Think about the last story, movie, or speech that stayed with you. Chances are, it wasn’t just the beginning — it was the ending that made you feel something.
The same is true for writing. Endings are emotional anchors. They shape how your readers remember what you said. Yet so many writers fall into the same trap — closing every piece with the tired phrase, “in conclusion.”
If you’re trying to sound professional, confident, or simply different, it’s time to explore things to say instead of “in conclusion.” Because the final words you write aren’t just an ending — they’re your last opportunity to leave an impression.
🧠 Why You Shouldn’t Always Say “In Conclusion”
The phrase “in conclusion” isn’t wrong — but it’s overused. Readers and listeners instantly know what’s coming next, which can make your message feel predictable.
Using alternatives helps you:
- Maintain the reader’s attention until the very end
- Sound more sophisticated or natural
- Match your tone (academic, conversational, or persuasive)
- Avoid repetition in essays, reports, or speeches
In short — the way you close your ideas should reflect your voice, not a formula.
📊 Table: 30+ Alternatives to “In Conclusion” with Examples
| Category | Alternative Phrase | Example Use | Tone/Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal/Academic | To summarize | “To summarize, the findings suggest a strong link between nutrition and academic success.” | Academic papers, research writing |
| In summary | “In summary, these results support the proposed hypothesis.” | Neutral & formal | |
| To conclude | “To conclude, sustainable energy policies benefit both the economy and the environment.” | Essays, formal reports | |
| In closing | “In closing, these insights prove how technology continues to shape modern education.” | Professional presentations | |
| To sum up | “To sum up, collaboration remains key to organizational success.” | Semi-formal writing | |
| Creative/Conversational | Ultimately | “Ultimately, success depends on persistence, not perfection.” | Speeches, motivational writing |
| At the end of the day | “At the end of the day, kindness always wins.” | Blogs, casual essays | |
| All things considered | “All things considered, travel broadens not just our minds but our hearts.” | Reflective or personal writing | |
| When all is said and done | “When all is said and done, progress depends on unity.” | Storytelling, speeches | |
| After all | “After all, great leaders are remembered for how they serve, not how they speak.” | Conversational, opinion pieces | |
| Persuasive/Business | Therefore | “Therefore, investing in innovation remains the most strategic choice.” | Business reports, proposals |
| For these reasons | “For these reasons, the company should reconsider its pricing model.” | Persuasive essays | |
| Consequently | “Consequently, teamwork leads to higher creativity.” | Professional writing | |
| As a result | “As a result, early planning saves both time and cost.” | Business & academic | |
| Inspirational/Emotional | In the end | “In the end, it’s not about wealth, but wisdom.” | Speeches, motivational writing |
| To wrap up | “To wrap up, remember that progress is a journey, not a destination.” | Public speaking, webinars | |
| In short | “In short, learning never truly ends.” | Concise writing | |
| Let’s conclude with | “Let’s conclude with one final thought: gratitude is power.” | Speeches | |
| In essence | “In essence, hope is what keeps humanity alive.” | Reflective writing | |
| Academic Variation | From the evidence presented | “From the evidence presented, we can infer a strong relationship between diet and cognition.” | Research or analytical papers |
| Drawing everything together | “Drawing everything together, the study highlights the role of empathy in leadership.” | Dissertation writing | |
| Taken together | “Taken together, these results support the argument for early education reform.” | Scientific papers | |
| Modern Alternatives | Let’s close with this thought | “Let’s close with this thought: progress begins with a single act of courage.” | Blogs, TED-style talks |
| Bringing it all together | “Bringing it all together, communication is the real currency of leadership.” | Digital or creative writing | |
| At this point | “At this point, it’s clear that teamwork is the foundation of innovation.” | Transitional or informal tone |
✍️ How to Choose the Right Alternative
The phrase you choose should match your tone, audience, and purpose. Here’s a simple guide:
- Academic Essays: Use to summarize, therefore, in summary, from the evidence presented.
- Business Reports: Choose consequently, as a result, in closing, for these reasons.
- Creative Writing or Blogs: Try ultimately, in essence, all things considered, in the end.
- Public Speaking or Motivation: Go with let’s conclude with, at the end of the day, to wrap up.
✅ Pro Tip: Read your final paragraph aloud. If it sounds natural and confident without the phrase “in conclusion,” you’ve nailed it.
💡 Emotional Power of Endings
Every ending leaves an echo. Whether you’re wrapping up a heartfelt blog post or summarizing a decade of research, the tone of your closing line shapes your reader’s memory.
Replacing “in conclusion” with a thoughtful alternative can:
- Make your writing sound authentic instead of formulaic
- Strengthen your emotional connection with readers
- Reflect maturity and confidence as a writer
So don’t just end — inspire, summarize, or invite reflection.
🌸 Famous Quotes About Endings
“Every story has an end, but in life every end is a new beginning.” — Unknown
“The ending of a story tells you whether it was worth reading.” — Frank Kermode
“In every ending, there’s a hidden beginning.” — Rumi
These remind us that writing, like life, deserves endings that resonate — not fade away.
❓ FAQs
Q1: What can I say instead of “in conclusion” in an essay?
Try “to summarize,” “in summary,” or “from the evidence presented” for academic tone.
Q2: How can I end my essay without sounding repetitive?
Use varied transitional phrases like “ultimately,” “in essence,” or “therefore.”
Q3: Is it wrong to use “in conclusion”?
No — it’s not incorrect, but overuse makes writing feel robotic. Variety keeps it engaging.
Q4: What’s the best phrase to end a speech?
Use “to wrap up,” “let’s conclude with this thought,” or “in the end.”
Q5: Can I use “to conclude” in research papers?
Yes — it’s formal and appropriate, but combine it with strong summary sentences for clarity.
❤️ Conclusion: End with Confidence, Not Clichés
Writing a strong ending doesn’t require complex words — just intentional ones. The next time you’re about to write “in conclusion,” pause. Ask yourself: What do I really want my reader to feel or remember?
Whether it’s “to sum up,” “in essence,” or “ultimately,” choose a phrase that feels alive — one that sounds like you.
Your words have power. Use them to leave not just an ending — but a lasting impression.
💬 Your Turn:
What’s your favorite way to end a piece of writing? Share your favorite alternatives to “in conclusion” in the comments — and let’s inspire better endings together!
