Guide 141 / 200 4 alternatives 2-minute read
Better ways to say “All in all”
A soft summary opener.
i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler
"All in all" and "all things considered" are verbal mist — the writer is about to summarise but hasn't committed. Prefer "overall," "in short," "to sum up," or state the conclusion directly.
ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo
Before
All in all, the quarter was solid.
After
Overall, the quarter was solid.
iii · The alternatives4 ways out
- 01Overall neutral
summary opener
Overall, the quarter was solid.
- 02In short neutral
compact summary
In short, a solid quarter.
- 03To sum up neutral
formal close
To sum up, the quarter was solid.
- 04On balance formal
weighed judgment
On balance, the quarter was solid.
iv · Brew tipKeep this one
The conclusion shouldn't need a throat-clearing opener. Lead with it.