HSK 6 Connectors & compound sentences
综上所述 / 归根结底
To sum up the above / in the final analysis (综上所述 / 归根结底)
Structure 综上所述 / 归根结底,+ conclusion
Two high-register essay closers that are not interchangeable. 综上所述 (zōng shàng suǒ shù, “to sum up what has been set out above”) recaps the arguments already presented and states the conclusion that follows from them; it is highly typical of academic texts and formal opinions. 归根结底 (guī gēn jié dǐ, “in the final analysis, ultimately”) goes beyond summary: it sets aside the incidental and points to the underlying cause or factor on which everything depends. One synthesizes; the other digs for the root.
Examples
- 综上所述,该方案利大于弊,值得采纳。
To sum up the above, the proposal does more good than harm and is worth adopting.
- 归根结底,问题出在管理上。
In the final analysis, the problem lies in management.
- 综上所述,我们应当尽早作出决定。
To sum up the above, we should make a decision as soon as possible.
- 归根结底,这一切都取决于人才。
In the final analysis, all of this comes down to talent.
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