{"id":9475,"date":"2021-04-27T23:55:16","date_gmt":"2021-04-27T23:55:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/?p=9475"},"modified":"2024-01-16T21:10:50","modified_gmt":"2024-01-16T21:10:50","slug":"different-ways-to-say-in-conclusion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/different-ways-to-say-in-conclusion\/","title":{"rendered":"39 Different Ways to Say \u2018In Conclusion\u2019 in an Essay (Rated)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"essay<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The phrase \u201cIn conclusion \u2026\u201d sounds reductive, simple and \u2026 well, just basic.<\/p>\n

You can find better words to conclude an essay than that!<\/p>\n

So below I\u2019ve outlined a list of different ways to say in conclusion in an essay using a range of analysis verbs<\/a>.<\/strong> Each one comes with an explanation of the best time to use each phrase and an example you could consider.<\/p>\n\n

Read Also: How to Write a Conclusion using the 5C’s Method<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

List of Ways to Say \u2018In Conclusion\u2019 in an Essay<\/h2>\n

The following are the best tips I have for to say in conclusion in an essay.<\/p>\n

1. The Weight of the Evidence Suggests…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>10\/10<\/p>\n

Overview:<\/strong> This is a good concluding phrase for an evaluative essay<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

You could also use this phrase for argumentative essays where you\u2019ve put forward all the evidence for your particular case.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cThe weight of the evidence suggests that climate change is a real phenomenon.\u201d<\/p>\n

2. A Thoughtful Analysis would Conclude…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>9\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>I would use this phrase in either an argumentative essay or a comparison essay. As an argument, it highlights that you think your <\/em>position is the most logical.<\/p>\n

In a comparison essay, it shows that you have (or have intended to) thoughtfully <\/em>explore the issue by looking at both sides.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cA thoughtful analysis would conclude that there is substantial evidence highlighting that climate change is real.\u201d<\/p>\n

Related Article: <\/em>17+ Great Ideas For An Essay About Yourself<\/a><\/p>\n

3. A Balanced Assessment of the Above Information…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>9\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>This phrase can be used to show that you have made a thoughtful analysis of the information you found when researching the essay. You\u2019re telling your teacher with this phrase that you have looked at all sides of the argument before coming to your conclusion.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cA 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

4. Across the Board…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>5\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cAcross the board, there are scientists around the world who consistently provide evidence for human-induced climate change.\u201d<\/p>\n

5. Logically…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>7\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> \u201cLogically, the rise of the automobile would speed up economic expansion in the United States. Automobiles allowed goods to flow faster around the economy.<\/p>\n

6. After all is Said and Done…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>5\/10<\/p>\n

Overview:<\/strong> This is a colloquial term that is more useful in a speech than written text. If you feel that the phrase \u2018In conclusion,\u2019 is too basic, then I\u2019d also avoid this term. However, use in speech is common, so if you\u2019re giving a speech, it may be more acceptable.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cAfter all is said and done, it\u2019s clear that there is more evidence to suggest that climate change is real than a hoax.\u201d<\/p>\n

7. All in All…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>5\/10<\/p>\n

Overview:<\/strong> \u2018All in all\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cAll in all, our debate team has shown that there is insurmountable evidence that our side of the argument is correct.\u201d<\/p>\n

8. All Things Considered…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>6\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>This term is a good way of saying \u2018I have considered everything above and now my conclusion is..\u2019 However, it is another term that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cAll things considered, there\u2019s no doubt in my mind that climate change is man-made.\u201d<\/p>\n

9. As a Final Note…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>3\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>This phrase gives me the impression that the student doesn\u2019t understand the point of a conclusion. It\u2019s not to simply make a \u2018final note\u2019, but to summarize and reiterate. So, I would personally avoid this one.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cAs a final note, I would say that I do think the automobile was one of the greatest inventions of the 20th<\/sup> Century.\u201d<\/p>\n

10. As Already Stated…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>2\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>I don\u2019t like this phrase. It gives teachers the impression that you\u2019re going around in circles and haven\u2019t organized your essay properly. I would particularly avoid it in the body of an essay because I always think: \u201cIf you already stated it, why are you stating it again?\u201d Of course, the conclusion does re-state things, but it also adds value because it also summarizes <\/em>them. So, add value by using a phrase such as \u2018summarizing\u2019 or \u2018weighing up\u2019 in your conclusion instead.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cAs already stated, I\u2019m going to repeat myself and annoy my teacher.\u201d<\/p>\n

11. At present, the Best Evidence Suggests…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>8\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>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 \u201cright now\u201d the best evidence is one thing, but it may change in the future. It also shows that you\u2019ve looked at the latest <\/em>information on the topic.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cAt present, the best evidence suggests that carbon dioxide emissions from power plants is the greatest influence on climate change.\u201d<\/p>\n

12. At the Core of the Issue…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>7\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>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\u2019t consider it too colloquial for an undergraduate essay.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cAt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

13. Despite the shortcomings of…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>8\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>This phrase can be useful in an argumentative essay. It shows that there are some limitations to your argument, but<\/em>, 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s the best.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cDespite 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

14. Finally…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>4\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>While the phrase \u2018Finally,\u2019 does indicate that you\u2019re 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\u2019re adding a point rather that summing up previous points you have made.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cFinally, this essay has highlighted the importance of communication between policy makers and practitioners in order to ensure good policy is put into effect.\u201d<\/p>\n

15. Gathering the above points together…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>7\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>While this is not a phrase I personally use very often, I do believe it has the effect of indicating that you are \u201csumming up\u201d, which is what you want out of a conclusion.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cGathering the above points together, it is clear that the weight of evidence highlights the importance of action on climate change.\u201d<\/p>\n

16. Given the above information…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>8\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cGiven 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

17. In a nutshell…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>3\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cIn a nutshell, there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate about socialism vs capitalism.\u201d<\/p>\n

18. In closing…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>7\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>This phrase is an appropriate synonym for \u2018In conclusion\u2019 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<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cIn closing, there is ample evidence to suggest that liberalism has been the greatest force for progress in the past 100 years.\u201d<\/p>\n

19. In essence…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>5\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>While the phrase \u2018In essence\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cIn essence, this essay has shown that cattle farming is an industry that should be protected as an essential service for our country.\u201d<\/p>\n

20. In review…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>5\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>We usually review someone else\u2019s work, not our own. For example, you could review a book that you read or a film you watched. So, writing \u201cIn review\u201d as a replacement for \u201cIn conclusion\u201d comes across a little awkward.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cIn review, the above information has made a compelling case for compulsory military service in the United States.\u201d<\/p>\n

21. In short…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>5\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cIn short, this essay has shown the importance of sustainable agriculture for securing a healthy future for our nation.\u201d<\/p>\n

22. In Sum…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>6\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>Short for \u201cIn summary\u201d, the phrase \u201cIn sum\u201d 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 \u201cIn conclusion\u201d.<\/p>\n

But remember to not just summarize but also discuss the implications <\/em>of your findings in your conclusion.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cIn sum, this essay has shown the importance of managers<\/a> in ensuring efficient operation of medium-to-large enterprises.\u201d<\/p>\n

23. In Summary…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>6\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>In summary and in sum are the same terms which can be supplemented for \u201cIn conclusion\u201d. 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.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cIn summary, reflection is a very important metacognitive skill that all teachers need to master in order to improve their pedagogical skills.\u201d<\/p>\n

24. It cannot be conclusively stated that…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>7\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

25. It is apparent that…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>7\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>The term \u2018apparent<\/a>\u2019 means that something is \u2018clear\u2019 or even \u2018obvious\u2019. So, you would use this word in an argumentative essay where you think you have put forward a very compelling argument.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cIt is apparent that current migration patterns in the Americas are unsustainable and causing significant harm to the most vulnerable people in our society.\u201d<\/p>\n

26. Last but not least…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>4\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>The phrase \u201clast but not least\u201d is a colloquial idiom that is best used in speech rather than formal academic writing. Furthermore, when you are saying \u2018last\u2019, you mean to say you\u2019re making your last point rather than summing up all your points you already made. So, I\u2019d avoid this one.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cLast but not least, this essay has highlighted the importance of empowering patients to exercise choice over their own medical decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n

27. Overall…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>7.5\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>This phrase means \u2018taking everything into account\u2019, which sounds a lot like what you would want to do in an essay. I don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cOverall, religious liberty continues to be threatened across the world, and faces significant threats in the 21st<\/sup> Century.\u201d<\/p>\n

28. The above points illustrate…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>8\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cThe above points illustrate that art has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on humanity since the renaissance.\u201d<\/p>\n

29. The evidence presented in this essay suggests that…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>10\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

30. This essay began by stating…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>9\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>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<\/a>, you can return to that point from the beginning of the essay to provide nice symmetry in your writing.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

31. This essay has argued…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>8\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>This term can be used effectively in an argumentative essay<\/a> 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<\/em> of the points you made. See the example below.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cThis essay has argued that standardized tests are damaging for students\u2019 mental health. Tests like the SATs should therefore be replaced by project-based testing in schools.\u201d<\/p>\n

32. To close…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>6\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>This is a very literal way of saying \u201cIn conclusion\u201d. While it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cTo close, this essay has highlighted both the pros and cons of relational dialectics theory<\/a> and argued that it is not the best communication theory for the 21st<\/sup> Century.\u201d<\/p>\n

33. To Conclude…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>6\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>Like \u2018to close\u2019 and \u2018in summary\u2019, the phrase \u2018to conclude\u2019 is very similar to \u2018in conclusion\u2019. It can therefore be used as a sufficient replacement for that term. However, as with the above terms, it\u2019s just okay<\/em> and you could probably find a better phrase to use.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cTo conclude, this essay has highlighted that there are multiple models of communication<\/a> but there is no one perfect theory to explain each situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

34. To make a long story short…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>1\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cTo make a long story short, I don\u2019t have very good command of academic language.\u201d<\/p>\n

35. To Sum up…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>6\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>This phrase is the same as \u2018In summary\u2019. It shows that you have made all of your points and now you\u2019re about to bring them all together in a \u2018summary\u2019. Just remember in your conclusion that you need to do more than summarize<\/em> but also talk about the implications <\/em>of your findings. So you\u2019ll need to go beyond just a summary.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cIn summary, there is ample evidence that linear models of communication like Lasswell\u2019s model<\/a> are not as good at explaining 21st<\/sup> Century communication as circular models like the Osgood-Schramm model<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

36. Ultimately…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>6\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>While this phrase does say that you are coming to a final point \u2013 also known as a conclusion \u2013 it\u2019s 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\u2019d probably suggest simply removing it.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cUltimately, new media<\/a> has been bad for the world because it has led to the spread of mistruths around the internet.\u201d<\/p>\n

37. Undoubtedly…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>4\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>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 \u2018booster\u2019, which is a term that emphasizes certainty. Unfortunately, certainty is a difficult thing to claim, so you\u2019re better off \u2018hedging\u2019 with phrases like \u2018It appears\u2019 or \u2018The best evidence suggests\u2019.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cUndoubtedly, I know everything about this topic and am one hundred percent certain even though I\u2019m just an undergraduate student.\u201d<\/p>\n

38. Weighing up the facts, this essay finds…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>10\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>This statement highlights that you are looking at all of the facts both for and against your points of view. It shows you\u2019re not just blindly following one argument but being careful about seeing things from many perspectives.<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cWeighing up the facts, this essay finds that reading books is important<\/a> for developing critical thinking skills in childhood.\u201d<\/p>\n

39. With that said…<\/h3>\n

My Rating: <\/strong>2\/10<\/p>\n

Overview: <\/strong>This is another phrase that I would avoid. This is a colloquialism that\u2019s 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: \u2018Weighing up the above points, this essay finds\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

Example: <\/strong>\u201cWith that said, this essay disagrees with the statement that you need to go to college to get a good job.\u201d<\/p>\n

Do you Need to Say Anything?<\/h2>\n

Something I often tell my students is: \u201cCan you just remove that phrase?\u201d<\/p>\n

Consider this sentence:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \u201cIn conclusion, the majority of scientists concur that climate change exists.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Would it be possible to simply say:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • \u201cIn conclusion,<\/span> The majority of scientists concur that climate change exists.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      So, I\u2019d 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.<\/p>\n

      How to Write an Effective Conclusion<\/h2>\n

      Before I go, I\u2019d like to bring your attention to my video on \u2018how to write an effective conclusion\u2019. I think it would really help you out given that you\u2019re looking for help on how to write a conclusion. It\u2019s under 5 minutes long and has helped literally thousands of students write better conclusions for their essays:<\/p>\n