What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overview
Example
Let me give you an overview of the company's history. [overview: noun]
Example
The professor provided an overview of the course syllabus on the first day of class. [overview: noun]
Example
I need to get an overview of the situation before making any decisions. [overview: noun]
summary
Example
Can you give me a summary of the article you read? [summary: noun]
Example
The executive summary provided a concise overview of the business plan. [summary: noun]
Example
In summary, we need to focus on improving our customer service. [summary: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Summary is more commonly used than overview in everyday language. Summary is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while overview is more commonly used in academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between overview and summary?
Both overview and summary can be used in formal and informal contexts, but overview is more commonly associated with a formal tone due to its use in academic or professional settings.
