Vietnamese 'tóm lại' Usage (In Summary)
'tóm lại' means "in summary" or "to sum up." Its actual function and style depend on the sentence structure and examples in this lesson.
Quick explanation
Quick explanation
'tóm lại' means "in summary" or "to sum up." Its actual function and style depend on the sentence structure and examples in this lesson.
English meanings
- In summary
Grammar pattern
Examples
1
Tóm lại, bạn cần nhớ vị trí của từ này.
In summary, you need to remember the position of this word.
2
Tóm lại, ngữ pháp này dùng để nối hai ý đối lập.
In summary, this grammar is used to connect two opposing ideas.
How to use it
'tóm lại' means "in summary" and is used to wrap up previous content by condensing the main point or conclusion into one sentence.
- Usually placed at the end or after a paragraph of explanation.
- Followed by the core conclusion or key action point.
- For general overall descriptions, use 'nói chung' instead.
Compared with English
Compared with English
In English, phrases like "in summary" or "to sum up" typically appear at the end of an explanation. Similarly, Vietnamese 'tóm lại' is commonly used at the conclusion, not as an introductory overview.
Common mistakes
Tóm lại, hôm nay tôi uống cà phê.
Hôm nay tôi uống cà phê.
Ordinary statements are not summaries and do not require 'tóm lại'.
Tóm lại vì tôi bận.
Tóm lại, tôi không thể tham gia vì tôi bận.
'tóm lại' must be followed by a complete summary, not just a reason clause.
Commonly confused grammar
Practice
Multiple choice
Where is 'tóm lại' most commonly used?
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Multiple choice
Where is 'tóm lại' most commonly used?
- At the end of an explanation to summarize key points
- In the middle of a sentence to indicate passive voice
- Before a noun as a classifier
Answer: At the end of an explanation to summarize key points
Explanation: 'tóm lại' means "in summary."
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: ____, bạn cần nhớ vị trí của từ này.
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Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: ____, bạn cần nhớ vị trí của từ này.
Answer: Tóm lại, bạn cần nhớ vị trí của từ này.
Explanation: Usually placed at the end or after a paragraph of explanation.
English to Vietnamese
Translate "In summary, you need to remember the position of this word." into Vietnamese.
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English to Vietnamese
Translate "In summary, you need to remember the position of this word." into Vietnamese.
Answer: Tóm lại, bạn cần nhớ vị trí của từ này.
Explanation: Use tóm lại in the same structure as the example.
True or false
Is this sentence correct? "Tóm lại, hôm nay tôi uống cà phê."
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True or false
Is this sentence correct? "Tóm lại, hôm nay tôi uống cà phê."
Answer: False
Explanation: Ordinary statements are not summaries and do not require 'tóm lại'.
Correction
Correct this sentence: "Tóm lại, tôi mới đến."
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Correction
Correct this sentence: "Tóm lại, tôi mới đến."
Answer: Tôi mới đến.
Explanation: Ordinary event descriptions should not forcibly add 'tóm lại'.