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
- In summary
- To sum up
- Ultimately
- In closing
- All things considered
- In the final analysis
- To wrap things up
- In essence
- 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.
Usage example:
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.
Usage example:
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.
Usage example:
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.
Usage example:
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.
Usage example:
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.
Usage example:
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.
Usage example:
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.
Usage example:
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.
Usage example:
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.
Usage example:
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.