Explain vs. Summarize

Attribute	Explain	Summarize
Definition	To make something clear or easy to understand by describing it in more detail	To give a brief statement or account of the main points of something
Length	Can be longer and more detailed	Is typically shorter and more concise
Purpose	To provide a thorough understanding of a topic or concept	To give a brief overview or summary of a topic or concept
Detail	Includes more specific information and examples	Focuses on the main points and key ideas

Definition

Explain and summarize are two common writing techniques used to convey information to readers. When you explain something, you provide a detailed account or description of a topic, concept, or idea. This involves breaking down the information into smaller parts and providing clarity on each aspect. On the other hand, summarizing involves condensing the main points or ideas of a text or speech into a shorter version. It aims to give readers a brief overview of the key points without going into too much detail.

Purpose

The purpose of explaining something is to ensure that the reader understands the topic thoroughly. By providing detailed explanations, you help the reader grasp the concept or idea in depth. This is especially useful when dealing with complex subjects that require a deeper understanding. Summarizing, on the other hand, is used to give readers a quick overview of the main points without delving into all the details. It is often used when you want to provide a concise version of a longer piece of writing or speech.

Length

Explanations tend to be longer than summaries because they go into detail about each aspect of the topic being discussed. This means that explanations can be several paragraphs or even pages long, depending on the complexity of the subject. Summaries, on the other hand, are much shorter in length as they aim to condense the main points into a concise form. A summary can be just a few sentences or a short paragraph, capturing the essence of the original text without all the details.

Detail

When you explain something, you provide a lot of detail to ensure that the reader fully understands the topic. This includes breaking down the information into smaller parts, providing examples, and offering explanations for each aspect. The goal is to leave no room for confusion and to make sure the reader has a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Summaries, on the other hand, do not go into as much detail. They focus on capturing the main points and key ideas without providing all the supporting information.

Use in Writing

Explanations are commonly used in academic writing, technical manuals, and instructional guides where a thorough understanding of the topic is necessary. They are also used in essays and research papers to provide in-depth analysis and explanation of complex ideas. Summaries, on the other hand, are often used in news articles, book reviews, and executive summaries where brevity is key. They help readers get a quick overview of the main points without having to read through the entire text.

Clarity

Explanations are meant to provide clarity and ensure that the reader understands the topic completely. By breaking down the information into smaller parts and offering detailed explanations, you help the reader make sense of complex ideas. This clarity is essential in educational materials, technical documents, and any writing that requires a deep understanding of the subject. Summaries, on the other hand, provide clarity by distilling the main points into a concise form. They help readers grasp the essence of the text without getting bogged down in unnecessary details.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both explaining and summarizing are important writing techniques, they serve different purposes and are used in different contexts. Explanations are detailed accounts that aim to provide a thorough understanding of a topic, while summaries condense the main points into a shorter version for quick reference. Understanding when to use each technique is crucial for effective communication and ensuring that your message is conveyed clearly to your audience.