12 Powerful Phrases To Use Instead of “In Conclusion”
You’re probably tired of ending your essays with the same old ‘in conclusion’ phrase, aren’t you? It’s dull, unoriginal, and not very compelling. As an essay writer, you want to end strong and leave the reader with a lasting impression. The conclusion is your last chance to drive your point home and convince the reader that your argument or ideas were meaningful.
Using a variety of concluding phrases that are more powerful and compelling can elevate your writing and give you a strong finish. This article gives you 12 impactful phrases to end your essay in a memorable way. By mixing up your language and style, your writing will be far from boring and you’ll keep the reader engaged until the very last word.
Why You Should Avoid “In Conclusion”
Avoid using “In conclusion” to end your essay. It’s uninspired and dull, not to mention repetitive and unnecessary.
First, restate your main point or argument. For example, “Ultimately, the evidence points overwhelmingly to X.” This reinforces your key message and leaves a lasting impression.
Second, issue a call to action. For example, “It’s time for a change. Let’s do X now.” This inspires your reader to take the next step.
Third, look to the future. For example, “The possibilities for the future are endless if we pursue X.” This conveys hope and optimism.
Fourth, end with a warning. For example, “Unless we make changes now, the consequences will be dire.” This highlights the urgency and necessity of acting.
Fifth, ask a thought-provoking question. For example, By posing the question, “What does the future hold if we don’t take action?” it prompts the reader to continue pondering the matter at hand.
Sixth, refer back to the introduction. For example, “We have seen the challenges of X, but the opportunities ahead are even greater.” This brings a sense of completeness and cohesion to your essay.
Seventh, issue a call for change or further discussion. For example, “It’s time for a revolution in how we think about X.” Or “This debate deserves further exploration.” This spurs action and engagement.
In short, there are many impactful ways to end your essay without using the dreaded “In conclusion.” Pick a phrase that fits your key message and leaves your reader with a lasting impression. Your essay will be much the better for it.
“In Summary”: A Simple but Effective Alternative
This phrase is a simple but highly effective way to wrap up your essay. It reinforces your main points and gives readers a quick recap of why your essay topic matters.
To use “In summary” effectively:
- Briefly restate your thesis statement. Remind readers of your main argument or position. For example, you could say something like, “In summary, while social media has some downsides, it ultimately connects people and fosters real relationships.”
- Touch on your main points again. Recap the 2-3 strongest pieces of evidence or examples that support your key message. Keep these to 1-2 sentences each.
- End with a call to action (if appropriate). If you want readers to do something after reading your essay, now is the time to issue that challenge or appeal. For example, “In summary, by recycling more, using energy efficient appliances, and reducing single-use plastics, each of us can make a difference in overcoming the climate crisis.”
- Keep your conclusion concise. A good rule of thumb is that your conclusion should be no longer than 1 to 2 paragraphs (3 to 6 sentences total). Don’t introduce any new ideas here, just reinforce what you’ve already said.
- Consider following up with a forward-looking statement. This could express optimism for the future or issue a call for further action. An illustration of this would be, “By collectively striving to cultivate greater empathy and understanding, we can create a future that is filled with promise.
In summary, this simple phrase is a tried-and-true way to leave readers with a clear and compelling takeaway message. Use it to drive your most important points home!
12 Unique Phrases to Conclude Your Essay
To wrap up your essay with a bit more flair than the standard “In conclusion…,” here are 12 alternative phrases to consider:
- Ultimately, …
- All things considered, …
- When all is said and done, …
- At the end of the day, …
- In the final analysis, …
- Finally, …
- On the whole, …
- By and large, …
- Lastly, …
- In summary, …
- In essence, …
- In short, …
Using one of these phrases helps you tie everything back to your main point or argument in a compelling, creative way. For example, you could say:
Ultimately, while there are many factors at play, focusing on just a few key priorities can help set you up for success.
All things considered, the benefits of lifelong learning far outweigh any disadvantages.
When all is said and done, love and relationships are what really matter in life.
At the end of the day, we all want the same basic things—happiness, health, and fulfillment.
In the final analysis, every small act of kindness counts in making the world a better place.
So avoid repetition and spice up your conclusion with a powerful phrase that resonates with the reader. Your essay will end on a high note and leave a lasting impression.
Final Words
No more defaulting to the dry and predictable “in conclusion”. Now you can confidently finish strong and drive your message home using a compelling concluding phrase. Next time you’re crafting an essay, give these closures a try and experience how much more persuasive and impactful your writing can be.
Your readers will appreciate the extra thought and care you put into finding the perfect ending. And you’ll feel proud knowing you crafted a conclusion that’s anything but ordinary.
