Transition Words for Conclusion (with Examples)

Alternatives to “in conclusion”

Overusing “in conclusion” can feel mechanical. Try these polished choices:

Grouped lists with meanings & mini-examples

A) Logical result (great for academic)

• therefore — logical result. Therefore, the hypothesis stands.
• thus — formal result. Thus, the model explains the variance.
• consequently — cause → effect. Consequently, the policy was revised.
• as a result — outcome. As a result, profits increased.
• hence — formal result. Hence, further testing is required.
• for these reasons — argument finish. For these reasons, we recommend action.
• given these points — argument finish. Given these points, the proposal should proceed.
• as can be seen — reference to evidence. As can be seen, both trials converged.
• as shown above — reference to prior analysis. As shown above, the trend is consistent.
• as has been noted — reference to earlier claim. As has been noted, the dataset is limited.

B) Synthesis / recap (great for essays & reports)

• overall — generalization. Overall, the benefits outweigh the costs.
• in summary — brief recap. In summary, three factors matter most.
• to sum up — brief synthesis. To sum up, the plan is feasible.
• in sum — brief synthesis. In sum, the evidence aligns.
• on the whole — general view. On the whole, outcomes were positive.
• in essence — core idea. In essence, the approach is practical.
• in brief — very short recap. In brief, the trial worked.
• to summarize — explicit recap. To summarize, we met the objectives.
• in conclusion — explicit close (use sparingly). In conclusion, the case is strong.
• in the final analysis — summing judgment. In the final analysis, reform is justified.
• all things considered — weighing factors. All things considered, Option B is best.
• altogether — holistic wrap-up. Altogether, the initiative succeeded.
• on balance — weighed judgment. On balance, the risks are acceptable.
• generally speaking — broad view. Generally speaking, attendance improved.
• by and large — broad view. By and large, results matched forecasts.
• for the most part — broad view. For the most part, timelines held.
• ordinarily — typical tendency. Ordinarily, teams ship monthly.
• usually — typical tendency. Usually, classes end by 3 pm.

C) Final judgment / emphasis

• ultimately — final judgment. Ultimately, collaboration is essential.
• finally — closure/sequence. Finally, we can implement the change.
• in closing — speech close. In closing, thank you for your time.
• the evidence suggests — evidence-led close. The evidence suggests a causal link.
• the data indicate — evidence-led close. The data indicate stable growth.
• obviously — emphatic tone (use sparingly). Obviously, safety must come first.
• definitely — emphatic tone (use sparingly). Definitely, the upgrade is worth it.
• in fact — emphasis/clarification. In fact, costs were lower than predicted.
• after all — emphatic rationale. After all, prevention costs less than repair.

D) Conversational closers (emails/speeches)

• all in all — casual wrap-up. All in all, it was a success.
• in short — brevity. In short, we should proceed.
• bottom line — punchy close. Bottom line: we can deliver on time.
• to wrap up — friendly close. To wrap up, thanks for the support.
• in a word — terse close. In a word, impressive.
• in any event — regardless close. In any event, the deadline stands.
• in either case — regardless close. In either case, we’ll monitor results.
• in the long run — temporal wrap-up. In the long run, the investment pays off.

If you need to contrast viewpoints before concluding, check our guide on transition words for contrast.

Examples by context

Ending a paragraph vs ending the whole essay

Paragraph endings can use lighter closers (overall, in short) to signal wrap-up, while whole-essay conclusions usually need a stronger logical result (therefore, consequently, ultimately) plus implication.

IELTS / ESL mini-guide

Safe choices for Task 2: in summary, overall, to sum up, ultimately, therefore, thus, consequently. Avoid overly casual closers like in a nutshell.

Sample conclusion (Task 2):

Overall, public transport subsidies reduce congestion and emissions. Therefore, governments should prioritize funding for buses and trains, especially in dense corridors. While implementation costs are high, the long-term benefits justify the investment.

Templates & sentence frames

• Implication: Therefore, [main claim], which implies [policy/recommendation].
• Synthesis: Overall, [two key findings] suggest [unified takeaway].
• Call-to-action: Consequently, [stakeholders] should [action] to [result].
• Evidence-led: Thus, the evidence indicates that [claim], despite [limitation].

Common mistakes & simple fixes

Printable cheat sheet

One-page PDF with 20 must-know transitions, register buckets, and sentence frames.

Related guides

• Transition words — the complete overview
• transition words for contrast
• Coordinating conjunctions