What Does "in conclusion" Mean?
- Grammatical function: "In conclusion" is a sentence adverbial or discourse marker used to signal consequence and the final stage of an argument. It alerts the reader or listener that the preceding points are being summarized or that the final judgment is being delivered.
- Typical sentence position: It is most commonly found in the initial position of a sentence to introduce a final paragraph or thought. However, it can also appear in the final position (often in speech) or occasionally in a medial position as a parenthetical insertion.
- Register: It is primarily formal and neutral. While ubiquitous in academic and student writing, it is often considered a cliché in professional journalism and creative writing.
How to Use It
- Syntactic patterns: When starting a sentence, it is typically followed by a complete independent clause. In speech, it can be used as a standalone phrase to signal the end of a presentation.
- Punctuation rules: In the initial position, it is almost always followed by a comma. If used medially, it should be set off by commas on both sides. In final positions, it follows a comma.
- Grammatical flexibility: It is highly flexible and can start a sentence, be moved to the end, or even function as a brief response to a question. It cannot be negated (e.g., "not in conclusion").
- What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Using it too early in a text before any points have been made sounds illogical. It also sounds redundant if the final section is already clearly labeled as a "Conclusion."
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from in conclusion on Ludwig.guru.
"Never end with, "in conclusion."" — wikihow.com
"In conclusion, more research is needed." — theguardian.com
"In conclusion, the following things are true." — theguardian.com
"8. Write one sentence in conclusion." — nytimes.com
"In conclusion, I give up." — newyorker.com
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/in+conclusion
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| to sum up |
Less formal; excellent for speeches or casual presentations. |
| finally |
Neutral; used to introduce the last item in a list or sequence. |
| in summary |
Formal; specifically implies a condensed version of preceding points. |
| all things considered |
Neutral/Informal; used when weighing different factors before a verdict. |
| ultimately |
Formal; emphasizes the most important or fundamental fact. |
| to conclude |
Formal; a direct verbal alternative often used to transition to the final point. |
Common Mistakes
- Overuse in academic writing: Many instructors discourage using "in conclusion" in short essays because it is seen as a "filler" phrase that states the obvious.
- Punctuation errors: Forgetting the comma after the phrase when it starts a sentence is a frequent oversight.
- Incorrect prepositional use: Learners often incorrectly say 'at the conclusion' or 'as a conclusion' when attempting to signal their final point in a speech or essay.
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Function |
Register |
Typical Position |
| in conclusion |
Signals the final point or summary |
Formal / Neutral |
Sentence-initial or Final |
FAQs
Where can "in conclusion" be placed within a sentence?
The expression in conclusion most frequently appears in the sentence-initial position followed by a comma to introduce a final thought. However, it can also appear in the final position as a trailing adverbial or in the medial position to provide a mid-sentence transition.
How does "in conclusion" differ from "finally"?
While both signal the end of a discourse, finally is often used to mark the last item in a specific list or sequence of events. In contrast, in conclusion is a broader discourse marker used to synthesize an entire argument or signal that a speech is ending.
Is it correct to use "at the conclusion" to end an essay?
No, using at the conclusion is a common error; that phrase usually requires an object, such as "at the conclusion of the event." Learners often incorrectly say at the conclusion or as a conclusion when they should simply use the standard idiom in conclusion to signal their final point.