adverb

in short

in SHORT

In short (adverb) means used to introduce a brief summary of what has just been said or is about to be explained. Example: “The costs rose, the deadline slipped and the client walked. In short, it was a disaster.”

adverb

Used to introduce a brief summary of what has just been said or is about to be explained.

"The costs rose, the deadline slipped and the client walked. In short, it was a disaster."

"In short, nobody knows what happens next."

How to Use In short

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsed before you sum something up in one sentence.

When to use it

Neutral; suitable for formal writing as well as speech.

Memory tip

Do not confuse in short with in the short term, which is about time rather than summary.

Easily confused with

in brief in a nutshell → in the short term

Common pairings

in short, then in short, no

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “in short” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The costs rose, the deadline slipped and the client walked. _____, it was a disaster.

Synonyms

View more →

in summary in brief to sum up in a nutshell briefly

Related Words

shortly briefly temporarily awhile in a nutshell word for word in depth

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between in short and in brief?

They are close synonyms. In short usually caps off an argument already made and often carries a verdict; in brief more often introduces a summary before the detail arrives, as in a briefing or abstract.

Can in short start a sentence?

Yes, and that is its most common position, followed by a comma. It can also appear mid-sentence between commas, though this is less usual.

Is in short too informal for academic writing?

No. It is perfectly acceptable in essays and reports, where it signals to the reader that the conclusion of a section is arriving.

People Also Searched

shortly briefly temporarily awhile in a nutshell word for word in depth