What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
summarize
Example
Can you summarize the main points of the article for me? [summarize: verb]
Example
The summary of the report was only two pages long. [summary: noun]
abridge
Example
The novel was abridged for young readers. [abridged: adjective]
Example
The editor suggested abridging the article to fit the magazine's word count. [abridging: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Summarize is more commonly used than abridge in everyday language. Summarize is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while abridge is more specific and often used in the context of literature or publishing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between summarize and abridge?
Abridge is typically associated with a formal or academic tone, while summarize can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
