Guide 147 / 200 4 alternatives 2-minute read

Better ways to say “TL;DR”

Internet shorthand for "summary."

i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler

Great for forums. Less great for formal docs. If you want a summary section, call it "Summary" or "Key points." Save TL;DR for informal and internal writing.

ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo

Before

TL;DR: Q3 revenue grew 12%, margin held.

After

Summary: Q3 revenue grew 12%, margin held.

iii · The alternatives4 ways out

01

Summary neutral

the standard heading

Summary: revenue up 12%.
02

Key points neutral

bulleted overview

Key points: revenue up, margin held.
03

Bottom line neutral

emphatic, short

Bottom line: revenue up 12%.
04

In brief neutral

short summary

In brief: revenue up 12%.

iv · Brew tipKeep this one

TL;DR is fine — for Reddit. For a client memo, pick a real heading.