How to Say “In Conclusion” in an Essay (Without Being Boring)

 Writing the conclusion of an essay can sometimes feel like the final sprint in a marathon—you're almost there, but you still need to finish strong. The phrase "in conclusion" is a classic way to signal that you're wrapping things up, but let’s be honest—it’s overused and can sound a bit mechanical. The good news is there are plenty of other ways to close an essay while still making it clear that your argument has come to an end.

 

 

Let’s explore how to effectively say “in conclusion” without sounding repetitive, and why your closing lines are so important.

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Why Do You Need a Strong Conclusion?

The conclusion is your last chance to leave an impression on the reader. It’s where you:

• Summarize your main points.
• Reinforce your thesis or argument.
• Leave the reader with something to think about.

If the introduction hooks your reader, the conclusion ties everything together in a neat bow. But relying on “in conclusion” too often can make your writing feel predictable and uninspired.

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Creative Alternatives to “In Conclusion”

Here are some engaging ways to say “in conclusion” without using the same tired phrase:

1. Summing Up

• “To summarize the key points…”
• “In summary, it’s clear that…”

These phrases are straightforward and still formal enough for academic writing.

2. A Final Thought

• “Ultimately…”
• “All things considered…”
• “In the end, it becomes evident that…”

These options work well when you want to provide a reflective tone.

3. Call to Action

• “It is imperative that we…”
• “Moving forward, we must consider…”

Perfect for persuasive essays, these phrases encourage the reader to take action or think deeper.

4. The Bigger Picture

• “This highlights the importance of…”
• “These findings underline a larger truth…”

These are great for essays that aim to connect individual ideas to broader themes.

5. A Question to Reflect On

• “The question remains: how will we respond?”
• “What does this mean for the future of…?”

Ending with a question can leave a lasting impression and keep the reader engaged.

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Examples in Context

To see these phrases in action, let’s look at how they might fit into different essays:

Example 1: Persuasive Essay on Climate Change

"All things considered, reducing carbon emissions isn’t just an environmental necessity; it’s a moral obligation to future generations."

Example 2: Analytical Essay on Literature

"To summarize, the recurring themes of loss and resilience in the novel highlight the universal struggle for identity."

Example 3: Argumentative Essay on Technology

"Ultimately, balancing innovation with ethical responsibility is the key to ensuring technology serves humanity rather than the other way around."

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Tips for Writing a Strong Conclusion

1. Avoid Repetition
   Don’t just repeat your thesis word-for-word. Instead, rephrase it in a way that shows growth in your argument.

2. Keep It Brief
   A conclusion doesn’t need to be long. Aim for a few concise sentences that wrap everything up without dragging on.

3. Connect Back to the Introduction
   Tie your conclusion to something you mentioned in your opening to create a satisfying full-circle moment.

4. Leave a Lasting Impression
   Use a memorable phrase, a thought-provoking question, or a call to action to ensure your essay ends powerfully.

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What to Avoid

• Clichés: “In conclusion” is fine but overused. Avoid phrases like “As we all know…” unless they add value.
• New Ideas: Don’t introduce brand-new points in your conclusion—it’s the time to wrap up, not start fresh.
• Weak Language: Avoid phrases like “I think” or “It seems,” which can make your argument sound uncertain.

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Conclusion: Yes, You Can Skip “In Conclusion”

Wrapping up an essay doesn’t have to mean falling back on “in conclusion” every time. By choosing alternative phrases, rephrasing your thesis creatively, and tying your ideas together in a memorable way, you can leave your reader feeling satisfied and impressed. So, the next time you reach the finish line of your essay, don’t be afraid to get a little creative—you might just write a conclusion worth remembering!