends, though 'long story short' is more common.

In short, he's crazy.

Neutral

Perfect for daily office talk and emails.

In short, the meeting is moved.

Formal

Standard for academic essays and reports.

In short, the hypothesis was correct.

When to use 'In Short'

In Short
📊

Business Presentation

Summarizing quarterly goals.

🎓

Academic Writing

Concluding a complex argument.

🗣️

Daily Gossip

Finishing a story about a neighbor.

🎧

Customer Support

Explaining a solution briefly.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

It means 'to put it briefly' or 'to summarize.' It is used to condense a lot of information into one main point.

It is neutral, so it works in texts, but it might feel a bit stiff. You could use Basically or Long story short for a more casual vibe.

No, you should use it after you have already made some points. It needs something to summarize!

Yes, they mean the same thing. In a nutshell is slightly more idiomatic and casual, while In short is more versatile.

Usually, yes. It acts as a transition word to signal the conclusion of your thought.

Not at all! Bosses usually love brevity. It shows you are organized and respect their time.

Absolutely. For example: 'We got the house, the loan was approved, and we move Monday. In short, we're homeowners!'

Briefly is an adverb often used to describe an action, like 'He spoke briefly.' In short is a transition phrase used to summarize a whole idea.

It is used equally in both. It is a universal English expression.

No, that sounds like you are talking about your height! Use To be brief or In short instead.

Frases relacionadas

In a nutshell

To summarize something very briefly in a clever way.

To sum up

A common way to conclude a speech or an essay.

Long story short

A very common informal way to skip the details of a story.

Essentially

Used to describe the most important part of something.

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