Used to introduce a single, well-chosen word that summarizes your overall impression of something.
“If I had to describe it in one word, I'd probably say 'peculiar.'”
“If I had to describe it in one word, it would be 'fascinating.'”
This phrase is a strong way to close your description in Task 8, since it forces you to summarize the object concisely, showing organizational skill to the examiner. Use it near the end of your response, followed by one vivid adjective, as in 'if I had to describe it in one word, I'd say bizarre,' signalling that your response is wrapping up.
Synonyms: in a single word, I'd call it, to sum it up in one word, if I could choose just one word