Refine Your Final Word With 10 Alternatives To “In Conclusion”
- Alternatives To In Conclusion
Wrapping up a presentation or a paper can be deceptively difficult. It seems like it should be easy—after all, your goal is to summarize the ideas you’ve already presented and possibly make a call to action. You don’t have to find new information; you just have to share what you already know.
Here’s where it gets tricky, though. Oftentimes, it turns out that the hardest part about writing a good conclusion is avoiding repetition.
That’s where we can help, at least a little bit. When it comes to using a transition word or phrase to kick off your conclusion, the phrase in conclusion is frequently overused. It’s easy to understand why—it is straightforward. But there are far more interesting and attention-grabbing words and phrases you can use in your papers and speeches to signal that you have reached the end.
One of the simplest synonyms of in conclusion is in summary . This transition phrase signals that you are going to briefly state the main idea or conclusion of your research. Like in conclusion , it is formal enough to be used both when writing an academic paper and when giving a presentation.
- In summary, despite multiple experimental designs, the research remains inconclusive.
- In summary , there is currently unprecedented interest in our new products.
A less formal version of in summary is to sum up . While this phrase expresses the same idea, it's more commonly found in oral presentations rather than written papers in this use.
- To sum up, we have only begun to discover the possible applications of this finding.
let's review or to review
A conclusion doesn't simply review the main idea or argument of a presentation. In some cases, a conclusion includes a more complete assessment of the evidence presented. For example, in some cases, you might choose to briefly review the chain of logic of an argument to demonstrate how you reached your conclusion. In these instances, the expressions let's review or to review are good signposts.
The transition phrases let's review and to review are most often used in spoken presentations, not in written papers. Unlike the other examples we have looked at, let's review is a complete sentence on its own.
- Let's review. First, he tricked the guard. Then, he escaped out the front door.
- To review: we developed a special kind of soil, and then we planted the seeds in it.
A classy alternative to in conclusion , both in papers and presentations, is in closing . It is a somewhat formal expression, without being flowery. This transition phrase is especially useful for the last or penultimate sentence of a conclusion. It is a good way to signal that you are nearly at the bitter end of your essay or speech. A particularly common way to use in closing is to signal in an argumentative piece that you are about to give your call to action (what you want your audience to do).
- In closing, we should all do more to help save the rainforest.
- In closing, I urge all parties to consider alternative solutions such as the ones I have presented.
in a nutshell
The expression in a nutshell is a cute and informal metaphor used to indicate that you are about to give a short summary. (Imagine you're taking all of the information and shrinking it down so it can fit in a nutshell.) It's appropriate to use in a nutshell both in writing and in speeches, but it should be avoided in contexts where you're expected to use a serious, formal register .
- In a nutshell, the life of this artist was one of great triumph and great sadness.
- In a nutshell, the company spent too much money and failed to turn a profit.
The expression in a nutshell can also be used to signal you've reached the end of a summarized story or argument that you are relating orally, as in "That's the whole story, in a nutshell."
[To make a] long story short
Another informal expression that signals you're about to give a short summary is to make a long story short , sometimes abbreviated to simply long story short. The implication of this expression is that a lengthy saga has been cut down to just the most important facts. (Not uncommonly, long story short is used ironically to indicate that a story has, in fact, been far too long and detailed.)
Because it is so casual, long story short is most often found in presentations rather than written papers. Either the full expression or the shortened version are appropriate, as long as there isn't an expectation that you be formal with your language.
- Long story short, the explorers were never able to find the Northwest Passage.
- To make a long story short, our assessments have found that there is a large crack in the foundation.
If using a transitional expression doesn't appeal to you, and you would rather stick to a straightforward transition word, you have quite a few options. We are going to cover a couple of the transition words you may choose to use to signal you are wrapping up, either when giving a presentation or writing a paper.
The first term we are going to look at is ultimately . Ultimately is an adverb that means "in the end; at last; finally." Typically, you will want to use it in the first or last sentence of your conclusion. Like in closing , it is particularly effective at signaling a call to action.
- Ultimately, each and every single person has a responsibility to care about this issue.
- Ultimately, the army beat a hasty retreat and the war was over.
Another transition word that is good for conclusions is lastly , an adverb meaning "in conclusion; in the last place; finally." Lastly can be used in informational or argumentative essays or speeches. It is a way to signal that you are about to provide the last point in your summary or argument. The word lastly is most often used in the first or last sentence of a conclusion.
- Lastly, I would like to thank the members of the committee and all of you for being such a gracious audience.
- Lastly, it must be noted that the institution has not been able to address these many complaints adequately.
The word overall is particularly good for summing up an idea or argument as part of your conclusion. Meaning "covering or including everything," overall is a bit like a formal synonym for "in a nutshell."
Unlike the other examples we have looked at in this slideshow, it is not unusual for overall to be found at the end of a sentence, rather than only at the beginning.
- Overall, we were very pleased with the results of our experiment.
- The findings of our study indicate that there is a lot of dissatisfaction with internet providers overall.
asking questions
Using traditional language like the options we have outlined so far is not your only choice when it comes to crafting a strong conclusion. If you are writing an argumentative essay or speech, you might also choose to end with one or a short series of open-ended or leading questions. These function as a creative call to action and leave the audience thinking about the arguments you have made.
In many cases, these questions begin with a WH-word , such as who or what. The specifics will vary spending on the argument being made, but here are a few general examples:
- When it comes to keeping our oceans clean, shouldn't we be doing more?
- Who is ultimately responsible for these terrible mistakes?
on a final note
Before we wrap up, we want to leave you with one last alternative for in conclusion . The expression on a final note signals that you are about to give your final point or argument. On a final note is formal enough to be used both in writing and in speeches. In fact, it can be used in a speech as a natural way to transition to your final thank yous.
- On a final note, thank you for your time and attention.
- On a final note, you can find more synonyms for in conclusion here.
The next time you are working on a conclusion and find yourself stuck for inspiration, try out some of these expressions. After all, there is always more than one way to write an ending.
No matter how you wrap up your project, keep in mind there are some rules you don't always have to follow! Let's look at them here.
Ways To Say
Synonym of the day
39 Different Ways to Say ‘In Conclusion’ in an Essay (Rated)
Chris Drew (PhD)
Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]
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The phrase “In conclusion …” sounds reductive, simple and … well, just basic.
You can find better words to conclude an essay than that!
So below I’ve outlined a list of different ways to say in conclusion in an essay using a range of analysis verbs . Each one comes with an explanation of the best time to use each phrase and an example you could consider.
Read Also: How to Write a Conclusion using the 5C’s Method
List of Ways to Say ‘In Conclusion’ in an Essay
The following are the best tips I have for to say in conclusion in an essay.
1. The Weight of the Evidence Suggests…
My Rating: 10/10
Overview: This is a good concluding phrase for an evaluative essay where you need to compare two different positions on a topic then conclude by saying which one has more evidence behind it than the other.
You could also use this phrase for argumentative essays where you’ve put forward all the evidence for your particular case.
Example: “The weight of the evidence suggests that climate change is a real phenomenon.”
2. A Thoughtful Analysis would Conclude…
My Rating: 9/10
Overview: I would use this phrase in either an argumentative essay or a comparison essay. As an argument, it highlights that you think your position is the most logical.
In a comparison essay, it shows that you have (or have intended to) thoughtfully explore the issue by looking at both sides.
Example: “A thoughtful analysis would conclude that there is substantial evidence highlighting that climate change is real.”
Related Article: 17+ Great Ideas For An Essay About Yourself
3. A Balanced Assessment of the Above Information…
Overview: This phrase can be used to show that you have made a thoughtful analysis of the information you found when researching the essay. You’re telling your teacher with this phrase that you have looked at all sides of the argument before coming to your conclusion.
Example: “A balanced assessment of the above information would be that climate change exists and will have a strong impact on the world for centuries to come.”
4. Across the Board…
My Rating: 5/10
Overview: I would use this phrase in a less formal context such as in a creative discussion but would leave it out of a formal third-person essay. To me, the phrase comes across as too colloquial.
Example: “Across the board, there are scientists around the world who consistently provide evidence for human-induced climate change.”
5. Logically…
My Rating: 7/10
Overview: This phrase can be used at the beginning of any paragraph that states out a series of facts that will be backed by clear step-by-step explanations that the reader should be able to follow to a conclusion.
Example: “Logically, the rise of the automobile would speed up economic expansion in the United States. Automobiles allowed goods to flow faster around the economy.
6. After all is Said and Done…
Overview: This is a colloquial term that is more useful in a speech than written text. If you feel that the phrase ‘In conclusion,’ is too basic, then I’d also avoid this term. However, use in speech is common, so if you’re giving a speech, it may be more acceptable.
Example: “After all is said and done, it’s clear that there is more evidence to suggest that climate change is real than a hoax.”
7. All in All…
Overview: ‘All in all’ is a colloquial term that I would use in speech but not in formal academic writing. Colloquialisms can show that you have poor command of the English language. However, I would consider using this phrase in the conclusion of a debate.
Example: “All in all, our debate team has shown that there is insurmountable evidence that our side of the argument is correct.”
8. All Things Considered…
My Rating: 6/10
Overview: This term is a good way of saying ‘I have considered everything above and now my conclusion is..’ However, it is another term that’s more commonly used in speech than writing. Use it in a high school debate, but when it comes to a formal essay, I would leave it out.
Example: “All things considered, there’s no doubt in my mind that climate change is man-made.”
9. As a Final Note…
My Rating: 3/10
Overview: This phrase gives me the impression that the student doesn’t understand the point of a conclusion. It’s not to simply make a ‘final note’, but to summarize and reiterate. So, I would personally avoid this one.
Example: “As a final note, I would say that I do think the automobile was one of the greatest inventions of the 20 th Century.”
10. As Already Stated…
My Rating: 2/10
Overview: I don’t like this phrase. It gives teachers the impression that you’re going around in circles and haven’t organized your essay properly. I would particularly avoid it in the body of an essay because I always think: “If you already stated it, why are you stating it again?” Of course, the conclusion does re-state things, but it also adds value because it also summarizes them. So, add value by using a phrase such as ‘summarizing’ or ‘weighing up’ in your conclusion instead.
Example: “As already stated, I’m going to repeat myself and annoy my teacher.”
11. At present, the Best Evidence Suggests…
My Rating: 8/10
Overview: In essays where the evidence may change in the future. Most fields of study do involve some evolution over time, so this phrase acknowledges that “right now” the best evidence is one thing, but it may change in the future. It also shows that you’ve looked at the latest information on the topic.
Example: “At present, the best evidence suggests that carbon dioxide emissions from power plants is the greatest influence on climate change.”
12. At the Core of the Issue…
Overview: I personally find this phrase to be useful for most essays. It highlights that you are able to identify the most important or central point from everything you have examined. It is slightly less formal than some other phrases on this list, but I also wouldn’t consider it too colloquial for an undergraduate essay.
Example: “At the core of the issue in this essay is the fact scientists have been unable to convince the broader public of the importance of action on climate change.”
13. Despite the shortcomings of…
Overview: This phrase can be useful in an argumentative essay. It shows that there are some limitations to your argument, but , on balance you still think your position is the best. This will allow you to show critical insight and knowledge while coming to your conclusion.
Often, my students make the mistake of thinking they can only take one side in an argumentative essay. On the contrary, you should be able to highlight the limitations of your point-of-view while also stating that it’s the best.
Example: “Despite the shortcomings of globalization, this essay has found that on balance it has been good for many areas in both the developed and developing world.”
14. Finally…
My Rating: 4/10
Overview: While the phrase ‘Finally,’ does indicate that you’re coming to the end of your discussion, it is usually used at the end of a list of ideas rather than in a conclusion. It also implies that you’re adding a point rather that summing up previous points you have made.
Example: “Finally, this essay has highlighted the importance of communication between policy makers and practitioners in order to ensure good policy is put into effect.”
15. Gathering the above points together…
Overview: While this is not a phrase I personally use very often, I do believe it has the effect of indicating that you are “summing up”, which is what you want out of a conclusion.
Example: “Gathering the above points together, it is clear that the weight of evidence highlights the importance of action on climate change.”
16. Given the above information…
Overview: This phrase shows that you are considering the information in the body of the piece when coming to your conclusion. Therefore, I believe it is appropriate for starting a conclusion.
Example: “Given the above information, it is reasonable to conclude that the World Health Organization is an appropriate vehicle for achieving improved health outcomes in the developing world.”
17. In a nutshell…
Overview: This phrase means to say everything in the fewest possible words. However, it is a colloquial phrase that is best used in speech rather than formal academic writing.
Example: “In a nutshell, there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate about socialism vs capitalism.”
18. In closing…
Overview: This phrase is an appropriate synonym for ‘In conclusion’ and I would be perfectly fine with a student using this phrase in their essay. Make sure you follow-up by explaining your position based upon the weight of evidence presented in the body of your piece
Example: “In closing, there is ample evidence to suggest that liberalism has been the greatest force for progress in the past 100 years.”
19. In essence…
Overview: While the phrase ‘In essence’ does suggest you are about to sum up the core findings of your discussion, it is somewhat colloquial and is best left for speech rather than formal academic writing.
Example: “In essence, this essay has shown that cattle farming is an industry that should be protected as an essential service for our country.”
20. In review…
Overview: We usually review someone else’s work, not our own. For example, you could review a book that you read or a film you watched. So, writing “In review” as a replacement for “In conclusion” comes across a little awkward.
Example: “In review, the above information has made a compelling case for compulsory military service in the United States.”
21. In short…
Overview: Personally, I find that this phrase is used more regularly by undergraduate student. As students get more confident with their writing, they tend to use higher-rated phrases from this list. Nevertheless, I would not take grades away from a student for using this phrase.
Example: “In short, this essay has shown the importance of sustainable agriculture for securing a healthy future for our nation.”
22. In Sum…
Overview: Short for “In summary”, the phrase “In sum” sufficiently shows that you are not coming to the moment where you will sum up the essay. It is an appropriate phrase to use instead of “In conclusion”.
But remember to not just summarize but also discuss the implications of your findings in your conclusion.
Example: “In sum, this essay has shown the importance of managers in ensuring efficient operation of medium-to-large enterprises.”
23. In Summary…
Overview: In summary and in sum are the same terms which can be supplemented for “In conclusion”. You will show that you are about to summarize the points you said in the body of the essay, which is what you want from an essay.
Example: “In summary, reflection is a very important metacognitive skill that all teachers need to master in order to improve their pedagogical skills.”
24. It cannot be conclusively stated that…
Overview: While this phrase is not always be a good fit for your essay, when it is, it does show knowledge and skill in writing. You would use this phrase if you are writing an expository essay where you have decided that there is not enough evidence currently to make a firm conclusion on the issue.
Example: “It cannot be conclusively stated that the Big Bang was when the universe began. However, it is the best theory so far, and none of the other theories explored in this essay have as much evidence behind them.”
25. It is apparent that…
Overview: The term ‘ apparent ’ means that something is ‘clear’ or even ‘obvious’. So, you would use this word in an argumentative essay where you think you have put forward a very compelling argument.
Example: “It is apparent that current migration patterns in the Americas are unsustainable and causing significant harm to the most vulnerable people in our society.”
26. Last but not least…
Overview: The phrase “last but not least” is a colloquial idiom that is best used in speech rather than formal academic writing. Furthermore, when you are saying ‘last’, you mean to say you’re making your last point rather than summing up all your points you already made. So, I’d avoid this one.
Example: “Last but not least, this essay has highlighted the importance of empowering patients to exercise choice over their own medical decisions.”
27. Overall…
My Rating: 7.5/10
Overview: This phrase means ‘taking everything into account’, which sounds a lot like what you would want to do in an essay. I don’t consider it to be a top-tier choice (which is why I rated it 7), but in my opinion it is perfectly acceptable to use in an undergraduate essay.
Example: “Overall, religious liberty continues to be threatened across the world, and faces significant threats in the 21 st Century.”
28. The above points illustrate…
Overview: This phrase is a good start to a conclusion paragraph that talks about the implications of the points you made in your essay. Follow it up with a statement that defends your thesis you are putting forward in the essay.
Example: “The above points illustrate that art has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on humanity since the renaissance.”
29. The evidence presented in this essay suggests that…
Overview: I like this phrase because it highlights that you are about to gather together the evidence from the body of the essay to put forward a final thesis statement .
Example: “The evidence presented in this essay suggests that the democratic system of government is the best for securing maximum individual liberty for citizens of a nation.”
30. This essay began by stating…
Overview: This phrase is one that I teach in my YouTube mini-course as an effective one to use in an essay conclusion. If you presented an interesting fact in your introduction , you can return to that point from the beginning of the essay to provide nice symmetry in your writing.
Example: “This essay began by stating that corruption has been growing in the Western world. However, the facts collected in the body of the essay show that institutional checks and balances can sufficiently minimize this corruption in the long-term.”
31. This essay has argued…
Overview: This term can be used effectively in an argumentative essay to provide a summary of your key points. Follow it up with an outline of all your key points, and then a sentence about the implications of the points you made. See the example below.
Example: “This essay has argued that standardized tests are damaging for students’ mental health. Tests like the SATs should therefore be replaced by project-based testing in schools.”
32. To close…
Overview: This is a very literal way of saying “In conclusion”. While it’s suitable and serves its purpose, it does come across as being a sophomoric term. Consider using one of the higher-rated phrases in this list.
Example: “To close, this essay has highlighted both the pros and cons of relational dialectics theory and argued that it is not the best communication theory for the 21 st Century.”
33. To Conclude…
Overview: Like ‘to close’ and ‘in summary’, the phrase ‘to conclude’ is very similar to ‘in conclusion’. It can therefore be used as a sufficient replacement for that term. However, as with the above terms, it’s just okay and you could probably find a better phrase to use.
Example: “To conclude, this essay has highlighted that there are multiple models of communication but there is no one perfect theory to explain each situation.”
34. To make a long story short…
My Rating: 1/10
Overview: This is not a good phrase to use in an academic essay. It is a colloquialism. It also implies that you have been rambling in your writing and you could have said everything more efficiently. I would personally not use this phrase.
Example: “To make a long story short, I don’t have very good command of academic language.”
35. To Sum up…
Overview: This phrase is the same as ‘In summary’. It shows that you have made all of your points and now you’re about to bring them all together in a ‘summary’. Just remember in your conclusion that you need to do more than summarize but also talk about the implications of your findings. So you’ll need to go beyond just a summary.
Example: “In summary, there is ample evidence that linear models of communication like Lasswell’s model are not as good at explaining 21 st Century communication as circular models like the Osgood-Schramm model .”
36. Ultimately…
Overview: While this phrase does say that you are coming to a final point – also known as a conclusion – it’s also a very strong statement that might not be best to use in all situations. I usually accept this phrase from my undergraduates, but for my postgraduates I’d probably suggest simply removing it.
Example: “Ultimately, new media has been bad for the world because it has led to the spread of mistruths around the internet.”
37. Undoubtedly…
Overview: If you are using it in a debate or argumentative essay, it can be helpful. However, in a regular academic essay, I would avoid it. We call this a ‘booster’, which is a term that emphasizes certainty. Unfortunately, certainty is a difficult thing to claim, so you’re better off ‘hedging’ with phrases like ‘It appears’ or ‘The best evidence suggests’.
Example: “Undoubtedly, I know everything about this topic and am one hundred percent certain even though I’m just an undergraduate student.”
38. Weighing up the facts, this essay finds…
Overview: This statement highlights that you are looking at all of the facts both for and against your points of view. It shows you’re not just blindly following one argument but being careful about seeing things from many perspectives.
Example: “Weighing up the facts, this essay finds that reading books is important for developing critical thinking skills in childhood.”
39. With that said…
Overview: This is another phrase that I would avoid. This is a colloquialism that’s best used in speech rather than writing. It is another term that feels sophomoric and is best to avoid. Instead, use a more formal term such as: ‘Weighing up the above points, this essay finds…’
Example: “With that said, this essay disagrees with the statement that you need to go to college to get a good job.”
Do you Need to Say Anything?
Something I often tell my students is: “Can you just remove that phrase?”
Consider this sentence:
- “In conclusion, the majority of scientists concur that climate change exists.”
Would it be possible to simply say:
- “ In conclusion, The majority of scientists concur that climate change exists.”
So, I’d recommend also just considering removing that phrase altogether! Sometimes the best writing is the shortest, simplest writing that gets to the point without any redundant language at all.
How to Write an Effective Conclusion
Before I go, I’d like to bring your attention to my video on ‘how to write an effective conclusion’. I think it would really help you out given that you’re looking for help on how to write a conclusion. It’s under 5 minutes long and has helped literally thousands of students write better conclusions for their essays:
You can also check out these conclusion examples for some copy-and-paste conclusions for your own essay.
In Conclusion…
Well, I had to begin this conclusion with ‘In conclusion…’ I liked the irony in it, and I couldn’t pass up that chance.
Overall, don’t forget that concluding an essay is a way to powerfully summarize what you’ve had to say and leave the reader with a strong impression that you’ve become an authority on the topic you’re researching.
So, whether you write it as a conclusion, summary, or any other synonym for conclusion, those other ways to say in conclusion are less important than making sure that the message in your conclusion is incredibly strong.
- Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
- Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
- Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
- Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples
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List of 50 "In Conclusion" Synonyms—Write Better with ProWritingAid
By Alex Simmonds
Table of Contents
Why is it wrong to use "in conclusion" when writing a conclusion, what can i use instead of "in conclusion" for an essay, what are some synonyms for "in conclusion" in formal writing, what are some synonyms for "in conclusion" in informal writing, what is another word for "in conclusion", what should a conclusion do in an article or paper.
The final paragraphs of any paper can be extremely difficult to get right, and yet they are probably the most important. They offer you a chance to summarize the points you have made into a neat package and leave a good impression on the reader.
Many people choose to start the last paragraph with the phrase in conclusion , but this has its downsides.
Firstly, you should only use it once. Any more than that and your essay will sound horribly repetitive. Secondly, there is the question of whether you should even use the phrase at all?
Though it’s okay to use in conclusion in a speech or presentation, when writing an essay it comes across as stating the obvious. The phrase will come across as a bit unnecessary or "on the nose."
Its use in an essay is clichéd, and there are far cleaner and more elegant ways of indicating that you are going to be concluding the paper. Using in conclusion might even irritate and alienate your audience or readers.
Thankfully, there are hundreds of synonyms available in the English language which do a much better (and much more subtle) job of drawing a piece of writing to a close.
The key is to choose ones which suit the tone of the paper. Here we will look at both formal options for an essay or academic paper, and informal options for light-hearted, low key writing, or speeches.
If you are writing an academic essay, a white paper, a business paper, or any other formal text, you will want to use formal transitional expressions that successfully work as synonyms for in conclusion .
The following are some suggestions you could use:
As has been demonstrated
A simple way of concluding all your points and summarizing everything you have said is to confidently state that those points have convincingly proven your case:
As the research has demonstrated , kids really do love chocolate.
As all the above points have demonstrated , Dan Brown really was the most technically gifted writer of the 20th Century.
As has been demonstrated in this paper , the side-effects of the vaccine are mild in comparison to the consequences of the virus.
As has been shown
This is another way of saying as has been demonstrated , but perhaps less scientific and more literary. As has been shown would work well in literature, history, or philosophy essays.
For example:
As has been shown above , the First World War and industrialization were the drivers for a new way of seeing the world, reflected in Pound’s poetry.
In the final analysis
This is a great expression to use in your conclusion, since it’s almost as blunt as in conclusion , but is a more refined and far less clichéd way of starting the concluding paragraph.
Once you have finished your argument and started drawing things to a close, using in the final analysis allows you to tail nicely into your last summation.
In the final analysis , there can be little doubt that Transformers: Dark of the Moon represents a low point in the history of cinema.
Along with let’s review , this is short and blunt way of announcing that you intend to recap the points you have made so far, rather than actually drawing a conclusion.
It definitely works best when presenting or reading out a speech, but less well in an essay or paper.
However, it does work effectively in a scientific paper or if you wish to recap a long train of thought, argument, or sequence before getting to the final concluding lines.
To review , of the two groups of senior citizens, one was given a placebo and the other a large dose of amphetamines.
Another phrase you could consider is in closing . This is probably better when speaking or presenting because of how double-edged it is. It still has an in conclusion element to it, but arguably it could also work well when drawing an academic or scientific paper to a conclusion.
For example, it is particularly useful in scientific or business papers where you want to sum up your points, and then even have a call to action:
In closing then, it is clear that as a society, we all need to carefully monitor our consumption of gummy bears.
Or in an academic paper, it offers a slightly less blunt way to begin a paragraph:
In closing , how do we tie all these different elements of Ballard’s writing together?
Perhaps the most similar expression to in conclusion is in summary . In summary offers a clear indication to the reader that you are going to restate the main points of your paper and draw a conclusion from those points:
In summary , Existentialism is the only philosophy that has any real validity in the 21st century.
In summary , we believe that by switching to a subscription model...
On top of those previously mentioned, here are some other phrases that you can use as an alternative to in conclusion :
To summarize
Overall, it may be said
Taking everything into account
On the whole
In general, it can be said that
With this in mind
Considering all this
Everything considered
As a final observation
Considering all of the facts
For the most part
In light of these facts
When it comes to finishing up a speech, a light-hearted paper, blog post, or magazine article, there are a couple of informal phrases you can use rather than in conclusion :
In a nutshell
The phrase in a nutshell is extremely informal and can be used both in speech and in writing. However, it should never be used in academic or formal writing.
It could probably be used in informal business presentations, to let the audience know that you are summing up in a light-hearted manner:
In a nutshell , our new formula Pro Jazzinol shampoo does the same as our old shampoo, but we get to charge 20% more for it!
You can also use it if you want to get straight to the point at the end of a speech or article, without any fluff:
In a nutshell , our new SocialShocka app does what it says on the tin—gives you an electric shock every time you try to access your social media!
At the end of the day
This is a pretty useful expression if you want to informally conclude an argument, having made all your points. It basically means in the final reckoning or the main thing to consider is , but said in a more conversational manner:
At the end of the day , he will never make the national team, but will make a good living as a professional.
At the end of the day , the former President was never destined to unite the country…
Long story short
Another informal option when replacing in conclusion is to opt for to make a long story short —sometimes shortened to long story short .
Again, this is not one you would use when writing an academic or formal paper, as it is much too conversational. It’s a phrase that is far better suited to telling a joke or story to your friends:
Long story short , Billy has only gone and started his own religion!
Would you ever use it in writing? Probably not, except for at the end of friendly, low-key presentations:
Long story short , our conclusion is that you are spending far too much money on after work company bowling trips.
And possibly at the end of an offbeat magazine article or blog post:
Long story short , Henry VIII was a great king—not so great a husband though!
Other "In Conclusion" Synonyms for Informal Writing
You can use any of the synonyms in this article when writing informally, but these are particularly useful when you want your writing to sound conversational:
By and large
On a final note
Last but not least
For all intents and purposes
The bottom line is
To put it bluntly
To wrap things up
To come to the point
To wind things up
Instead of opting for one of the above expressions or idioms, there are several different singular transition words you can use instead. Here are a couple of examples:
The perfect word to tell the reader you are reaching the end of your argument. Lastly is an adverb that means "at the end" or "in summary." It is best used when you are beginning your conclusion:
Lastly , with all the previous points in mind, there is the question of why Philip K Dick was so fascinated with alternate history?
But can also be used at the very end of your conclusion too:
Lastly then, we are left with Eliot’s own words on his inspiration for "The Waste Land."
Finally does exactly the same job as lastly . It lets the reader know that you are at the final point of your argument or are about to draw your conclusion:
Finally , we can see from all the previous points that...
Another word that can be used at beginning of the conclusion is the adverb ultimately . Meaning "in the end" or "at the end of the day," it can be used as a conclusion to both informal and formal papers or articles:
Ultimately , it comes down to whether one takes an Old Testament view of capital punishment or...
It can also be used in more survey, scientific, or charity appeal style articles as a call to action of some sort:
Ultimately , we will all need to put some thought into our own carbon footprints over the next couple of years.
A good word to conclude a scientific, or survey style paper is overall . It can be used when discussing the points, arguments or results that have been outlined in the paper up until that point.
Thus, you can say:
Overall , our survey showed that most people believe you should spread the cream before you add the jam, when eating scones.
Other Transition Words to Replace "In Conclusion"
Here are a few transition word alternatives to add to your arsenal:
Considering
Essentially
Principally
Summarizing
Pro tip: You should use transition words throughout your essay, paper, or article to guide your reader through your ideas towards your conclusion. ProWritingAid’s Transitions Report tells you how many transition words you’ve used throughout your document so you can make sure you’re supporting your readers’ understanding.
It’ll also tell you what type of transitions you’ve used. If there are no conclusion words in your writing, consider using one of the synonyms from this article.
Sign up for a free ProWritingAid account to try the Transitions Report.
One of the most effective ways of finishing up a piece of writing is to ask a question, or return to the question that was asked at the beginning of the paper using. This can be achieved using how , what , why , or who .
This is sometimes referred to as the "so what?" question. This takes all your points and moves your writing (and your reader) back to the broader context, and gets the reader to ask, why are these points important? Your conclusion should answer the question "so what?" .
To answer that, you circle back to the main concept or driving force of the essay / paper (usually found in the title) and tie it together with the points you have made, in a final, elegant few sentences:
How, then, is Kafka’s writing modernist in outlook?
Why should we consider Dickens’ work from a feminist perspective?
What, then , was Blake referring to, when he spoke of mind forged manacles?
In Conclusion
There are plenty of alternatives for drawing an effective and elegant close to your arguments, rather than simply stating in conclusion .
Whether you ask a question or opt for a transition expression or a single transition word, just taking the time to choose the right synonyms will make all the difference to what is, essentially, the most important part of your paper.
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Alex Simmonds
Alex Simmonds is a freelance copywriter based in the UK and has been using words to help people sell things for over 20 years. He has an MA in English Lit and has been struggling to write a novel for most of the last decade. He can be found at alexsimmonds.co.uk.
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11 Other Ways to Say “in Conclusion” in An Essay (See Examples)
In academic writing, effectively concluding an essay is just as crucial as the introduction. However, many students repeatedly use the phrase “in conclusion” to signal the end of their discussions, which can become redundant and uninspiring.
Exploring other ways to say “in conclusion” is beneficial to elevating the quality of your essay and engaging your readers until the very last word . This approach not only enhances your writing style but also demonstrates a mastery of language that can impress your readers and graders alike.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into several alternative phrases that you can use to conclude your essays effectively, with practical examples to illustrate how to implement them seamlessly into your writing.
11 Synonyms for “in Conclusion” in An Essay (With Usage Examples)
Here are 11 alternatives to say “in conclusion” in an essay:
- To summarize
- All things considered
- In the final analysis
- To wrap things up
- On the whole
- As a final point
1. To summarize
To summarize is a clear and direct way to signal that you’re about to recap the main points of your essay or argument. This phrase is particularly useful when you want to condense complex information into a more digestible format for your readers.
It’s often used in academic writing, reports, and formal presentations where clarity is key. When using to summarize , it’s important to ensure that you’re truly providing a concise overview rather than introducing new information.
This phrase can be especially effective when followed by a numbered or bulleted list of your main points.
Usage example:
To summarize , this essay has explored three main factors contributing to climate change: industrial emissions, deforestation, and agricultural practices.
2. Ultimately
Ultimately is a versatile transition word that can be used to introduce a final point or conclusion. It implies that you’ve considered various aspects or arguments before arriving at your final statement.
This word is particularly effective when you want to emphasize the most important or overarching conclusion of your essay.
Ultimately can also be used to suggest that despite conflicting evidence or opinions, you’ve reached a definitive stance. It’s a good choice when you want to sound authoritative without being overly formal.
Ultimately , while there are valid arguments on both sides, the benefits of renewable energy far outweigh the initial costs of implementation.
3. All things considered
The phrase all things considered signals to the reader that you’ve taken a comprehensive view of the topic before drawing your conclusion. It’s particularly useful when you’ve discussed multiple perspectives or factors in your essay.
This phrase implies that you’ve weighed various aspects carefully before reaching your final point. It can be especially effective in persuasive essays or when discussing complex issues with no clear-cut answers. All things considered also adds a tone of fairness and objectivity to your conclusion.
All things considered , while social media has its drawbacks, its ability to connect people across vast distances has revolutionized communication in the 21st century.
4. In essence
In essence is a concise way to introduce the core or fundamental idea of your argument. This phrase is particularly useful when you want to distill a complex topic down to its most basic elements . It’s often used to provide a simplified version of a more elaborate argument or to highlight the most crucial point among many.
In essence can help you cut through less important details and focus your reader’s attention on what you consider to be the heart of the matter. This phrase works well in both academic and more casual writing styles.
In essence , the novel explores the timeless conflict between individual desires and societal expectations.
5. As a final point
As a final point clearly signals to your reader that you’re about to present your last argument or observation. This phrase is straightforward and can be used to introduce a concluding statement that you want to emphasize or that ties together your previous points.
It’s particularly useful when you want to add one last thought that might not fit neatly into your main argument but is still important to mention. As a final point can also be used to introduce a call to action or a suggestion for further research or consideration.
As a final point , it’s worth noting that while this study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to understand the long-term implications of these findings fully.
6. In summary
In summary is a straightforward and formal way to introduce your concluding remarks. This phrase is particularly useful when you want to provide a brief overview of the main points discussed in your essay or presentation. It’s commonly used in academic writing, business reports, and formal speeches.
When using in summary , it’s important to focus on restating your key arguments or findings without introducing new information. This phrase can be especially effective when followed by a concise, well-structured paragraph that ties together your main ideas.
In summary , this report has examined the economic impact of remote work on urban centers, highlighting reduced commuter traffic, decreased commercial real estate demand, and shifts in local business revenues.
7. To sum up
To sum up is a slightly less formal alternative to “in summary” or “in conclusion.” It’s a versatile phrase that can be used in both academic and more casual contexts. When you use to sum up , you’re signaling to your reader that you’re about to consolidate the main ideas of your essay or argument.
This phrase is particularly effective when you want to present a concise, clear final statement that encapsulates your overall message. It’s also useful when you want to remind your audience of the key points before moving on to your final thoughts or recommendations.
To sum up , while artificial intelligence offers numerous benefits in various fields, it also presents significant ethical challenges that society must address proactively.
8. In closing
In closing, is a polite and somewhat formal way to signal that you’re reaching the end of your essay or speech. This phrase is often used in professional settings, such as business presentations or formal letters.
When you use in closing , you’re indicating that you’re about to wrap up your main arguments and possibly offer some final thoughts or a call to action. It’s particularly effective when you want to leave your audience with a strong, memorable final impression.
This phrase can also be used to transition into a brief summary of your key points before presenting your concluding statement.
In closing , I’d like to emphasize the critical role that community engagement plays in the success of urban renewal projects.
9. To wrap things up
To wrap things up is a more casual and conversational way to introduce your conclusion. This phrase is well-suited for less formal essays, blog posts, or presentations. When you use to wrap things up , you’re signaling to your audience that you’re about to bring your discussion to an end .
It’s particularly effective when you want to maintain a friendly, approachable tone while still providing a clear structure to your conclusion. This phrase can be useful when summarizing key points or when transitioning to a final thought or call to action.
To wrap things up , let’s review the three main strategies we’ve discussed for improving work-life balance in the modern workplace.
10. On the whole
On the whole is a phrase used to introduce a general conclusion or overall assessment after considering various aspects of a topic. This expression is particularly useful when you’ve discussed multiple factors or perspectives in your essay.
When you use on the whole , you’re indicating that you’ve taken a broad view of the subject and are now presenting your overall judgment or conclusion. It’s especially effective when you want to acknowledge the complexity of an issue while still offering a clear, overarching statement.
This phrase can help balance different viewpoints and show that you’ve considered the bigger picture.
On the whole , despite some setbacks, the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has made significant progress over the past decade.
11. In the final analysis
In the final analysis, a more formal and thoughtful way to introduce your concluding remarks is needed. This phrase suggests that you’ve conducted a thorough examination of the topic before reaching your conclusion.
When you use in the final analysis , you’re signaling that you’re about to present your ultimate conclusion after careful consideration of all relevant factors. It’s particularly effective in academic writing or when discussing complex issues with multiple variables.
This phrase can add weight and credibility to your final statement, implying that it’s the result of deep analysis rather than a superficial observation.
In the final analysis , while genetic factors play a role in personal health outcomes, lifestyle choices and environmental factors have a more significant impact on overall well-being.
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59 Ways to Say 'In Conclusion'
In this article, we’ll learn 59 alternative ways to say ‘in conclusion.’ In other words, you’re going to learn some synonyms of the common expression.
If you find yourself using the words ‘in conclusion’ a lot and wish you knew of other ways to say it, then you’ve come to the right place.
Other Ways to Say ‘In Conclusion'
So you want to learn new ways to say ‘in conclusion?’ Whether it’s for a formal or more casual setting, knowing alternative words for this popular expression can always come in handy.
So without further ado, let’s dive in.
‘In Conclusion’ Definition
First of all, what does ‘in conclusion’ mean? That’s an excellent place to start.
- It's an expression you use at the end of an idea to wrap up what you’ve said so far and to introduce your findings or thoughts on the matter.
- You’ll usually find these words at the end of a paragraph, a section, or at the very end of the piece itself.
Here are some examples of texts where you’ll often (if not always) find a conclusion:
- A blog article
- A research paper
For example, any well-structured blog deserves to be concluded. If you scroll to the end of any of our articles, you’ll always find that the very last section is a conclusion section where we summarize what was learned throughout the blog and any final thoughts on the topic.
Formal Ways to Say ‘In Conclusion’
The expression ‘in conclusion’ is often used in formal writing, such as academic essays or research papers, because those are the kinds of writing that require one. But if there’s one crucial thing in a well-written paper, it’s avoiding repetition and showing that you have a wide and varied vocabulary.
Is that you? Are you currently writing an academic paper or other text you hope to impress with? If so, this section is for you.
Here are some alternative ways to say ‘in conclusion’ in a formal setting:
1. By way of conclusion 2. To conclude 3. On a final note 4. To summarize 5. In closing 6. All things considered 7. Finally 8. In brief 9. Ultimately 10. For all intents and purposes 11. In essence 12. The bottom line is 13. To bring things to a close 14. To wrap things up 15. The main takeaway 16. If you take anything from this, let it be that 17. As I've demonstrated 18. As has been shown 19. Lastly 20. To review 21. By way of final observation
Casual Ways to Say ‘In Conclusion’
22. In a nutshell 23. Basically 24. Long story short 25. All in all 26. At the end of the day 27. So what I’m saying is 28. The gist of it is 29. On the whole 30. To sum up 31. To get to the point 32. After all is said and done
Different Ways to Conclude
There are a bunch of other ways you can conclude your argument, text, or speech. I'm going to list these below, and while they're not synonymous with 'in conclusion' like the phrases outlined above, they're still effective for rounding up or finalizing your argument.
33. By and large 34. Mostly 35. In general 36. Most importantly 37. Taking everything into account 38. In the end 39. As a result 40. As you can see 41. In the final analysis 42. For the most part 43. In the main 44. Chiefly 45. In short 46. Upon consideration 47. Upon further review 48. Overall 49. Predominantly 50. What I mean by that 51. In summary 52. What this means 53. Generally 54. With this in mind 55. Considering all this 56. Everything considered 57. All things considered 58. Considering all of the facts 59. In light of these facts
Examples in a Sentence
Okay, so now we’ve got some alternative ways of saying ‘in conclusion,’ how about we look at how to use some of these in context?
Let’s use some real-life sentence examples to illustrate.
Here are some formal setting examples:
To summarize our findings, it appears that when the rats were in a peaceful setting, they chose healthier food. For all intents and purposes, their hearts are in the right place. All things considered, the girls seemed just as likely as the boys to want to play team sports. I think the important thing here is to look at the bottom line. The bottom line is that it’s good for the soul to listen to music .
And now some examples of more casual conversations:
In a nutshell, I think you and I should be together. So what I'm saying is, what counts is what you do, not what you don't do. The gist of it is that it makes more sense to book in advance than to show up on the day. Long story short, I'm back in New York and looking for a job. At the end of the day, he just does whatever he wants to, regardless of the consequences.
Final Thoughts
And this is the moment where we begin our conclusion to this article. As I mentioned earlier, all good articles need a conclusion.
Let’s summarize what we’ve learned:
- Use a conclusion at the end of your text, speech, or argument.
- Choose the correct expression based on the context you’re in.
- Use the concluding section to make any final remarks about your findings or your thoughts on the topic.
And if you found this article helpful, head to our blog , where you’ll find lots more like this.
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- Posted in in Other Ways to Say
15 Other Ways to Say In Conclusion in English
- Posted by by Learn English Every Day
- 3 months ago
Expanding your vocabulary with other ways to say in conclusion can make your writing and speech more engaging and varied. Here are 15 alternatives to “in conclusion” in English, including when to use them in formal or informal settings.
Table of Contents
“To sum up” is an informal way to summarize information at the end of a discussion or presentation.
Example sentences with “To Sum Up”:
- “To sum up, we need to increase our marketing efforts.”
- “To sum up, the project was a great success.”
“In summary” is a formal way to introduce a brief statement of the main points.
Example sentences with “In Summary”:
- “In summary, our findings suggest significant improvements.”
- “In summary, the event was well-received.”
To Conclude
“To conclude” is a formal way to indicate that you are finishing your speech or writing.
Example sentences with “To Conclude”:
- “To conclude, we must focus on quality over quantity.”
- “To conclude, I appreciate your attention to this matter.”
“All in all” is an informal way to summarize your thoughts or findings.
Example sentences with “All in All”:
- “All in all, it was a productive meeting.”
- “All in all, we had a fantastic trip.”
“In closing” is a formal way to indicate that you are making final remarks.
Example sentences with “In Closing”:
- “In closing, I want to thank everyone for their hard work.”
- “In closing, let’s remember to stay focused on our goals.”
As a Result
“As a result” is used to summarize the outcome of a discussion or series of events.
Example sentences with “As a Result”:
- “As a result, we have decided to implement the new policy.”
- “As a result, the company saw a significant increase in sales.”
To Summarize
“To summarize” is a formal way to briefly state the main points of your argument or discussion.
Example sentences with “To Summarize”:
- “To summarize, the research supports our initial hypothesis.”
- “To summarize, we must invest in new technologies.”
In a Nutshell
“In a nutshell” is an informal way to give a brief summary of the main points.
Example sentences with “In a Nutshell”:
- “In a nutshell, we need to improve our customer service.”
- “In a nutshell, the plan is to expand our operations.”
“In brief” is a formal way to provide a concise summary.
Example sentences with “In Brief”:
- “In brief, our strategy focuses on innovation.”
- “In brief, the results were impressive.”
On the Whole
“On the whole” is used to give an overall view or general summary.
Example sentences with “On the Whole”:
- “On the whole, the project was a success.”
- “On the whole, our team performed well.”
“Ultimately” is a formal way to indicate the final point or outcome.
Example sentences with “Ultimately”:
- “Ultimately, we must prioritize customer satisfaction.”
- “Ultimately, the decision lies with the board of directors.”
“In the end” is an informal way to conclude a discussion or narrative.
Example sentences with “In the End”:
- “In the end, it all worked out for the best.”
- “In the end, we achieved our goals.”
“Finally” is a formal way to indicate the last point in a series.
Example sentences with “Finally”:
- “Finally, I would like to thank everyone for their contributions.”
- “Finally, let’s ensure we meet our deadlines.”
In Retrospect
“In retrospect” is used to look back and summarize with the benefit of hindsight.
Example sentences with “In Retrospect”:
- “In retrospect, we could have taken a different approach.”
- “In retrospect, the changes were beneficial.”
All Things Considered
“All things considered” is used to sum up all aspects of a discussion or situation.
Example sentences with “All Things Considered”:
- “All things considered, the event was a success.”
- “All things considered, we made the right decision.”
Expanding your vocabulary with these alternatives to “in conclusion” will help you articulate your summaries more precisely and fluently. Practice using these phrases in your daily conversations and writing to enhance your English skills.
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