30 Common Idioms for Essays and Academic Writing

Quick Answer

The fastest way to understand English academic idioms.

An academic idiom is a phrase that uses figurative language to express a concept formally and concisely. For example, when a student writes that a study "sheds light on" a topic, they mean it provides clarity, not that it is holding a flashlight.

Native English speakers use academic idioms constantly—in research papers, essays, and formal reports. Below, you will find a visual grid of 30 everyday essay idioms categorized by theme, followed by deep dives into 50 popular phrases, complete with origins, examples, and usage tips.

What is an Academic Idiom?

A linguistic breakdown of formal figurative language.

Concept	Figurative Formal Phrase
Key Trait	The meaning is concise but not literal.
Usage	Formal and written. Used to structure arguments, show contrast, and summarize.
Example	"Pave the way" (Prepare) vs. "Pave the road" (Literal).
Translation	Rarely literal when translated

The 30 Academic Idioms Grid

A complete visual directory of common English essay idioms. Click any phrase to explore its definition.

Introduction & Focus Idioms

Evidence & Elaboration Idioms

Cause & Effect Idioms

Transition & Addition Idioms

Emphasis & Clarity Idioms

Comparison & Contrast Idioms

Conclusion & Summary Idioms

Nuance & Context Idioms

Introduction & Focus Idioms

Shed Light On Set the Stage Pave the Way Bear in Mind

Evidence & Elaboration Idioms

Draw a Line Between Boil Down To Stand in Stark Contrast In Light Of

Cause & Effect Idioms

Play a Pivotal Role Give Rise To Bring to Light Stem From

Transition & Addition Idioms

By and Large In the Grand Scheme of Things In Tandem With Not to Mention

Emphasis & Clarity Idioms

Beyond a Shadow of a Doubt Point Out Make a Case For Bear Out

Comparison & Contrast Idioms

Draw a Parallel Pale in Comparison Weigh the Pros and Cons

Conclusion & Summary Idioms

To Sum Up All Things Considered In a Nutshell At the End of the Day

Nuance & Context Idioms

In Terms Of With Respect To To Say the Least

Top 50 Academic Idiom Deep Dives

Meanings, origins, and examples of the 50 most used academic idioms.

Shed Light On

To clarify or provide new information about a topic.

Origin: 16th-century phrase; literally using light to see something in the dark, applied to understanding.

The study sheds light on human behavior.
This data sheds light on the issue.
Can you shed light on this?

Set the Stage

To prepare the conditions for something to happen.

Origin: Theater metaphor; preparing the physical stage before the actors perform.

The war set the stage for reform.
This law sets the stage for change.
We need to set the stage for the launch.

Pave the Way

To make it easier for something to happen or be achieved.

Origin: 16th-century literal road building; creating a smooth path for others to follow.

Her research paved the way for modern genetics.
The treaty paved the way for peace.
This paves the way for future studies.

Bear in Mind

To remember or consider something carefully.

Origin: 14th-century phrase; 'bear' means to carry, so you carry the thought in your mind.

Bear in mind that the data is old.
We must bear in mind the costs.
Please bear in mind my advice.

Draw a Line Between

To distinguish between two similar concepts or groups.

Origin: Literal drawing of a boundary line on a map or document.

We must draw a line between correlation and causation.
It's hard to draw a line between the two.
The law draws a line between free speech and hate.

Boil Down To

To summarize or mean essentially.

Origin: 17th-century cooking metaphor; reducing a liquid to its concentrated essence.

The issue boils down to money.
It all boils down to trust.
The argument boils down to a single point.

Stand in Stark Contrast

To be noticeably and sharply different from something else.

Origin: 'Stark' means absolute or severe; the contrast is undeniable.

The findings stand in stark contrast to previous theories.
Her views stand in stark contrast to his.
The data presents a stark contrast.

In Light Of

Considering or because of certain new facts.

Origin: 16th-century phrase; viewing facts under the illumination of new information.

In light of the new evidence, we must revise.
We canceled the trip in light of the storm.
In light of this, the policy is flawed.

Play a Pivotal Role

To be extremely important or central to a situation.

Origin: Mechanical metaphor; a 'pivot' is the central pin on which a mechanism turns.

Education plays a pivotal role in society.
She played a pivotal role in the project.
Technology plays a pivotal role today.

Give Rise To

To cause something to happen or exist.

Origin: Literal metaphor; giving birth to or raising a new circumstance.

The policy gave rise to new problems.
These conditions give rise to disease.
The law gave rise to a black market.

Bring to Light

To discover or reveal something previously hidden.

Origin: 16th-century phrase; bringing hidden things out of the dark into the light.

The audit brought to light several errors.
The investigation brought new facts to light.
She brought the truth to light.

Stem From

To originate or be caused by something.

Origin: Botanical metaphor; a plant's growth stems (grows) from its roots.

The error stems from a typo.
Her anxiety stems from childhood.
The conflict stems from a misunderstanding.

By and Large

Generally speaking, or in most cases.

Origin: 17th-century nautical term; 'by' (sailing into wind) and 'large' (sailing downwind) meant capable of all conditions.

By and large, the experiment was successful.
By and large, the public agrees.
It is, by and large, a good system.

In the Grand Scheme of Things

When considering the overall, long-term perspective rather than details.

Origin: 20th-century phrase; viewing a detail as part of a vast cosmic scheme.

In the grand scheme of things, this test matters little.
It's a big deal in the grand scheme of things.
In the grand scheme of things, we are fine.

In Tandem With

Alongside or together with something else.

Origin: Latin 'tandem' meaning 'at length'; later applied to a two-wheeled carriage pulled by horses in single file.

The drug works in tandem with therapy.
The policy works in tandem with the law.
They operate in tandem with the state.

Not to Mention

Used to add extra information that emphasizes a point.

Origin: 16th-century phrase; introducing a fact so obvious it barely needs stating.

It's too late, not to mention too expensive.
He is smart, not to mention kind.
The car is fast, not to mention safe.

Beyond a Shadow of a Doubt

With absolute certainty.

Origin: 17th-century legal phrase; leaving no room for even the slightest doubt or shadow.

He is guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt.
The data proves it beyond a shadow of a doubt.
We know beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Point Out

To draw attention to a fact or detail.

Origin: Literal physical pointing to direct someone's gaze to an object.

I must point out a flaw in your logic.
She pointed out the error.
The study points out a major flaw.

Make a Case For

To argue persuasively in favor of something.

Origin: Legal metaphor; presenting a formal 'case' or argument in court.

The author makes a strong case for reform.
I will make a case for the new software.
She made a case for hiring him.

Draw a Parallel

To compare two similar things or situations.

Origin: 16th-century geometry metaphor; drawing a line that runs exactly alongside another.

We can draw a parallel between the two eras.
The author draws a parallel to nature.
It is easy to draw a parallel here.

Pale in Comparison

To seem less important or impressive when compared to something else.

Origin: 16th-century phrase; becoming pale/washed out when placed next to something brighter.

My work pales in comparison to hers.
The cost pales in comparison to the benefit.
His achievement pales in comparison.

Weigh the Pros and Cons

To consider the advantages and disadvantages of a situation.

Origin: Metaphor from weighing goods on a scale; 'pro' (for) and 'con' (against).

We must weigh the pros and cons.
I'm weighing the pros and cons of moving.
She weighed the pros and cons carefully.

To Sum Up

To summarize briefly what has been said.

Origin: Mathematical metaphor; adding up all the individual points into one total.

To sum up, the theory is flawed.
To sum up, we need more funding.
I will sum up the main points.

All Things Considered

When all facts and circumstances are taken into account.

Origin: 19th-century phrase; considering everything before making a judgment.

All things considered, it went well.
All things considered, it's a good deal.
I'm happy, all things considered.

In a Nutshell

To summarize concisely.

Origin: 19th-century literary metaphor; fitting a large concept into the compact shell of a nut.

In a nutshell, the plan failed.
Here is the idea in a nutshell.
In a nutshell, we are broke.

At the End of the Day

When all factors are considered; ultimately.

Origin: 20th-century phrase; the final outcome after a day's work or events are settled.

At the end of the day, it's my choice.
At the end of the day, profits matter.
At the end of the day, we won.

In Terms Of

Regarding a specific aspect or perspective.

Origin: Mathematical/logical phrase; relating to specific terms or conditions.

In terms of profit, we are up.
He is great in terms of skill.
In terms of cost, it's high.

With Respect To

Concerning or in relation to something.

Origin: Formal phrase; looking at something with respect (attention).

With respect to the budget, we are short.
I have a question with respect to policy.
With respect to age, he is older.

To Say the Least

Used to imply the reality is much more extreme than stated.

Origin: 19th-century phrase; stating the minimum without exaggeration.

It was a disaster, to say the least.
He was angry, to say the least.
It is risky, to say the least.

Bear Out

To confirm or support a claim or hypothesis.

Origin: Literal metaphor; bearing (carrying) the weight of truth out into the open.

The data bears out the theory.
His claim was borne out by facts.
The results bear out our hypothesis.

Cast Doubt On

To make something seem uncertain or less believable.

Origin: 17th-century phrase; 'cast' meaning to throw a shadow over the truth.

The new study casts doubt on the old one.
His lies cast doubt on his story.
This casts doubt on the theory.

Fall Short Of

To fail to meet a standard or expectation.

Origin: Archery metaphor; an arrow falling short of the target.

The results fall short of our goals.
He falls short of the requirements.
The budget falls short of our needs.

Lay the Foundation For

To provide the basic ideas or structures for future development.

Origin: Construction metaphor; building a solid base before erecting the structure.

This research lays the foundation for a cure.
The law lays the foundation for reform.
He laid the foundation for the company.

In the Wake Of

As a consequence or result of something.

Origin: Nautical metaphor; the waves left behind a moving ship, metaphorically the aftermath.

In the wake of the storm, prices rose.
In the wake of the war, the economy failed.
Changes happened in the wake of the protest.

As a Matter of Fact

Used to emphasize the truth of a statement.

Origin: 19th-century phrase; emphasizing something is a matter of objective fact.

As a matter of fact, I did see it.
As a matter of fact, he is wrong.
As a matter of fact, sales are up.

For the Sake Of

For the purpose or benefit of something.

Origin: 16th-century phrase; 'sake' meaning benefit or advantage.

For the sake of clarity, I will redraw it.
We did it for the sake of science.
For the sake of time, let's skip this.

In View Of

Because of or considering something.

Origin: 16th-century phrase; seeing the situation from a specific viewpoint.

In view of the risks, we stopped.
In view of the data, we must change.
In view of the deadline, we rushed.

On the Back Of

As a result of or following something.

Origin: 20th-century phrase; riding on the back or momentum of something else.

Profits rose on the back of new sales.
The win came on the back of hard work.
Growth on the back of technology is fast.

Under the Auspices Of

With the support or protection of an organization.

Origin: Latin 'auspex' (bird watcher); Roman priests read omens in bird flights. Later meant protection.

The study was done under the auspices of NASA.
Under the auspices of the UN, peace was kept.
It was run under the auspices of the school.

As Far As... Is Concerned

Regarding a specific topic or subject.

Origin: 20th-century phrase; scoping a statement to a specific boundary of concern.

As far as I am concerned, it's fine.
As far as the budget is concerned, we are short.
As far as science is concerned, it's proven.

Come to the Fore

To become prominent or important.

Origin: Military phrase; the 'fore' is the front line. Coming to the fore means stepping to the front.

The issue came to the fore during the debate.
New ideas came to the fore.
Her talent came to the fore quickly.

Take Into Account

To consider or include something in a decision.

Origin: Accounting metaphor; including a factor in the final calculation (account).

We must take into account the weather.
Taking into account the costs, it's bad.
Did you take my advice into account?

Bring to the Fore

To make something prominent or draw attention to it.

Origin: Military metaphor; bringing a soldier or unit to the front lines (fore).

The report brings to the fore a major issue.
She brought her concerns to the fore.
The study brings new facts to the fore.

Make Headway

To make progress, especially against resistance.

Origin: 18th-century nautical term; a ship making forward movement (headway) against wind or waves.

We made headway on the project.
The research is making headway.
They failed to make headway in the talks.

On the Verge Of

Very close to experiencing or doing something.

Origin: 16th-century phrase; standing on the edge or border of an event.

We are on the verge of a breakthrough.
The company is on the verge of collapse.
He was on the verge of tears.

At the Crux Of

The central, most important point of an issue.

Origin: Latin 'crux' meaning cross; the central difficulty or sticking point.

Funding is at the crux of the issue.
The crux of the matter is trust.
At the crux of the debate is freedom.

A Case in Point

A specific example that perfectly proves a general statement.

Origin: 17th-century phrase; a specific case brought to make a point in an argument.

The French Revolution is a case in point.
This data is a case in point.
Let me give you a case in point.

Loom Large

To be a significant or worrying presence in a situation.

Origin: 16th-century nautical term; an object in the fog appears 'large' and menacing.

The deadline looms large.
The threat of war looms large.
Climate change looms large in our lives.

In the Realm Of

Within the field or area of something.

Origin: Royal metaphor; within the boundaries of the king's territory (realm).

It is in the realm of possibility.
In the realm of science, this is new.
That is in the realm of fiction.

Hold Weight

To be valid, important, or influential.

Origin: Metaphor from scales; an argument with weight tips the balance of truth.

His argument holds weight.
The theory holds no weight.
Does that evidence hold weight?

50 Example Sentences

See how idioms function in original sentences across 5 contexts. The idiom is highlighted for easy learning.

Work & Office

The manager set the stage for the new policy during the morning meeting.
We must take into account the budget cuts before approving the new software.
The recent profits bear out our decision to expand the marketing team.
The project failed because it did not make headway against the client's constant revisions.
We need to weigh the pros and cons of returning to the office full-time.
The CEO's speech shed light on the company's future strategy.
This new software plays a pivotal role in our daily operations.
Our success stems from the team's dedication and late nights.
The conflicting data casts doubt on the original sales forecast.
We are on the verge of signing the biggest contract in our history.

School & Learning

The professor pointed out a major flaw in the student's thesis.
The experiment laid the foundation for modern theories of physics.
In light of the new research, the textbook must be updated.
The author makes a strong case for stricter environmental regulations.
The historical event stands in stark contrast to the peaceful protests today.
The study's conclusion boils down to a simple lack of funding.
The researcher brought to light several forgotten manuscripts in the archive.
As a matter of fact, the hypothesis was proven incorrect.
In the grand scheme of things, a single failed exam doesn't ruin a career.
We can draw a parallel between the two different historical eras.

Relationships & Social

His constant anger gave rise to a toxic environment for his friends.
When you weigh the pros and cons, ending the friendship was the right choice.
Her actions stand in stark contrast to her words of peace.
In light of the recent argument, we decided to give each other space.
At the end of the day, trust is the most important part of any relationship.
The disagreement stems from a simple misunderstanding about the dinner plans.
To say the least, his behavior at the wedding was highly inappropriate.
Her kindness pales in comparison to the effort he put into the surprise party.
We must draw a line between healthy debate and personal insults.
Her rude remarks really brought to the fore some unresolved issues.

Daily Life & Home

The leaky roof loomed large in my mind as the storm approached.
The new law paved the way for better recycling in our neighborhood.
In terms of cost, buying a house is much harder than renting.
The repair costs fall short of the total value of the old car.
We canceled the picnic in the wake of the sudden thunderstorm.
By and large, the home renovation was a huge success.
Bear in mind that the warranty expires next month.
The noise from the street plays a pivotal role in my poor sleep.
To sum up, the house needs a new roof, new plumbing, and new paint.
The community garden works in tandem with the local food bank.

Travel & Outdoors

The new highway paved the way for easier access to the mountains.
The guide shed light on the ancient history of the ruins.
The sudden storm gave rise to dangerous hiking conditions.
With respect to the weather, we decided to delay our flight.
The ancient temple stands in stark contrast to the modern city around it.
In view of the avalanche risk, we canceled the ski trip.
The park's new rules cast doubt on our plans for wild camping.
The success of the trip boils down to having a good map.
The heavy fog made the mountain loom large and menacing over the valley.
We made headway through the dense forest despite the heavy rain.

Everyday Usage

How native speakers use academic idioms in casual, daily life.

While academic idioms are designed for formal writing, many cross over into daily conversation to sound articulate. A native speaker might say "at the end of the day" to summarize a life decision rather than a research paper.

"At the end of the day, I just want to be happy."
"We need to weigh the pros and cons of buying a dog."
"That movie was, to say the least, very weird."
"In light of the rain, let's stay in tonight."
"It all boils down to what you really want to do."

Academic Usage

How to use formal idioms in essays and research.

These phrases are essential in essays, thesis papers, and journal articles. They help structure arguments, transition between paragraphs, and present data objectively without sounding too conversational.

"The data sheds light on a previously unexplored variable."
"These findings stand in stark contrast to earlier models."
"This research lays the foundation for future oncology studies."
"The methodology bears out the initial hypothesis."
"In light of these results, the theory must be revised."

Professional Usage

How to use academic idioms in business and corporate settings.

The corporate world relies on academic idioms to sound authoritative in reports and proposals. They make business communication sound strategic and well-reasoned.

"This merger will pave the way for global expansion."
"We must take into account the latest market fluctuations."
"The quarterly report points out a significant drop in retention."
"Our new software plays a pivotal role in data security."
"The project made headway despite the budget cuts."

Real-Life Conversations

How native speakers use academic idioms in common scenarios.

🏫 School

Student: I don't understand the history lecture.

Teacher: Let me shed light on it. The war set the stage for the revolution.

🎓 College

Roommate 1: Did you finish the essay?

Roommate 2: Yes, the argument boils down to a single point about economics.

🏢 Office

Colleague 1: Why was the product delayed?

Colleague 2: The delay stems from a supply chain issue, not to mention the budget cuts.

💼 Business Meeting

Manager: We need to weigh the pros and cons of this deal.

Employee: I agree. The data bears out that it's risky.

🤝 Job Interview

Candidate: I played a pivotal role in my last project.

Interviewer: Can you point out a specific example?

🍽️ Restaurant

Friend 1: The service here is terrible, to say the least.

Friend 2: Yeah, the food pales in comparison to the reviews.

🛍️ Shopping

Shopper: In terms of price, this laptop is great.

Cashier: Yes, but bear in mind the warranty is short.

✈️ Travel

Traveler: The flight was canceled in the wake of the storm.

Agent: Yes, by and large, all flights are delayed today.

🚗 Driving

Driver: The traffic gave rise to my bad mood.

Passenger: Let's make headway on the back roads instead.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family

Mom: At the end of the day, family is all that matters.

Dad: True. We need to take into account everyone's schedules for the reunion.

🎉 Friends

Friend 1: His excuse casts doubt on his whole story.

Friend 2: Yeah, his behavior stands in stark contrast to his words.

💌 Dating

Guy: She drew a line between friendship and romance immediately.

Friend: Ouch. That's a clear case in point that she's not interested.

🏥 Healthcare

Patient: The diagnosis loomed large in my mind all week.

Doctor: I understand. In light of your anxiety, let's discuss the options.

🏠 Home

Wife: We are on the verge of running out of space.

Husband: We need to make a case for building an extension.

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent academic idiom pitfalls.

Saying "shed light at" for clarifying a topic.

✓ Say "shed light on."

Explanation: The established idiom is 'shed light on,' using the preposition 'on' to indicate the target of illumination. 'At' is incorrect.

Tip: You shine light *on* something, not at it.

Saying "pave the road" for preparing the way.

✓ Say "pave the way."

Explanation: The academic idiom is 'pave the way,' meaning to prepare a path for future success. 'Road' is literal and loses the figurative weight.

Tip: You pave a 'way' (path), not just a road.

Saying "keep in brain" for remembering something.

✓ Say "bear in mind."

Explanation: The idiom is 'bear in mind.' 'Bear' means to carry, and 'mind' is the seat of memory. 'Brain' is not used.

Tip: Use the classic 'bear in mind.'

Saying "cook down to" for summarizing.

✓ Say "boil down to."

Explanation: The cooking metaphor is 'boil down to,' representing a liquid reducing to its essence. 'Cook' does not carry this meaning.

Tip: Think of boiling a soup to make it thicker.

Saying "by and big" for generally.

✓ Say "by and large."

Explanation: The idiom is 'by and large,' combining two nautical terms. 'Big' is incorrect and loses the historical meaning.

Tip: Large is a sailing direction (downwind).

Saying "in dark of" for considering new facts.

✓ Say "in light of."

Explanation: The idiom 'in light of' uses the metaphor of illumination to mean 'considering.' 'Dark' represents ignorance, not consideration.

Tip: Use light for clarity and consideration.

Saying "fade in comparison" for being less impressive.

✓ Say "pale in comparison."

Explanation: The established idiom is 'pale in comparison,' referring to becoming washed out. 'Fade' is not the fixed phrase here.

Tip: Colors 'pale' when placed next to brighter ones.

Saying "draw a parallelism" for comparing.

✓ Say "draw a parallel."

Explanation: The idiom is 'draw a parallel.' 'Parallelism' is a grammatical term, not the idiom for comparing two things.

Tip: Use the singular noun 'parallel.'

Saying "at the end of the night" for ultimately.

✓ Say "at the end of the day."

Explanation: The standard idiom for 'ultimately' is 'at the end of the day.' 'Night' is not used in this phrase.

Tip: Day represents the period of work or activity.

Saying "a point in case" for a perfect example.

✓ Say "a case in point."

Explanation: The phrase is 'a case in point,' meaning a specific case that proves the point. 'A point in case' is a jumbling of the words.

Tip: It's a 'case' that is 'in point.'

Correct vs. Incorrect Examples

Contextual usage comparisons.

Incorrect

The study sheds light on the issue, making it more confusing.

Correct

The study sheds light on the issue, making it much clearer.

Why: Shedding 'light on' an issue means clarifying it, so it makes things clearer, not more confusing.

Incorrect

The results fall short of our goals, so we are completely successful.

Correct

The results fall short of our goals, so we need to try harder.

Why: Falling 'short of' a goal means failing to meet it, so it means the opposite of being completely successful.

Incorrect

It all boils down to money, so money is irrelevant to the problem.

Correct

It all boils down to money, so money is the essential core of the problem.

Why: If a problem 'boils down to' something, that thing is the essential, concentrated issue, making it highly relevant.

Incorrect

The data bears out the theory, proving the theory is completely wrong.

Correct

The data bears out the theory, proving the theory is correct.

Why: If data 'bears out' a theory, it confirms or supports it, proving it right, not wrong.

Incorrect

In light of the new evidence, we will ignore the evidence and proceed as planned.

Correct

In light of the new evidence, we must change our strategy completely.

Why: In 'light of' new evidence means considering it, which usually requires a change in strategy, not ignoring it.

Incorrect

His work pales in comparison to hers, so his work is much better.

Correct

His work pales in comparison to hers, so his work is much worse.

Why: If something 'pales in comparison,' it appears less impressive or worse than the other thing.

Incorrect

The issue casts doubt on his story, making us trust him completely.

Correct

The issue casts doubt on his story, making us question his honesty.

Why: Casting 'doubt' on something means making it seem uncertain or less believable, causing distrust.

Incorrect

She made a case for the new software, arguing strongly against buying it.

Correct

She made a case for the new software, arguing strongly in favor of buying it.

Why: Making a 'case for' something means arguing persuasively in support of it, not against it.

Incorrect

To sum up, we have many complex and unrelated conclusions to discuss.

Correct

To sum up, the main conclusion is that we need more funding.

Why: To 'sum up' means to provide a brief, concise summary of the main points, not to introduce complex new ones.

Incorrect

The French Revolution is a case in point, and it has nothing to do with your argument.

Correct

The French Revolution is a case in point, perfectly proving your argument.

Why: A 'case in point' is a specific example that directly proves the general statement just made.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions.

What is an academic idiom?

An academic idiom is a formal figurative phrase used to structure arguments, transition between ideas, and present data objectively in essays and research papers. For example, 'shed light on' means to clarify, not to hold a flashlight.

Why are academic idioms important for essays?

They elevate the tone of your writing, making it sound more authoritative, professional, and well-reasoned. They also provide concise ways to express complex relationships like cause and effect or contrast.

What does 'shed light on' literally mean?

It is a 16th-century phrase. Before electric lights, understanding something was metaphorically linked to illuminating a dark room with a candle to see the details clearly.

Are academic idioms formal or informal?

They are formal. While some, like 'at the end of the day,' cross over into casual conversation, phrases like 'stand in stark contrast' or 'bear out' are highly formal and belong in academic writing.

What does it mean to 'pave the way'?

It means to prepare the conditions for something to happen or make it easier for future success. It comes from 16th-century literal road building, creating a smooth path for others to follow.

What is the difference between 'boil down to' and 'sum up'?

'Boil down to' means that a complex issue essentially means one core thing. 'To sum up' is an introductory phrase used to signal that you are writing a brief summary of the points just made.

Can I use 'by and large' in a business email?

Yes, 'by and large' is highly common in professional settings to mean 'generally speaking.' It sounds articulate without being overly academic.

What does 'bear out' mean?

It means to confirm or support a claim or hypothesis with evidence. If data 'bears out' a theory, the data proves the theory is true.

Where did 'in the wake of' come from?

It is a nautical metaphor. The 'wake' is the track of waves left behind a moving ship. Therefore, an event happening 'in the wake of' another is a direct consequence of the first event.

How can I learn academic idioms faster?

Group them by function! Learn the 'introduction' idioms (set the stage, pave the way) together, then the 'contrast' ones (stand in stark contrast, pale in comparison). Using them in your own essays helps cement the meaning.