verb

sum up

/sʌm ʌp/ · say it: sum UP

to summarize

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (verb) to give a brief statement of the main points of something

2. (verb) to add numbers or amounts together to find the total

Examples

1. Let me sum up the main ideas from the meeting.
2. If you sum up all your expenses, you'll see how much you spent.

How to use sum up

Sum up is a phrasal verb with two distinct uses. In its primary sense, it means to briefly restate or condense information—commonly used in speeches, meetings, or writing. In its secondary sense, it means to calculate a total by addition. The first meaning is more frequent in contemporary usage and has a slightly informal tone compared to more formal alternatives like summarize or recapitulate.

Common phrases

sum up the main points
sum up the argument
sum up in a sentence
sum up the situation
sum up briefly

Synonyms

summarize · recapitulate · total · add up · tally

Word family

summary · summation · summarize

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse the two meanings or use 'sum up' when they mean 'sum' as a standalone verb for addition; 'sum' alone is typically used only in mathematical contexts, while 'sum up' accommodates both meanings.

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