ending words for essays

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5 Examples of Concluding Words for Essays

4-minute read

• 19th September 2022

If you’re a student writing an essay or research paper, it’s important to make sure your points flow together well. You’ll want to use connecting words (known formally as transition signals) to do this. Transition signals like thus , also , and furthermore link different ideas, and when you get to the end of your work, you need to use these to mark your conclusion. Read on to learn more about transition signals and how to use them to conclude your essays.

Transition Signals

Transition signals link sentences together cohesively, enabling easy reading and comprehension. They are usually placed at the beginning of a sentence and separated from the remaining words with a comma. There are several types of transition signals, including those to:

●  show the order of a sequence of events (e.g., first, then, next)

●  introduce an example (e.g., specifically, for instance)

●  indicate a contrasting idea (e.g., but, however, although)

●  present an additional idea (e.g., also, in addition, plus)

●  indicate time (e.g., beforehand, meanwhile, later)

●  compare (e.g., likewise, similarly)

●  show cause and effect (e.g., thus, as a result)

●  mark the conclusion – which we’ll focus on in this guide.

When you reach the end of an essay, you should start the concluding paragraph with a transition signal that acts as a bridge to the summary of your key points. Check out some concluding transition signals below and learn how you can use them in your writing.

To Conclude…

This is a particularly versatile closing statement that can be used for almost any kind of essay, including both formal and informal academic writing. It signals to the reader that you will briefly restate the main idea. As an alternative, you can begin the summary with “to close” or “in conclusion.” In an argumentative piece, you can use this phrase to indicate a call to action or opinion:

To conclude, Abraham Lincoln was the best president because he abolished slavery.

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As Has Been Demonstrated…

To describe how the evidence presented in your essay supports your argument or main idea, begin the concluding paragraph with “as has been demonstrated.” This phrase is best used for research papers or articles with heavy empirical or statistical evidence.

As has been demonstrated by the study presented above, human activities are negatively altering the climate system.

The Above Points Illustrate…

As another transitional phrase for formal or academic work, “the above points illustrate” indicates that you are reiterating your argument and that the conclusion will include an assessment of the evidence you’ve presented.

The above points illustrate that children prefer chocolate over broccoli.

In a Nutshell…

A simple and informal metaphor to begin a conclusion, “in a nutshell” prepares the reader for a summary of your paper. It can work in narratives and speeches but should be avoided in formal situations.

In a nutshell, the Beatles had an impact on musicians for generations to come.

Overall, It Can Be Said…

To recap an idea at the end of a critical or descriptive essay, you can use this phrase at the beginning of the concluding paragraph. “Overall” means “taking everything into account,” and it sums up your essay in a formal way. You can use “overall” on its own as a transition signal, or you can use it as part of a phrase.

Overall, it can be said that art has had a positive impact on humanity.

Proofreading and Editing

Transition signals are crucial to crafting a well-written and cohesive essay. For your next writing assignment, make sure you include plenty of transition signals, and check out this post for more tips on how to improve your writing. And before you turn in your paper, don’t forget to have someone proofread your work. Our expert editors will make sure your essay includes all the transition signals necessary for your writing to flow seamlessly. Send in a free 500-word sample today!

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17 Essay Conclusion Examples (Copy and Paste)

Essay conclusions are not just extra filler. They are important because they tie together your arguments, then give you the chance to forcefully drive your point home.

I created the 5 Cs conclusion method to help you write essay conclusions:

I’ve previously produced the video below on how to write a conclusion that goes over the above image.

The video follows the 5 C’s method ( you can read about it in this post ), which doesn’t perfectly match each of the below copy-and-paste conclusion examples, but the principles are similar, and can help you to write your own strong conclusion:

💡 New! Try this AI Prompt to Generate a Sample 5Cs Conclusion This is my essay: [INSERT ESSAY WITHOUT THE CONCLUSION]. I want you to write a conclusion for this essay. In the first sentence of the conclusion, return to a statement I made in the introduction. In the second sentence, reiterate the thesis statement I have used. In the third sentence, clarify how my final position is relevant to the Essay Question, which is [ESSAY QUESTION]. In the fourth sentence, explain who should be interested in my findings. In the fifth sentence, end by noting in one final, engaging sentence why this topic is of such importance.

Remember: The prompt can help you generate samples but you can’t submit AI text for assessment. Make sure you write your conclusion in your own words.

Essay Conclusion Examples

Below is a range of copy-and-paste essay conclusions with gaps for you to fill-in your topic and key arguments. Browse through for one you like (there are 17 for argumentative, expository, compare and contrast, and critical essays). Once you’ve found one you like, copy it and add-in the key points to make it your own.

1. Argumentative Essay Conclusions

The arguments presented in this essay demonstrate the significant importance of _____________. While there are some strong counterarguments, such as ____________, it remains clear that the benefits/merits of _____________ far outweigh the potential downsides. The evidence presented throughout the essay strongly support _____________. In the coming years, _____________ will be increasingly important. Therefore, continual advocacy for the position presented in this essay will be necessary, especially due to its significant implications for _____________.

Version 1 Filled-In

The arguments presented in this essay demonstrate the significant importance of fighting climate change. While there are some strong counterarguments, such as the claim that it is too late to stop catastrophic change, it remains clear that the merits of taking drastic action far outweigh the potential downsides. The evidence presented throughout the essay strongly support the claim that we can at least mitigate the worst effects. In the coming years, intergovernmental worldwide agreements will be increasingly important. Therefore, continual advocacy for the position presented in this essay will be necessary, especially due to its significant implications for humankind.

As this essay has shown, it is clear that the debate surrounding _____________ is multifaceted and highly complex. While there are strong arguments opposing the position that _____________, there remains overwhelming evidence to support the claim that _____________. A careful analysis of the empirical evidence suggests that _____________ not only leads to ____________, but it may also be a necessity for _____________. Moving forward, _____________ should be a priority for all stakeholders involved, as it promises a better future for _____________. The focus should now shift towards how best to integrate _____________ more effectively into society.

Version 2 Filled-In

As this essay has shown, it is clear that the debate surrounding climate change is multifaceted and highly complex. While there are strong arguments opposing the position that we should fight climate change, there remains overwhelming evidence to support the claim that action can mitigate the worst effects. A careful analysis of the empirical evidence suggests that strong action not only leads to better economic outcomes in the long term, but it may also be a necessity for preventing climate-related deaths. Moving forward, carbon emission mitigation should be a priority for all stakeholders involved, as it promises a better future for all. The focus should now shift towards how best to integrate smart climate policies more effectively into society.

Based upon the preponderance of evidence, it is evident that _____________ holds the potential to significantly alter/improve _____________. The counterarguments, while noteworthy, fail to diminish the compelling case for _____________. Following an examination of both sides of the argument, it has become clear that _____________ presents the most effective solution/approach to _____________. Consequently, it is imperative that society acknowledge the value of _____________ for developing a better  _____________. Failing to address this topic could lead to negative outcomes, including _____________.

Version 3 Filled-In

Based upon the preponderance of evidence, it is evident that addressing climate change holds the potential to significantly improve the future of society. The counterarguments, while noteworthy, fail to diminish the compelling case for immediate climate action. Following an examination of both sides of the argument, it has become clear that widespread and urgent social action presents the most effective solution to this pressing problem. Consequently, it is imperative that society acknowledge the value of taking immediate action for developing a better environment for future generations. Failing to address this topic could lead to negative outcomes, including more extreme climate events and greater economic externalities.

See Also: Examples of Counterarguments

On the balance of evidence, there is an overwhelming case for _____________. While the counterarguments offer valid points that are worth examining, they do not outweigh or overcome the argument that _____________. An evaluation of both perspectives on this topic concludes that _____________ is the most sufficient option for  _____________. The implications of embracing _____________ do not only have immediate benefits, but they also pave the way for a more _____________. Therefore, the solution of _____________ should be actively pursued by _____________.

Version 4 Filled-In

On the balance of evidence, there is an overwhelming case for immediate tax-based action to mitigate the effects of climate change. While the counterarguments offer valid points that are worth examining, they do not outweigh or overcome the argument that action is urgently necessary. An evaluation of both perspectives on this topic concludes that taking societal-wide action is the most sufficient option for  achieving the best results. The implications of embracing a society-wide approach like a carbon tax do not only have immediate benefits, but they also pave the way for a more healthy future. Therefore, the solution of a carbon tax or equivalent policy should be actively pursued by governments.

2. Expository Essay Conclusions

Overall, it is evident that _____________ plays a crucial role in _____________. The analysis presented in this essay demonstrates the clear impact of _____________ on _____________. By understanding the key facts about _____________, practitioners/society are better equipped to navigate _____________. Moving forward, further exploration of _____________ will yield additional insights and information about _____________. As such, _____________ should remain a focal point for further discussions and studies on _____________.

Overall, it is evident that social media plays a crucial role in harming teenagers’ mental health. The analysis presented in this essay demonstrates the clear impact of social media on young people. By understanding the key facts about the ways social media cause young people to experience body dysmorphia, teachers and parents are better equipped to help young people navigate online spaces. Moving forward, further exploration of the ways social media cause harm will yield additional insights and information about how it can be more sufficiently regulated. As such, the effects of social media on youth should remain a focal point for further discussions and studies on youth mental health.

To conclude, this essay has explored the multi-faceted aspects of _____________. Through a careful examination of _____________, this essay has illuminated its significant influence on _____________. This understanding allows society to appreciate the idea that _____________. As research continues to emerge, the importance of _____________ will only continue to grow. Therefore, an understanding of _____________ is not merely desirable, but imperative for _____________.

To conclude, this essay has explored the multi-faceted aspects of globalization. Through a careful examination of globalization, this essay has illuminated its significant influence on the economy, cultures, and society. This understanding allows society to appreciate the idea that globalization has both positive and negative effects. As research continues to emerge, the importance of studying globalization will only continue to grow. Therefore, an understanding of globalization’s effects is not merely desirable, but imperative for judging whether it is good or bad.

Reflecting on the discussion, it is clear that _____________ serves a pivotal role in _____________. By delving into the intricacies of _____________, we have gained valuable insights into its impact and significance. This knowledge will undoubtedly serve as a guiding principle in _____________. Moving forward, it is paramount to remain open to further explorations and studies on _____________. In this way, our understanding and appreciation of _____________ can only deepen and expand.

Reflecting on the discussion, it is clear that mass media serves a pivotal role in shaping public opinion. By delving into the intricacies of mass media, we have gained valuable insights into its impact and significance. This knowledge will undoubtedly serve as a guiding principle in shaping the media landscape. Moving forward, it is paramount to remain open to further explorations and studies on how mass media impacts society. In this way, our understanding and appreciation of mass media’s impacts can only deepen and expand.

In conclusion, this essay has shed light on the importance of _____________ in the context of _____________. The evidence and analysis provided underscore the profound effect _____________ has on _____________. The knowledge gained from exploring _____________ will undoubtedly contribute to more informed and effective decisions in _____________. As we continue to progress, the significance of understanding _____________ will remain paramount. Hence, we should strive to deepen our knowledge of _____________ to better navigate and influence _____________.

In conclusion, this essay has shed light on the importance of bedside manner in the context of nursing. The evidence and analysis provided underscore the profound effect compassionate bedside manner has on patient outcome. The knowledge gained from exploring nurses’ bedside manner will undoubtedly contribute to more informed and effective decisions in nursing practice. As we continue to progress, the significance of understanding nurses’ bedside manner will remain paramount. Hence, we should strive to deepen our knowledge of this topic to better navigate and influence patient outcomes.

See More: How to Write an Expository Essay

3. Compare and Contrast Essay Conclusion

While both _____________ and _____________ have similarities such as _____________, they also have some very important differences in areas like _____________. Through this comparative analysis, a broader understanding of _____________ and _____________ has been attained. The choice between the two will largely depend on _____________. For example, as highlighted in the essay, ____________. Despite their differences, both _____________ and _____________ have value in different situations.

While both macrosociology and microsociology have similarities such as their foci on how society is structured, they also have some very important differences in areas like their differing approaches to research methodologies. Through this comparative analysis, a broader understanding of macrosociology and microsociology has been attained. The choice between the two will largely depend on the researcher’s perspective on how society works. For example, as highlighted in the essay, microsociology is much more concerned with individuals’ experiences while macrosociology is more concerned with social structures. Despite their differences, both macrosociology and microsociology have value in different situations.

It is clear that _____________ and _____________, while seeming to be different, have shared characteristics in _____________. On the other hand, their contrasts in _____________ shed light on their unique features. The analysis provides a more nuanced comprehension of these subjects. In choosing between the two, consideration should be given to _____________. Despite their disparities, it’s crucial to acknowledge the importance of both when it comes to _____________.

It is clear that behaviorism and consructivism, while seeming to be different, have shared characteristics in their foci on knowledge acquisition over time. On the other hand, their contrasts in ideas about the role of experience in learning shed light on their unique features. The analysis provides a more nuanced comprehension of these subjects. In choosing between the two, consideration should be given to which approach works best in which situation. Despite their disparities, it’s crucial to acknowledge the importance of both when it comes to student education.

Reflecting on the points discussed, it’s evident that _____________ and _____________ share similarities such as _____________, while also demonstrating unique differences, particularly in _____________. The preference for one over the other would typically depend on factors such as _____________. Yet, regardless of their distinctions, both _____________ and _____________ play integral roles in their respective areas, significantly contributing to _____________.

Reflecting on the points discussed, it’s evident that red and orange share similarities such as the fact they are both ‘hot colors’, while also demonstrating unique differences, particularly in their social meaning (red meaning danger and orange warmth). The preference for one over the other would typically depend on factors such as personal taste. Yet, regardless of their distinctions, both red and orange play integral roles in their respective areas, significantly contributing to color theory.

Ultimately, the comparison and contrast of _____________ and _____________ have revealed intriguing similarities and notable differences. Differences such as _____________ give deeper insights into their unique and shared qualities. When it comes to choosing between them, _____________ will likely be a deciding factor. Despite these differences, it is important to remember that both _____________ and _____________ hold significant value within the context of _____________, and each contributes to _____________ in its own unique way.

Ultimately, the comparison and contrast of driving and flying have revealed intriguing similarities and notable differences. Differences such as their differing speed to destination give deeper insights into their unique and shared qualities. When it comes to choosing between them, urgency to arrive at the destination will likely be a deciding factor. Despite these differences, it is important to remember that both driving and flying hold significant value within the context of air transit, and each contributes to facilitating movement in its own unique way.

See Here for More Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

4. Critical Essay Conclusion

In conclusion, the analysis of _____________ has unveiled critical aspects related to _____________. While there are strengths in _____________, its limitations are equally telling. This critique provides a more informed perspective on _____________, revealing that there is much more beneath the surface. Moving forward, the understanding of _____________ should evolve, considering both its merits and flaws.

In conclusion, the analysis of flow theory has unveiled critical aspects related to motivation and focus. While there are strengths in achieving a flow state, its limitations are equally telling. This critique provides a more informed perspective on how humans achieve motivation, revealing that there is much more beneath the surface. Moving forward, the understanding of flow theory of motivation should evolve, considering both its merits and flaws.

To conclude, this critical examination of _____________ sheds light on its multi-dimensional nature. While _____________ presents notable advantages, it is not without its drawbacks. This in-depth critique offers a comprehensive understanding of _____________. Therefore, future engagements with _____________ should involve a balanced consideration of its strengths and weaknesses.

To conclude, this critical examination of postmodern art sheds light on its multi-dimensional nature. While postmodernism presents notable advantages, it is not without its drawbacks. This in-depth critique offers a comprehensive understanding of how it has contributed to the arts over the past 50 years. Therefore, future engagements with postmodern art should involve a balanced consideration of its strengths and weaknesses.

Upon reflection, the critique of _____________ uncovers profound insights into its underlying intricacies. Despite its positive aspects such as ________, it’s impossible to overlook its shortcomings. This analysis provides a nuanced understanding of _____________, highlighting the necessity for a balanced approach in future interactions. Indeed, both the strengths and weaknesses of _____________ should be taken into account when considering ____________.

Upon reflection, the critique of marxism uncovers profound insights into its underlying intricacies. Despite its positive aspects such as its ability to critique exploitation of labor, it’s impossible to overlook its shortcomings. This analysis provides a nuanced understanding of marxism’s harmful effects when used as an economic theory, highlighting the necessity for a balanced approach in future interactions. Indeed, both the strengths and weaknesses of marxism should be taken into account when considering the use of its ideas in real life.

Ultimately, this critique of _____________ offers a detailed look into its advantages and disadvantages. The strengths of _____________ such as __________ are significant, yet its limitations such as _________ are not insignificant. This balanced analysis not only offers a deeper understanding of _____________ but also underscores the importance of critical evaluation. Hence, it’s crucial that future discussions around _____________ continue to embrace this balanced approach.

Ultimately, this critique of artificial intelligence offers a detailed look into its advantages and disadvantages. The strengths of artificial intelligence, such as its ability to improve productivity are significant, yet its limitations such as the possibility of mass job losses are not insignificant. This balanced analysis not only offers a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence but also underscores the importance of critical evaluation. Hence, it’s crucial that future discussions around the regulation of artificial intelligence continue to embrace this balanced approach.

This article promised 17 essay conclusions, and this one you are reading now is the twenty-first. This last conclusion demonstrates that the very best essay conclusions are written uniquely, from scratch, in order to perfectly cater the conclusion to the topic. A good conclusion will tie together all the key points you made in your essay and forcefully drive home the importance or relevance of your argument, thesis statement, or simply your topic so the reader is left with one strong final point to ponder.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
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Some experts argue that focusing on individual actions to combat climate change takes the focus away from the collective action required to keep carbon levels from rising. Change will not be effected, say some others, unless individual actions raise the necessary awareness.

While a reader can see the connection between the sentences above, it’s not immediately clear that the second sentence is providing a counterargument to the first. In the example below, key “old information” is repeated in the second sentence to help readers quickly see the connection. This makes the sequence of ideas easier to follow.  

Sentence pair #2: Effective Transition

Some experts argue that focusing on individual actions to combat climate change takes the focus away from the collective action required to keep carbon levels from rising. Other experts argue that individual actions are key to raising the awareness necessary to effect change.

You can use this same technique to create clear transitions between paragraphs. Here’s an example:

Some experts argue that focusing on individual actions to combat climate change takes the focus away from the collective action required to keep carbon levels from rising. Other experts argue that individual actions are key to raising the awareness necessary to effect change. According to Annie Lowery, individual actions are important to making social change because when individuals take action, they can change values, which can lead to more people becoming invested in fighting climate change. She writes, “Researchers believe that these kinds of household-led trends can help avert climate catastrophe, even if government and corporate actions are far more important” (Lowery).

So, what’s an individual household supposed to do?

The repetition of the word “household” in the new paragraph helps readers see the connection between what has come before (a discussion of whether household actions matter) and what is about to come (a proposal for what types of actions households can take to combat climate change).

Sometimes, transitional words can help readers see how ideas are connected. But it’s not enough to just include a “therefore,” “moreover,” “also,” or “in addition.” You should choose these words carefully to show your readers what kind of connection you are making between your ideas.

To decide which transitional word to use, start by identifying the relationship between your ideas. For example, you might be

• making a comparison or showing a contrast Transitional words that compare and contrast include also, in the same way, similarly, in contrast, yet, on the one hand, on the other hand. But before you signal comparison, ask these questions: Do your readers need another example of the same thing? Is there a new nuance in this next point that distinguishes it from the previous example? For those relationships between ideas, you might try this type of transition: While x may appear the same, it actually raises a new question in a slightly different way. 
• expressing agreement or disagreement When you are making an argument, you need to signal to readers where you stand in relation to other scholars and critics. You may agree with another person’s claim, you may want to concede some part of the argument even if you don’t agree with everything, or you may disagree. Transitional words that signal agreement, concession, and disagreement include however, nevertheless, actually, still, despite, admittedly, still, on the contrary, nonetheless .
• showing cause and effect Transitional phrases that show cause and effect include therefore, hence, consequently, thus, so. Before you choose one of these words, make sure that what you are about to illustrate is really a causal link. Novice writers tend to add therefore and hence when they aren’t sure how to transition; you should reserve these words for when they accurately signal the progression of your ideas.
• explaining or elaborating Transitions can signal to readers that you are going to expand on a point that you have just made or explain something further. Transitional words that signal explanation or elaboration include in other words, for example, for instance, in particular, that is, to illustrate, moreover .
• drawing conclusions You can use transitions to signal to readers that you are moving from the body of your argument to your conclusions. Before you use transitional words to signal conclusions, consider whether you can write a stronger conclusion by creating a transition that shows the relationship between your ideas rather than by flagging the paragraph simply as a conclusion. Transitional words that signal a conclusion include in conclusion , as a result, ultimately, overall— but strong conclusions do not necessarily have to include those phrases.

If you’re not sure which transitional words to use—or whether to use one at all—see if you can explain the connection between your paragraphs or sentence either out loud or in the margins of your draft.

For example, if you write a paragraph in which you summarize physician Atul Gawande’s argument about the value of incremental care, and then you move on to a paragraph that challenges those ideas, you might write down something like this next to the first paragraph: “In this paragraph I summarize Gawande’s main claim.” Then, next to the second paragraph, you might write, “In this paragraph I present a challenge to Gawande’s main claim.” Now that you have identified the relationship between those two paragraphs, you can choose the most effective transition between them. Since the second paragraph in this example challenges the ideas in the first, you might begin with something like “but,” or “however,” to signal that shift for your readers.  

• picture_as_pdf Transitions

Conclusion transition words: Phrases for summarizing and ending

Transition words help us structure our thoughts and guide the reader or listener through what we are saying. When it’s time to summarize your message or end a paragraph, conclusion transition words let you signal this closing.

It’s good to know some synonyms for ‘in conclusion’ and ‘to conclude’, because although these are good examples of concluding words, they can get repetitive.

Our comprehensive list of transition words for conclusion and summary should give you all the inspiration you need, whether you are writing an essay or speech, or just want to become more confident forming an argument. These signal words can also be helpful for restating ideas, drawing attention to key points as you conclude.

We have included plenty of examples of how you can use these transition words for concluding paragraphs or sentences, so by the end of this article, you should be clear on how to use them properly.

Conclusion transition words with examples

We have grouped these summarizing and concluding transition words according to how and where they can be used. For example, some should only be used when forming a final conclusion, whereas others can be used to summarize sections mid-way through your speech or writing.

First, let’s be clear about the difference between a summary and a conclusion .

Summary vs conclusion

A conclusion comes at the end of a speech, chapter, or piece of text, and it brings together all of the points mentioned. A summary, however, can be placed anywhere (even at the beginning). A summary gives a brief outline of the main points but is not as in-depth as a conclusion.

If you are giving a presentation or writing a blog, you may wish to summarize the main points in your introduction so that people know what you are going to cover. You could also summarize a section part-way through before moving on to another angle or topic.

In contrast, the conclusion always comes at the end, and you should only use specific conclusion transition words as you are drawing to a close.

Transition words for conclusion paragraphs

Let’s begin with some discourse markers that signal you are moving to the concluding paragraph in your presentation, speech, essay, or paper. These can all be used to start a conclusion paragraph.

• In conclusion
• To conclude
• We can conclude that
• Given these points
• In the final analysis
• As can be seen
• In the long run
• When all is said and done
• I’ll end by
• As we draw to a close

The last three on this list, the ‘closing’ transition words, would generally only be used in spoken discourse.

Some transition words for order and sequencing should also help with structuring what you want to say, including the ending.

Example conclusion sentences

The following sentences show how to use conclusion words correctly:

• In conclusion , we can say that plan A will be of greater benefit to the company.
• When all is said and done , it’s clear that we should steer clear of this investment strategy.
• Given these points , I believe the trial was a great success.
• I’ll end by reminding you all that this experiment was just the beginning of a much larger project.
• To wrap up , let’s look at how this learning can be applied.
• In the long run , we will make more profit by investing heavily in new machinery.
• Having analyzed seven of our competitors in detail, we can conclude that our content marketing strategy should be updated.

Transition words for summary

The following summary transition words may be used as part of a conclusion paragraph, but they are especially helpful for concisely drawing together several points.

• To summarize
• On the whole
• Generally speaking
• All things considered
• In a nutshell (informal)
• In any case

Note that although you can insert summary transition words anywhere, the specific phrases ‘In summary’, ‘To summarize’ and ‘To sum up’ are generally only used at the end, similar to conclusion phrases.

Example summary sentences

• In brief , this presentation is going to cover the pros and cons of the device and how we can apply this to our own product development.
• This new technology is, in a word , revolutionary.
• All things considered , we found that Berlin was a great city for a weekend break.
• To summarize , we can say that Shakespeare’s writing continues to have a global influence.
• We can say that the combustion engine was, on the whole , a good invention.
• In any case , we should put the necessary precautions in place.
• Generally speaking , girls are more thoughtful than boys.

Transition words to end a paragraph

You may wish to add ending transition words in the final sentence of a paragraph to conclude the ideas in that section of text, before moving on to another point.

Here are some transition words to conclude a paragraph:

• This means that
• With this in mind
• By and large
• For the most part

Note that some of these could equally be used to begin a new paragraph, so long as that paragraph is summarizing the points previously mentioned.

Cause and effect transition words could also be helpful in this context.

Examples of transition words for the end of a paragraph

• Jamie is a vegan and Sheryl has a lot of allergies. This means that we should be careful which restaurant we choose.
• The weather forecast said it would rain this afternoon. With this in mind , should we postpone our hike?
• Each of the students has their own opinion about where to go for the field trip. Ultimately , though, it’s the teacher who will decide.

Restating points as you conclude

Conclusion transition words can also signal that you are restating a point you mentioned earlier. This is common practice in both writing and speaking as it draws the reader or listener’s attention back to something you want them to keep in mind. These are, therefore, also examples of transition words for emphasizing a point .

Here are some helpful transition words for concluding or summarizing by restating points:

• As mentioned previously
• As stated earlier
• As has been noted
• As shown above
• As I have said
• As I have mentioned
• As we have seen
• As has been demonstrated

You may switch most of these between the passive and active voice, depending on which is most appropriate. For example, ‘As has been demonstrated’ could become ‘As I have demonstrated’ and ‘As shown above’ could become ‘As I have shown’.

Example sentences to restate a point in conclusion or summary

• As I stated earlier , the only way we can get meaningful results from this survey is by including at least a thousand people.
• As has been demonstrated throughout this conference, there are exciting things happening in the world of neuroscience.
• As shown by this study, the trials have been promising.

If you were researching these transition words for concluding an essay, you might find it helpful to read this guide to strong essay conclusions . Of course, there are many ways to use summary transition words beyond essays. They may be a little formal for casual conversation, but they certainly can be used in speech as part of a presentation, debate, or argument.

Can you think of any other concluding words or phrases that should be on this list? Leave a comment below to share them!

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33 Transition Words and Phrases

Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one.

Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that “this follows logically from the preceding” include accordingly, therefore, and consequently . Words that mean “in addition to” include moreover, besides, and further . Words that mean “contrary to what was just stated” include however, nevertheless , and nonetheless .

as a result : THEREFORE : CONSEQUENTLY

The executive’s flight was delayed and they accordingly arrived late.

in or by way of addition : FURTHERMORE

The mountain has many marked hiking trails; additionally, there are several unmarked trails that lead to the summit.

at a later or succeeding time : SUBSEQUENTLY, THEREAFTER

Afterward, she got a promotion.

even though : ALTHOUGH

She appeared as a guest star on the show, albeit briefly.

in spite of the fact that : even though —used when making a statement that differs from or contrasts with a statement you have just made

They are good friends, although they don't see each other very often.

in addition to what has been said : MOREOVER, FURTHERMORE

I can't go, and besides, I wouldn't go if I could.

as a result : in view of the foregoing : ACCORDINGLY

The words are often confused and are consequently misused.

in a contrasting or opposite way —used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous statement or presents a differing interpretation or possibility

Large objects appear to be closer. Conversely, small objects seem farther away.

used to introduce a statement that is somehow different from what has just been said

These problems are not as bad as they were. Even so, there is much more work to be done.

used as a stronger way to say "though" or "although"

I'm planning to go even though it may rain.

in addition : MOREOVER

I had some money to invest, and, further, I realized that the risk was small.

in addition to what precedes : BESIDES —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement

These findings seem plausible. Furthermore, several studies have confirmed them.

because of a preceding fact or premise : for this reason : THEREFORE

He was a newcomer and hence had no close friends here.

from this point on : starting now

She announced that henceforth she would be running the company.

in spite of that : on the other hand —used when you are saying something that is different from or contrasts with a previous statement

I'd like to go; however, I'd better not.

as something more : BESIDES —used for adding information to a statement

The city has the largest population in the country and in addition is a major shipping port.

all things considered : as a matter of fact —used when making a statement that adds to or strengthens a previous statement

He likes to have things his own way; indeed, he can be very stubborn.

for fear that —often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension

He was concerned lest anyone think that he was guilty.

in addition : ALSO —often used to introduce a statement that adds to and is related to a previous statement

She is an acclaimed painter who is likewise a sculptor.

at or during the same time : in the meantime

You can set the table. Meanwhile, I'll start making dinner.

BESIDES, FURTHER : in addition to what has been said —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement

It probably wouldn't work. Moreover, it would be very expensive to try it.

in spite of that : HOWEVER

It was a predictable, but nevertheless funny, story.

in spite of what has just been said : NEVERTHELESS

The hike was difficult, but fun nonetheless.

without being prevented by (something) : despite—used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true

Notwithstanding their youth and inexperience, the team won the championship.

if not : or else

Finish your dinner. Otherwise, you won't get any dessert.

more correctly speaking —used to introduce a statement that corrects what you have just said

We can take the car, or rather, the van.

in spite of that —used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true

I tried again and still I failed.

by that : by that means

He signed the contract, thereby forfeiting his right to the property.

for that reason : because of that

This tablet is thin and light and therefore very convenient to carry around.

immediately after that

The committee reviewed the documents and thereupon decided to accept the proposal.

because of this or that : HENCE, CONSEQUENTLY

This detergent is highly concentrated and thus you will need to dilute it.

while on the contrary —used to make a statement that describes how two people, groups, etc., are different

Some of these species have flourished, whereas others have struggled.

NEVERTHELESS, HOWEVER —used to introduce a statement that adds something to a previous statement and usually contrasts with it in some way

It was pouring rain out, yet his clothes didn’t seem very wet.

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How to Conclude an Essay (with Examples)

Last Updated: April 3, 2023 Fact Checked

Writing a Strong Conclusion

What to avoid, brainstorming tricks.

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 3,205,903 times.

So, you’ve written an outstanding essay and couldn’t be more proud. But now you have to write the final paragraph. The conclusion simply summarizes what you’ve already written, right? Well, not exactly. Your essay’s conclusion should be a bit more finessed than that. Luckily, you’ve come to the perfect place to learn how to write a conclusion. We’ve put together this guide to fill you in on everything you should and shouldn’t do when ending an essay. Follow our advice, and you’ll have a stellar conclusion worthy of an A+ in no time.

Things You Should Know

• Rephrase your thesis to include in your final paragraph to bring the essay full circle.
• End your essay with a call to action, warning, or image to make your argument meaningful.
• Keep your conclusion concise and to the point, so you don’t lose a reader’s attention.
• Do your best to avoid adding new information to your conclusion and only emphasize points you’ve already made in your essay.

• “All in all”
• “Ultimately”
• “Furthermore”
• “As a consequence”
• “As a result”

• Make sure to write your main points in a new and unique way to avoid repetition.

• Let’s say this is your original thesis statement: “Allowing students to visit the library during lunch improves campus life and supports academic achievement.”
• Restating your thesis for your conclusion could look like this: “Evidence shows students who have access to their school’s library during lunch check out more books and are more likely to complete their homework.”
• The restated thesis has the same sentiment as the original while also summarizing other points of the essay.

• “When you use plastic water bottles, you pollute the ocean. Switch to using a glass or metal water bottle instead. The planet and sea turtles will thank you.”
• “The average person spends roughly 7 hours on their phone a day, so there’s no wonder cybersickness is plaguing all generations.”
• “Imagine walking on the beach, except the soft sand is made up of cigarette butts. They burn your feet but keep washing in with the tide. If we don’t clean up the ocean, this will be our reality.”
• “ Lost is not only a show that changed the course of television, but it’s also a reflection of humanity as a whole.”
• “If action isn’t taken to end climate change today, the global temperature will dangerously rise from 4.5 to 8 °F (−15.3 to −13.3 °C) by 2100.”

• Focus on your essay's most prevalent or important parts. What key points do you want readers to take away or remember about your essay?

• For instance, instead of writing, “That’s why I think that Abraham Lincoln was the best American President,” write, “That’s why Abraham Lincoln was the best American President.”
• There’s no room for ifs, ands, or buts—your opinion matters and doesn’t need to be apologized for!

• For instance, words like “firstly,” “secondly,” and “thirdly” may be great transition statements for body paragraphs but are unnecessary in a conclusion.

• For instance, say you began your essay with the idea that humanity’s small sense of sense stems from space’s vast size. Try returning to this idea in the conclusion by emphasizing that as human knowledge grows, space becomes smaller.

• For example, you could extend an essay on the television show Orange is the New Black by bringing up the culture of imprisonment in America.

Community Q&A

• Always review your essay after writing it for proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and don’t be afraid to revise. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
• Ask a friend, family member, or teacher for help if you’re stuck. Sometimes a second opinion is all you need. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/support/helps/self-help-resources/grammar/transition-signals
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/argument_papers/conclusions.html
• ↑ http://writing2.richmond.edu/writing/wweb/conclude.html
• ↑ https://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/ending-essay-conclusions
• ↑ https://www.pittsfordschools.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=542&dataid=4677&FileName=conclusions1.pdf
• ↑ https://www.cuyamaca.edu/student-support/tutoring-center/files/student-resources/how-to-write-a-good-conclusion.pdf
• ↑ https://library.sacredheart.edu/c.php?g=29803&p=185935

About This Article

To end an essay, start your conclusion with a phrase that makes it clear your essay is coming to a close, like "In summary," or "All things considered." Then, use a few sentences to briefly summarize the main points of your essay by rephrasing the topic sentences of your body paragraphs. Finally, end your conclusion with a call to action that encourages your readers to do something or learn more about your topic. In general, try to keep your conclusion between 5 and 7 sentences long. For more tips from our English co-author, like how to avoid common pitfalls when writing an essay conclusion, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Essential Conclusion Transition Words to Master English Writing

By: Author ESLBUZZ

Posted on Last updated: September 5, 2023

Sharing is caring!

Hello and welcome! Today, we will explore the importance of conclusion transition words and how they can be used to effectively summarize and conclude a piece of writing. We will provide a comprehensive list of transition words and phrases that are commonly used in conclusions, along with examples of how they can be used in sentences. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to use conclusion transition words to create a strong and effective conclusion to your writing.

Conclusion Transition Words

Understanding Conclusion Transition Words

What are transition words.

Transition words are also known as discourse markers or connectives. They are words or phrases that signal a shift or connection between ideas. They help to create coherence and flow in writing and speaking by showing the relationship between different parts of a text.

Why are Transition Words Important?

Transition words are important because they help to create a clear and organized structure in writing and speaking. They make it easier for the reader or listener to follow along and understand the main points of the text. Additionally, using transition words can help to improve vocabulary and writing skills.

What are Conclusion Transition Words?

Conclusion transition words are words or phrases that are used to signal the end of a discussion or the conclusion of an argument. These words help to summarize the main points and provide closure to the reader or listener. Some examples of conclusion transition words include “in conclusion,” “to sum up,” “finally,” “in summary,” and “to conclude.” These words help to signal that the writer or speaker is wrapping up their thoughts and bringing the discussion to a close.

Examples of Transition Words in Context

Here are some example sentences that use transition words:

• Firstly, I would like to thank everyone for coming to my presentation.
• In addition to his academic achievements, John is also an accomplished musician.
• However, despite these challenges, we were able to complete the project on time.
• Therefore, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of our actions.
• In conclusion, I believe that the benefits of exercise outweigh the risks.

Focusing on Conclusion Transition Words

Conclusion transition words are phrases or words that indicate that you are about to conclude your writing. They signal to the reader that you are summarizing your thoughts and bringing your piece to a close.

Here are some commonly used conclusion transition words to help you wrap up your writing:

Using Conclusion Transition Words in Your Writing

Here are some examples of how to use them in a sentence:

• In conclusion, it’s important to remember that…
• In brief, the main takeaway from this piece is…
• To sum up, the key points to remember are…
• In summary, the main argument of this piece is…
• To conclude, it’s clear that…
• To summarize, the main points of this piece are…

Conclusion Paragraphs and Concluding Words

In addition to using conclusion transition words, it’s important to write a strong conclusion paragraph. This paragraph should summarize the main points of your piece and leave the reader with a clear understanding of your argument.

Concluding words can also be used to signal the end of your piece.

Here are some examples of concluding words to end your writing:

• To conclude

Comprehensive List of Conclusion Transition Words

Here is a list of conclusion transition words with their meanings:

Here are some example sentences that show how to use conclusion transition words in context:

• Example: “In conclusion, it is clear that climate change is a pressing issue that requires immediate action.”
• Finally: “Finally, after months of hard work, we were able to launch our new product.”
• Ultimately: “Ultimately, it was the team’s dedication and perseverance that led to our success.”
• Thus: “Thus, we can see that the data supports our hypothesis.”
• Overall: “Overall, the study found that there was a significant correlation between exercise and mental health.”
• In the final analysis: “In the final analysis, it was the company’s lack of transparency that led to the public’s distrust.”
• All things considered: “All things considered, the event was a success.”
• Therefore: “Therefore, we recommend that the company invest in renewable energy sources.”
• All in all: “All in all, it was a great vacation.”
• In the end: “In the end, it was the small details that made all the difference.”
• In a word: “In a word, the experience was unforgettable.”
• Given these points: “Given these points, it is clear that we need to make some changes to our strategy.”
• Generally speaking: “Generally speaking, people are more productive in the morning.”
• As a result: “As a result, we were able to increase our profits by 20%.”
• Noted: “Noted, we will take your feedback into consideration for future projects.”
• After all: “After all, it’s the thought that counts.”
• In the long run: “In the long run, investing in our employees will pay off.”
• For the most part: “For the most part, the study found that there was no significant difference between the two groups.”
• As has been noted: “As has been noted, there are still some unanswered questions regarding the effectiveness of the treatment.”
• On balance: “On balance, the pros outweigh the cons.”
• Usually: “Usually, I prefer to work alone.”
• By and large: “By and large, the event was a success.”
• Consequently: “Consequently, we had to make some changes to our plans.”
• Clearly: “Clearly, the data shows that there is a strong correlation between smoking and lung cancer.”
• Lastly: “Lastly, I would like to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication.”
• As shown above: “As shown above, there is a clear trend in the data.”

Using Conclusion Transition Words Effectively

Short and summarize.

When writing a conclusion, it is important to keep it short and summarize the main points of the paper. Using conclusion transition words such as “in summary” or “in brief” can help you achieve this. These words signal to the reader that you are summarizing the main points of the paper and preparing to conclude.

Remember to use the right conclusion transition words based on the formality of the writing. Here’s a simple guide:

• Informal: “So, yeah,” “Anyway,” “Well, that’s all for now,” “That’s it,” “Catch you later”
• Neutral: “In conclusion,” “To summarize,” “To sum up,” “Finally,” “In summary”
• Formal: “Thus,” “Therefore,” “Hence,” “Consequently,” “Accordingly”

Order and Connection

When using conclusion transition words, it is important to use them in a logical order that connects the main points of the paper. For example, you can use words like “therefore” or “hence” to connect the main points of the paper to the thesis statement. This helps the reader understand the connection between the main points and the overall purpose of the paper.

Purpose and Clarification

Conclusion transition words can also be used to clarify the purpose of the paper. For example, you can use words like “in order to” or “for the purpose of” to clarify the main idea of the paper. This helps the reader understand the purpose of the paper and the main points that support it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common conclusion transition words for essays?

Some common conclusion transition words for essays are “in conclusion,” “to sum up,” “finally,” “in summary,” “to conclude,” and “as a result.”

How can using transition words improve the clarity of my writing?

Using transition words can improve the clarity of your writing by helping to guide the reader through your ideas and making connections between them. They can also help to create a sense of flow and coherence in your writing.

What is the purpose of using transition words in writing?

The purpose of using transition words in writing is to help the reader follow your ideas and understand the connections between them. They can also help to create a sense of flow and coherence in your writing.

What are some examples of transitional phrases used in academic writing?

Some examples of transitional phrases used in academic writing are “on the other hand,” “in contrast,” “furthermore,” “moreover,” “in addition,” “nevertheless,” and “however.”

How can I effectively use transition words in the conclusion of my essay?

To effectively use transition words in the conclusion of your essay, you should choose words that help to summarize your main points and bring your argument to a close. Some effective transition words for conclusions include “in conclusion,” “to sum up,” and “finally.”

What are some commonly used transitional words and phrases for body paragraphs?

Some commonly used transitional words and phrases for body paragraphs include “firstly,” “secondly,” “in addition,” “furthermore,” “moreover,” “on the other hand,” “in contrast,” and “nevertheless.”

Some common conclusion transition words for essays are \"in conclusion,\" \"to sum up,\" \"finally,\" \"in summary,\" \"to conclude,\" and \"as a result.\"

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How can using transition words improve the clarity of my writing?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

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"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some examples of transitional phrases used in academic writing?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Some examples of transitional phrases used in academic writing are \"on the other hand,\" \"in contrast,\" \"furthermore,\" \"moreover,\" \"in addition,\" \"nevertheless,\" and \"however.\"

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How can I effectively use transition words in the conclusion of my essay?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

To effectively use transition words in the conclusion of your essay, you should choose words that help to summarize your main points and bring your argument to a close. Some effective transition words for conclusions include \"in conclusion,\" \"to sum up,\" and \"finally.\"

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some commonly used transitional words and phrases for body paragraphs?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Some commonly used transitional words and phrases for body paragraphs include \"firstly,\" \"secondly,\" \"in addition,\" \"furthermore,\" \"moreover,\" \"on the other hand,\" \"in contrast,\" and \"nevertheless.\"

Overall, using transition words and phrases can greatly improve the clarity and coherence of your writing. By guiding the reader through your ideas and making connections between them, you can create a more effective and engaging piece of writing.

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• 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.

Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.

It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.

If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.

General explaining

Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.

1. In order to

Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”

2. In other words

Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”

3. To put it another way

Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”

4. That is to say

Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”

5. To that end

Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”

Adding additional information to support a point

Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument . Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.

6. Moreover

Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”

7. Furthermore

Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”

8. What’s more

Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”

9. Likewise

Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”

10. Similarly

Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”

11. Another key thing to remember

Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”

12. As well as

Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”

13. Not only… but also

Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”

14. Coupled with

Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”

15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.

16. Not to mention/to say nothing of

Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.

17. However

Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”

18. On the other hand

Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”

19. Having said that

Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”

20. By contrast/in comparison

Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”

21. Then again

Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”

22. That said

Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”

Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”

Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations

Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.

24. Despite this

Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”

25. With this in mind

Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”

26. Provided that

Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”

27. In view of/in light of

Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”

28. Nonetheless

Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”

29. Nevertheless

Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”

30. Notwithstanding

Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”

Giving examples

Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.

31. For instance

Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”

32. To give an illustration

Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”

Signifying importance

When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.

33. Significantly

Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”

34. Notably

Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”

35. Importantly

Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”

Summarising

You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.

36. In conclusion

Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”

37. Above all

Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”

38. Persuasive

Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”

39. Compelling

Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”

40. All things considered

Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”

How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.

At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of  summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine  and engineering .

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CONCLUSION Transition Words: Useful List & Examples

Posted on Last updated: March 7, 2023

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CONCLUSION Transition Words! Following is a list of 40+ transition words of conclusion with example sentences in English. They’re really helpful for you to master your writing and speaking skills .

Table of Contents

Conclusion Transition Words

List of conclusion transitions.

• generally speaking
• in the final analysis
• all things considered
• as shown above
• in the long run
• given these points
• as has been noted
• for the most part
• in conclusion
• to summarize
• by and large
• on the whole
• in any event
• in either case
• as a result
• consequently
• to conclude
• taking everything into account
• in light of these facts
• without a doubt

Conclusion Transition Words with Examples

Learn useful conclusion transition words with example sentences in English.

Generally speaking, it’s quite a good school.

In the final analysis, the only people who will benefit are property owners.

She took it very well, all things considered.

It’s possible, as shown above, to write a rename rule that converts case-sensitive files into lowercase file names, thereby causing clashes among previously unique file names.

In the long run, it works out more expensive to rent a television than to buy one.

Given these points, it’s clearly time to consider some changes. In the long run, these recommendations will benefit our company.

But there was much evidence of divided counsels on both the Labour and Conservative sides, as has been noted above.

In a word, the whole plan fell through.

He was, for the most part, quite helpful.

The world is but a little place, after all.

Experience is not interesting till it begins to repeat itself, in fact, till it does that, it hardly is experience.

In summary, this was a disappointing performance.

In conclusion, I would like to say how much I have enjoyed myself today.

Try tennis, badminton or windsurfing. In short, anything challenging.

In brief, I have made up my mind to quit the job.

In essence, all computers are the same.

To summarize, the organic compounds found in cells are built up and broken down by enzymes.

On balance, the company has had a successful year.

Altogether, our achievements are very great.

Overall, the tone of the book is satirical/the book is satirical in tone.

Ordinarily, he didn’t like to go to the movies.

Usually when Opposition MPs question Ministers they are just playing party politics.

By and large, I enjoyed my time at school.

To sum up, there are three main ways of tackling the problem

On the whole, I’m happy with the way I look.

In any event, the worst that she can do is say ‘no’.

In either case, public spending should increase by the income elasticity of demand.

All in all, I love the summer very much! You should start practising your English from now on.

Obviously, television has both advantages and disadvantages.

Ultimately, the war had to end; it cost too much in both lives and dollars.

Ending a relationship is always hard but in this case, it’s definitely for the best.

• as can be seen

As can be seen from the picture the background is the Muda Dam.

Conclusion Transitions | Infographic

Sunday 23rd of July 2023

It's very interesting but it's more important if there are the uses & meanings of all these transition words

Monday 3rd of April 2023

Tuesday 29th of November 2022

To summarize

Thursday 3rd of November 2022

hiiiiiiiiiiiiii

Tuesday 1st of November 2022

Thursday 12th of January 2023

bro dont say that man\

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‘Shogun’ Delivers a Satisfying Conclusion With an Understated Finale

In the finale of ‘Shogun,’ “A Dream of a Dream,” FX’s acclaimed series ends as it began: highlighting character over spectacle

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In the sixth episode of Shogun , Lord Yoshii Toranaga’s (Hiroyuki Sanada) war council gathers in Ajiro to form a strategy against Lady Ochiba (Fumi Nikaido), Lord Ishido Kazunari (Takehiro Hira), and their manipulations of the Council of Regents. With a depleted army and few options at the war council’s disposal, Toda Hiromatsu (Tokuma Nishioka) suggests that the time has finally come for “Crimson Sky.” Hiromatsu describes the perilous plan as a “single, violent rush on Osaka Castle,” one that would eliminate the Council of Regents and form a new government, with Toranaga as sole regent: shogun.

Although Toranaga initially refuses to proceed with Crimson Sky, by the end of the episode, he declares that his clan must protect the taiko ’s heir from the traitorous Council of Regents and that Crimson Sky is their only choice. It’s a promise that war is coming to Japan, and the prospect of the epic battle looms over each of the following episodes. Even with the subsequent betrayal by Toranaga’s half brother, Saeki Nobutatsu (Eita Okuno), and the deaths of Hiromatsu and Toranaga’s son, Nagakado (Yuki Kura), the assault on Osaka felt inevitable. Last week’s penultimate episode, titled “Crimson Sky,” all but promised to feature Toranaga’s long-awaited attack on Osaka Castle—and yet he and his army never even set foot in the city. The most important strike is fought only with words, as Lady Mariko (Anna Sawai) stands in defiance of Ochiba and Ishido to sow division between Toranaga’s enemies from within the castle walls.

With Mariko’s shocking death in the closing moments of the ninth episode, the stage had been set for Toranaga’s attack to actually arrive in the series finale. But the violent conflict never comes. The only battle in the finale appears in the form of a vision, as Toranaga describes to Kashigi Yabushige (Tadanobu Asano) the conflict that will take place in one month’s time, the famed Battle of Sekigahara , in which Ishido will learn that he has lost the support of the heir’s army and that all of the other regents have united against him. Toranaga reveals that Crimson Sky had already succeeded, the single rush delivered by one person: Mariko. “With the regents united, I could never send an army to Osaka,” Toranaga explains to Yabushige. “It would have meant certain death. So I sent a woman to do what an army never could.”

Shogun ’s series finale, “A Dream of a Dream,” which premiered on Hulu on Tuesday, caps a season that featured masterful storytelling , excellent acting performances, and one of the most immersive worlds depicted on television in recent memory. “A Dream of a Dream” is a beautiful, understated conclusion that prioritizes character over spectacle, coalescing the entire journey across the season as Toranaga finally ascends to power.

In the early reviews of Shogun , many critics naturally compared the FX series to HBO’s Game of Thrones —another show with epic scale, gore, political maneuvering, and enough names and alliances that a grove of family trees felt like a necessary viewing companion to keep track of everyone. Even still, Shogun director Jonathan van Tulleken argued that the series was more akin to the character-driven political dramas of Succession and House of Cards . At the end of the 10-episode season, it’s easy to see why. Shogun had its fair share of thrilling action sequences, but it was never interested in producing its own version of “ The Long Night ” or “ Battle of the Bastards .” Despite the abundance of beheadings throughout the series, Shogun ’s battles were few and far between, with its most captivating confrontations often occurring in conversation.

So much of Shogun is set in the periphery of a war that never takes shape on-screen in earnest, as the series commits itself to engaging with the machinations behind it: every character’s reach for power or sense of agency. “A Dream of a Dream” cleverly upends audience expectations by performing a narrative ruse befitting a story that ultimately belongs to Toranaga. The cunning warlord, played with a reserved grace by Sanada, is an enigma to even his closest confidants throughout the season. But the finale showcases his brilliance—and ruthlessness—in all of its glory.

When Yabushige and John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) return to Ajiro, they find that the already devastated fishing village has fallen into an even deeper state of despair. Yabushige is ousted as a traitor and sentenced to commit seppuku by sunset the following day, while Blackthorne discovers that his beloved ship has been destroyed. He’s informed that it was the nefarious work of Christians and that Toranaga has ordered a violent and merciless search throughout Ajiro to weed out those who abetted them. Thanks to Father Martin Alvito’s (Tommy Bastow) parting words to Blackthorne in Osaka, he quickly realizes that it was Mariko who essentially burned his ship as part of an agreement she made with the church to save his life. He says as much to Toranaga, as Blackthorne asks for him to end the suffering in Ajiro, but Toranaga refuses his request all the same.

As Toranaga later reveals to Yabushige, just before Yabushige is set to die for the role he played in Mariko’s death, Toranaga was the one who arranged for Blackthorne’s ship to be burned. “It was a necessary ruse to test the Anjin,” Toranaga tells Yabushige, explaining that he’ll likely have to destroy the next ship that Blackthorne rebuilds, too. Toranaga is sacrificing the lives of Ajiro’s residents, knowing all too well that they are innocent of the crimes they’re suspected of, just to test Blackthorne and tighten his control over him.

“How does it feel to shape the wind to your will?” Yabushige finally asks Toranaga.

“I don’t control the wind,” he replies. “I only study it.”

Yabushige greedily digs for more and more information from Toranaga, desperate to hear about the forthcoming events that will occur after his death and to understand how Toranaga is always one step ahead of his enemies. With nothing to lose, Toranaga complies, revealing the true nature of his schemes as he walks Yabushige through the victory he had failed to foresee. Only when Yabushige pleads for Toranaga to confess to him whether he had always desired to become shogun—if he was like every other power-hungry warlord in his secret heart—does Toranaga finally grow weary of all the questions and prepare to honor his promise to be the second to Yabushige’s seppuku . “Why tell a dead man the future?” he asks coldly as Yabushige accepts his fate and looks into his liege lord’s eyes as Toranaga takes his life.

It’s a fantastic scene that serves as a fitting end to Asano’s Yabushige, who played his role as the predictable traitor in Toranaga’s designs to perfection (while also serving as one of the series’ most likable and charismatic characters). It’s also a somewhat risky narrative decision by Shogun ’s creative team to opt for the exposition of the events still to come instead of the grand action of a massive set piece; they place their trust in the actors’ performances and the show’s excellent writing.

The finale showcases the growth of just about every one of the show’s major characters, but none more than Blackthorne. As much as Shogun is about Toranaga’s rise to power, it’s also the story of the shipwrecked English navigator. It’s about his journey of accepting the culture and customs of his former Japanese captors as he comes to respect them more than the Dutch crew he arrived with. In “A Dream of a Dream,” all of the lessons he’s learned from Mariko are put on full display. Whether it’s in his improved proficiency with the Japanese language, the wordless act of carefully avoiding the moss in his house’s rock garden, or how he is prepared to die for the injustices against Ajiro, Mariko’s influence on the “barbarian” is seen at every turn. When Blackthorne threatens to end his life in protest of Toranaga’s actions (even if he hasn’t quite grasped how to properly commit seppuku ), he models his phrasing after Mariko’s protestation of Ishido’s dishonorable attack as she was killed in the ninth episode—and he quietly echoes her words to himself as he attempts to follow through with the act: “We live, and we die.”

The aftermath of last week’s tragic conclusion bleeds into the opening credits of the finale, with Blackthorne holding Mariko’s lifeless body in his arms as her loved ones cry out in pain and as Yabushige privately begs for forgiveness in the background. Her absence—and tremendous impact—is all over the remainder of the episode, adding even greater depth and significance to one of the show’s most important and engrossing characters. Sawai’s star-making turn as Mariko provided the perfect foil to the show’s central male perspectives, focusing on her courage and strength to impose her will and honor her father’s complicated legacy within the societal strictures women faced in this fictionalized era of Japanese history. Her words beneath her veiled politeness could cut down her enemies such that she never needed to lift her naginata (though she was pretty good with her blade, too).

Mariko’s words were her greatest weapon, and they reemerge throughout the episode as her friends remember and mourn her. After receiving Lady Ochiba’s secret pledge to pull back the heir’s army when the time comes, Toranaga recites the poem that Mariko spoke to him following Hiromatsu’s death and acknowledges her outsize role in securing his victory. “Only her words remain now,” Toranaga says. “But what a bonfire she made.”

The Shogun finale delivers a number of quiet yet devastating scenes to wind the series to a close. One of the most subtle and impactful moments comes when Blackthorne sits in his home, overlooking its rock garden in peace, as his consort, Usami Fuji (Moeka Hoshi), joins him at his side. They exchange pleasantries, and after a brief interlude of silence, Blackthorne glances at the empty space to his right, where Mariko used to sit beside them, cueing somber piano chords in the dynamic score from Atticus Ross, Leopold Ross, and Nick Chuba. As Fuji catches his wandering gaze, Blackthorne simply says “no translator” in Japanese, and Fuji tearfully nods in silent understanding.

Fuji, who stole scenes with her tea-sipping side eyes , is one of several supporting characters who get a satisfying end to their part in the larger story. With Fuji’s service to Toranaga fulfilled, she informs Blackthorne that she’ll be leaving their home to become a nun—just as she once begged Mariko for when she was first assigned to serve the “barbarian.” Their mutual respect and admiration for each other have grown tremendously since they were stuck together after Toranaga named Blackthorne his hatamoto , and even without the mediation of their beloved translator, they’re able to understand each other’s emotions and intentions. Together, they say goodbye to their loved ones as Fuji releases the ashes of her late son and husband into the sea and Blackthorne drops Mariko’s cross into the water after her.

Meanwhile, the clever lord of Ajiro, Kashigi Omi (Hiroto Kanai), is positioned to become Toranaga’s vassal after his uncle Yabushige’s death. Toranaga’s faithful spy, Muraji (Yasunari Takeshima), finally reveals his true identity as his lord’s faithful samurai to Blackthorne. Even the visibly grief-stricken Buntaro (Shinnosuke Abe) gets his moment as he sets aside his differences with Blackthorne to help the other villagers pull Blackthorne’s broken ship from the water—the last remnants of his former life—in the episode’s final minutes.

In the end, Blackthorne is the only character whose fate is left with shades of ambiguity. “A Dream of a Dream” begins with what appears to be a flash-forward: Blackthorne, now old and gray, lies in a lavish bed back in what is presumably England, his grandchildren quietly marveling at the artifacts he brought back from Japan—trophies he collected from the “savages.” The finale cuts into this future setting throughout the episode, as if Blackthorne is recalling his past, often linking the quick time jumps with his present-day thoughts of Mariko. However, whether Blackthorne actually ever makes it out of Japan is left as a mystery; he could be merely daydreaming in his grief. He appears to be clutching Mariko’s cross in the future, which he dropped into the sea, and Toranaga himself told Yabushige, “I don’t think it’s his fate to ever leave Japan.” (And that says a lot coming from the all-seeing warlord, who seems hell-bent on burning this man’s ship over and over again.)

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Could the episode title, “A Dream of a Dream,” refer to Blackthorne—dreaming of his potential future in the present as his withered, old self dreams of his past? Is it referencing Toranaga’s vision of the Battle of Sekigahara, as he nears his dream of ushering in a great era of peace in Japan? Or is the title merely an allusion to the words of the late taiko , who, on his deathbed in the second episode, said, “So strange, this life. … Just a dream of a dream.”

Whatever the case may be, Shogun concludes before we find out what becomes of Blackthorne beyond his renewed loyalty to Toranaga, who orders Blackthorne to build him a fleet of ships. (For what it’s worth, William Adams , the English sea pilot whom Blackthorne is loosely based on, never left Japan, despite receiving permission to return home to England.) With James Clavell’s 1,200-word novel serving as the show’s source material, FX could have certainly tried to extend Shogun by spreading its lengthy story into multiple seasons. But cocreators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo, along with the rest of their creative team, did a tremendous job of condensing the unwieldy text into 10 enthralling episodes of television, spacing out a complex narrative and rich characters with economic precision. There’s always the chance that the showrunners could venture beyond the confines of Clavell’s novel or otherwise adapt another one of the late author’s books in his Asian Saga as a spiritual successor, but it seems as if Shogun is ending as it was intended to.

“We took the story to the end of the book and put a period at the end of that sentence,” Marks told The Hollywood Reporter . “We love how the book ends; it was one of the reasons why we both knew we wanted to do it—and we ended in exactly that place.”

Shogun leaves its audience wishing for more; the finale ends with Toranaga still only on the precipice of becoming the titular military ruler who will unify Japan and usher in centuries of peace. And yet unlike Blackthorne’s fate, we know what Toranaga’s will be. After a final shot of Toranaga looking out into the distance, perhaps dreaming of fulfilling his destiny once and for all, the flash of the closing title screen promises that his vision will come to fruition—just as he foretold.

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