Common Mistakes with ‘in conclusion’ in Academic Writing
Many learners use in conclusion to signal the end of an essay or report, but this phrase is often misused in academic writing. The most common mistakes include using it too early, applying it in informal contexts, and repeating it unnecessarily. This guide explains exactly when and how to use in conclusion correctly, with practical examples and better alternatives for formal and everyday writing.
Quick Answer: When Should You Use ‘in Conclusion’?
Use in conclusion only at the very end of a piece of writing, after you have presented all your main points and evidence. It signals that you are about to summarise your argument or state your final position. Do not use it in the middle of an essay, in an email, or in casual conversation. For most academic essays, a stronger alternative such as to summarise or ultimately works better.
Why ‘in Conclusion’ Causes Problems in Academic Writing
The phrase in conclusion is not wrong, but it is overused and often placed incorrectly. Many writers treat it as a simple switch to turn off their argument, which can make the ending feel abrupt or lazy. In formal academic writing, readers expect a conclusion that synthesises ideas, not just a signal that the text is ending. Over-reliance on in conclusion can also make your writing sound repetitive, especially if you have used similar phrases earlier.
Formal vs. Informal Contexts
In conclusion is formal enough for academic essays, but it is rarely used in spoken English or emails. In a university essay, it is acceptable but not always the best choice. In a business email or a conversation, it sounds stiff and unnatural. Compare these examples:
- Formal academic essay: In conclusion, the evidence supports the hypothesis that climate change accelerates coastal erosion.
- Informal email to a colleague: In conclusion, we should meet next week. (This sounds odd. Better: To wrap up, let’s meet next week.)
- Casual conversation: In conclusion, I think we should go to the beach. (This sounds like a joke or a speech.)
Comparison Table: ‘in Conclusion’ vs. Better Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Used In | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| In conclusion | Formal | Academic essays, reports | In conclusion, the data confirms the trend. |
| To summarise | Formal / Neutral | Essays, presentations, emails | To summarise, the main findings are clear. |
| Ultimately | Formal / Persuasive | Argumentative essays, conclusions | Ultimately, the decision rests on cost. |
| In short | Neutral | Summaries, emails, brief notes | In short, we need more time. |
| All things considered | Neutral / Reflective | Essays, discussions, personal writing | All things considered, the plan is sound. |
Natural Examples of ‘in Conclusion’ Used Correctly
Here are examples where in conclusion fits naturally in academic writing. Notice that each example comes after a full discussion of evidence.
- Example 1 (History essay): In conclusion, the economic policies of the 1930s had a lasting impact on trade relations, as shown by the tariff records and diplomatic correspondence analysed above.
- Example 2 (Science report): In conclusion, the experiment demonstrates that temperature variation directly affects enzyme activity, supporting the initial hypothesis.
- Example 3 (Literature analysis): In conclusion, the author uses symbolism to critique social hierarchies, a theme that recurs throughout the novel.
In each case, the phrase signals a final summary, not a new point. If you find yourself adding new information after in conclusion, you are using it too early.
Common Mistakes with ‘in Conclusion’
Mistake 1: Using It in the Middle of an Essay
Some writers place in conclusion after a single paragraph, as if they are finishing a section. This confuses the reader because the essay is not over. Save it for the final paragraph only.
Wrong: In conclusion, the first reason is cost. Now let us look at the second reason.
Right: To conclude this section, cost is the first reason. Now let us look at the second reason.
Mistake 2: Repeating It in the Same Essay
Using in conclusion more than once in a single piece of writing is repetitive. If you have a long report with multiple sections, use different phrases such as to sum up or in summary for earlier sections.
Wrong: In conclusion, the first part shows X. In conclusion, the second part shows Y.
Right: To summarise the first part, X is clear. In conclusion, the overall findings show Y.
Mistake 3: Using It in Emails or Conversation
In emails, in conclusion sounds overly formal and can make you seem distant. In conversation, it sounds like you are giving a speech. Use simpler phrases instead.
Wrong (email): In conclusion, please send the report by Friday.
Right (email): To wrap up, please send the report by Friday.
Wrong (conversation): In conclusion, I think we should choose option A.
Right (conversation): So, to sum up, I think we should choose option A.
Mistake 4: Adding New Information After It
The conclusion should summarise or reflect, not introduce new evidence. If you write in conclusion and then add a new fact, your reader will be confused.
Wrong: In conclusion, the study was successful. Additionally, we found a new species of bacteria.
Right: In conclusion, the study was successful and confirms the initial predictions.
Better Alternatives to ‘in Conclusion’
If you want to vary your writing or avoid the overused phrase, try these alternatives. Each has a slightly different nuance.
- To summarise – Neutral and clear. Use in essays, reports, and presentations. Example: To summarise, the key findings are threefold.
- Ultimately – Emphasises the final outcome or most important point. Example: Ultimately, the success of the project depends on funding.
- In summary – Similar to to summarise, but slightly more formal. Example: In summary, the data supports the theory.
- All in all – Slightly informal, good for reflective writing or discussion. Example: All in all, the experience was valuable.
- To conclude – A direct alternative to in conclusion, but less common. Example: To conclude, the evidence is overwhelming.
When to Use ‘in Conclusion’ (and When to Avoid It)
Use in conclusion when:
- You are writing a formal academic essay or report.
- You have already presented all your main points.
- You want a clear, traditional signal that the text is ending.
Avoid in conclusion when:
- You are writing an email, even a formal one.
- You are speaking in a meeting or conversation.
- You have already used it earlier in the same piece.
- You still have new points to introduce.
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Choose the best option for each sentence. Answers are below.
- Which sentence uses in conclusion correctly?
a) In conclusion, the first reason is cost. Now let us examine the second reason.
b) In conclusion, the experiment confirms the hypothesis, as shown by the data above.
c) In conclusion, please send the report by Friday. - What is the best alternative to in conclusion for an email?
a) Ultimately
b) To wrap up
c) In summary - Which phrase is most suitable for a casual conversation?
a) In conclusion
b) To summarise
c) So, to sum up - If you have already used in conclusion in your essay, what should you use for an earlier section?
a) In conclusion again
b) To summarise
c) Ultimately
Answers
- b – It comes after the evidence and signals the end of the essay. Option a uses it too early, and option c is for an email.
- b – To wrap up is natural for emails. Ultimately and in summary are more formal.
- c – So, to sum up sounds natural in conversation. The other options are too formal.
- b – To summarise is a good alternative for an earlier section. Repeating in conclusion is repetitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ‘in conclusion’ in a presentation?
Yes, but only at the very end of your talk. In spoken presentations, it can sound formal. Alternatives like to wrap up or let me summarise are often more natural.
2. Is ‘in conclusion’ too formal for a blog post?
It depends on the tone of your blog. For a formal or educational blog, it is acceptable. For a casual or personal blog, use to sum up or in short.
3. What is the difference between ‘in conclusion’ and ‘to conclude’?
They are very similar, but to conclude is slightly less common and can sound more direct. Both are formal. Use whichever fits the rhythm of your sentence.
4. Can I start a paragraph with ‘in conclusion’?
Yes, but only if that paragraph is the final one in your essay or report. Never use it to start a body paragraph or a section that is not the conclusion.
Final Tip for Using ‘in Conclusion’
Think of in conclusion as a signpost that tells your reader, “This is the end.” Use it sparingly, only once per piece, and only after you have finished your argument. If you need a more flexible phrase for other contexts, choose from the alternatives above. For more help with academic writing, explore our guides on Essay Starters and Transition Word Examples. If you have questions about this topic, visit our FAQ page or contact us.
