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.
Want to improve your essay writing skills?
Use prowritingaid.
Are your teachers always pulling you up on the same errors? Maybe you’re losing clarity by writing overly long sentences or using the passive voice too much.
ProWritingAid helps you catch these issues in your essay before you submit it.
Be confident about grammar
Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.
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.
Get started with ProWritingAid
Visit our Help Center or let's stay in touch via:
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.
Related Posts:
IMAGES
VIDEO