Summarizing: 综上所述
综上所述
Use 综上所述 to formally summarize arguments or points in written Chinese
综上所述 (in summary / to sum up what has been stated above) is a fixed formal phrase used at the end of an essay, report, or speech to introduce a summary or conclusion. It appears at the beginning of the final paragraph or concluding statement.
综 (comprehensively) + 上 (above) + 所述 (what was stated) — literally "comprehensively considering what was stated above." This is strictly a written/formal expression.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Summarizing: 综上所述 (综上所述)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 综上所述 pattern
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Understanding 综上所述
综上所述 is the Chinese equivalent of "in summary" or "to sum up" in English academic writing. It is a four-character fixed phrase (成语-like) used exclusively in formal contexts — essays, reports, speeches, legal documents, and academic papers. When you write 综上所述, you are signaling to the reader that you are about to wrap up all the points discussed above into a conclusion. It is one of the most important transitional phrases for HSK 7-9 level writing, as the advanced writing exam often requires you to argue a point and then summarize. Related expressions include 总之 (in short — slightly less formal), 总而言之 (all in all), and 由此可见 (from this it can be seen). Mastering 综上所述 will make your formal Chinese writing sound polished and professional.
Key Points
- 综上所述 = "in summary / to sum up what was stated above" — a formal written expression.
- Used at the beginning of a concluding paragraph or statement.
- Strictly formal — not used in casual conversation.
- Often followed by a comma, then the summary or conclusion.
- Common in essays, academic papers, reports, speeches, and legal documents.
- Related: 总之 (in short), 总而言之 (all in all), 由此可见 (from this we can see).
Chinese formal writing follows a clear structure: present arguments, provide evidence, and conclude with a summary. 综上所述 is the standard marker for this conclusion. In the HSK 7-9 writing exam, using such formal connectives demonstrates command of written register.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
综上所述，如果希望交流顺利地进行，需要大家共同努力。
In summary, if we want communication to proceed smoothly, it requires everyone's collective effort.
综上所述，这个方案是目前最可行的选择。
To sum up, this plan is currently the most feasible option.
综上所述，我们认为应该加大对教育的投入。
In summary, we believe that investment in education should be increased.
综上所述，健康的生活方式对预防疾病至关重要。
To sum up, a healthy lifestyle is crucial for disease prevention.
综上所述，科技的发展既有利也有弊，关键在于如何利用。
In summary, technological development has both advantages and disadvantages — the key lies in how we use it.
综上所述，笔者建议从以下三个方面进行改革。
To sum up, the author suggests carrying out reform in the following three areas.
Common Mistakes
综上所述 is for summarizing arguments or multiple points in formal writing. For casual summaries, use 总之.
Always follow 综上所述 with a comma. Also, in formal writing, use 认为 rather than 觉得, and 观点是正确的 rather than 说得对.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Reserve 综上所述 for the conclusion of formal writing — essays, reports, and presentations.
For casual conversation, use 总之 (in short) or 总的来说 (generally speaking) instead.
Always place a comma after 综上所述 before stating your conclusion.
Practice writing short argumentative essays and ending with 综上所述 to build the habit.
Homework
Write a short argumentative paragraph (150-200 characters) on any topic, presenting two or three supporting points, then conclude with 综上所述 followed by your summary.