When to Use ‘in conclusion’ as a Linking Phrase
The linking phrase ‘in conclusion’ signals that you are about to end a piece of writing or speech and present a final summary or final thought. You should use it only when you have finished presenting your main points and want to give a clear, direct closing statement. It works best in formal essays, reports, presentations, and structured speeches. In everyday conversation or informal emails, ‘in conclusion’ often sounds too stiff or dramatic, so you would usually choose a simpler phrase like ‘so’ or ‘all in all’ instead.
Quick Answer
Use ‘in conclusion’ when: you are writing a formal essay, report, or speech and you need a clear signal that you are about to summarise your main argument. Avoid it when: you are writing an informal email, chatting with friends, or giving a short verbal update. In those situations, choose a more natural phrase such as ‘to sum up’, ‘overall’, or ‘in short’.
What ‘in conclusion’ Actually Does
‘In conclusion’ is a conclusion starter or a summarising linking phrase. Its main job is to tell the reader or listener that the end of the discussion has arrived and that you are now wrapping up your argument. It does not add new evidence or introduce a new idea. Instead, it helps the audience understand that what follows is the final takeaway.
Because it is a strong signal, it works well in academic writing, business reports, and formal presentations. However, overusing it or using it in the wrong context can make your writing feel repetitive or unnatural.
Formal vs. Informal Contexts
| Context | Suitable? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Academic essay | Yes | In conclusion, the evidence supports the hypothesis that sleep improves memory consolidation. |
| Business report | Yes | In conclusion, the quarterly results show a steady increase in customer retention. |
| Formal speech | Yes | In conclusion, I would like to thank everyone for their hard work this year. |
| Email to a colleague | No | In conclusion, please send me the file. (Too formal – better: So, please send me the file.) |
| Text message | No | In conclusion, see you at 8. (Unnatural – better: Anyway, see you at 8.) |
| Casual conversation | No | In conclusion, I think pizza is the best. (Too dramatic – better: So yeah, I think pizza is the best.) |
Natural Examples
Here are examples of ‘in conclusion’ used naturally in different formal settings:
- Academic essay: In conclusion, the study demonstrates that regular exercise significantly reduces symptoms of anxiety in young adults.
- Business presentation: In conclusion, our new marketing strategy has increased brand awareness by 30% over the last quarter.
- Speech: In conclusion, let us remember that small changes in our daily habits can lead to a healthier planet.
- Report: In conclusion, the data suggests that remote work improves productivity when employees have a dedicated workspace.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using ‘in conclusion’ when you still have new points to add
If you write ‘in conclusion’ and then introduce a brand new argument, your reader will feel confused. The phrase signals the end, so everything after it should be a summary or final comment.
Wrong: In conclusion, the experiment was successful. Additionally, we should consider the impact of temperature on the results. (The word ‘additionally’ introduces a new point, which contradicts the signal.)
Correct: In conclusion, the experiment was successful, and the results confirm our initial hypothesis.
Mistake 2: Using ‘in conclusion’ in informal writing
In an email to a friend or a quick message, ‘in conclusion’ sounds unnatural and overly formal.
Wrong: In conclusion, I’ll bring the snacks to the party.
Better: Anyway, I’ll bring the snacks to the party.
Mistake 3: Repeating ‘in conclusion’ too often
If you use ‘in conclusion’ in every paragraph or in every piece of writing, it becomes repetitive. Save it for the final paragraph of a longer piece.
Better Alternatives to ‘in conclusion’
Depending on your context, you can replace ‘in conclusion’ with one of these phrases:
- To sum up – Works in both formal and semi-formal writing. Example: To sum up, the main benefits of the policy are cost savings and efficiency.
- Overall – Good for informal and formal contexts. Example: Overall, the trip was a success despite the weather.
- In short – Use when you want to give a brief summary. Example: In short, the project needs more funding.
- All in all – Slightly informal but acceptable in many written contexts. Example: All in all, the team did an excellent job.
- Finally – Use to signal the last point, but not necessarily a summary. Example: Finally, I would like to thank our sponsors.
- In summary – Very similar to ‘in conclusion’ but slightly less formal. Example: In summary, the evidence points to a need for further research.
When to Use ‘in conclusion’ (and When Not To)
Use it when:
- You are writing a formal essay or research paper.
- You are giving a structured presentation or speech.
- You are writing a business report or proposal.
- You want to clearly mark the end of a long argument.
Avoid it when:
- You are writing an email to a colleague or friend.
- You are having a casual conversation.
- You are writing a short note or text message.
- You have already used it earlier in the same piece.
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding. Choose the best option for each sentence.
- Which sentence uses ‘in conclusion’ correctly?
a) In conclusion, I need to buy milk and eggs.
b) In conclusion, the experiment proved that the theory is correct.
c) In conclusion, let’s go to the cinema.
Answer: b - Which alternative is best for an informal email?
a) In conclusion
b) To sum up
c) So, anyway
Answer: c - True or false: You can use ‘in conclusion’ to introduce a new idea.
Answer: False. It should only be used to summarise or end. - Rewrite this sentence to make it more natural for a conversation: “In conclusion, I think we should leave now.”
Suggested answer: “So, I think we should leave now.” or “Anyway, I think we should leave now.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ‘in conclusion’ in the middle of an essay?
No. ‘In conclusion’ should only appear at the very end of your essay, in the final paragraph. Using it earlier will confuse your reader about where your argument ends.
2. Is ‘in conclusion’ too formal for a blog post?
It depends on the tone of your blog. If your blog is formal or educational, ‘in conclusion’ can work. For a casual or conversational blog, choose a phrase like ‘to wrap up’ or ‘overall’.
3. What is the difference between ‘in conclusion’ and ‘in summary’?
Both are used to end a piece of writing, but ‘in summary’ often focuses on restating the main points, while ‘in conclusion’ can also include a final judgment or recommendation. In practice, they are often interchangeable.
4. Can I use ‘in conclusion’ in a speech?
Yes, especially in formal speeches, presentations, or lectures. It helps the audience know that you are about to finish. However, in a short or informal speech, it may sound too rehearsed.
For more help with linking phrases, explore our guides on Essay Starters and Transition Word Examples. If you have questions about this topic, visit our FAQ page or read our Editorial Policy to learn how we create our content.
