Looking for another way to say “in conclusion”? Choosing the right concluding phrase is important, especially because not all expressions that sound like “finally” or “in the end” actually work as true conclusions. Below is a clear, practical list of alternatives to “in conclusion,” grouped by usage and tone, with correct examples.
In Conclusion Synonyms
Formal / Academic Alternatives
These expressions are suitable for essays, reports, academic writing, and formal presentations.
- In summary
- In sum
- To conclude
- To sum up
- All things considered
- Overall
- Taking everything into account
- It can be concluded that
- Ultimately
Examples (Formal)
- In summary, the campaign achieved its main objectives despite limited resources.
- To conclude, this study highlights the importance of early intervention.
- All things considered, the decision proved to be the right one.
- Taking everything into account, the proposal offers a balanced solution.
- It can be concluded that regular exercise has a positive impact on long-term health.
- Ultimately, success depends on consistent effort and clear goals.
Informal / Speaking Alternatives
These phrases are common in spoken English, presentations, and casual writing, but are usually avoided in formal academic essays.
- In short
- In brief
- In a nutshell
- All in all
- By and large
- On the whole
Examples (Informal)
- In short, we need to act now.
- In a nutshell, the product works well but needs better support.
- All in all, it was a positive experience.
- By and large, customers were satisfied with the service.
Specific Contexts
In closing
- In closing, I would like to thank everyone for their time and attention.
Lastly
- Lastly, we need to review the budget before moving forward.
Last but not least
- Last but not least, special thanks go to our volunteers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The following words and phrases are often confused with “in conclusion,” but they mainly describe time, sequence, or cause-and-effect, not a true summary:
- Eventually
- At last
- At long last
- At length
- After all
- So
- This implies
These expressions may be useful in other contexts, but they should not be used to conclude an essay or formal piece of writing.
Last Updated on January 27, 2026
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