how to write conclusion in essay

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How to Conclude an Essay (with Examples)

Last Updated: December 10, 2024 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. 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 3,235,338 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.

Tips for Ending an Essay

• 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.

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• Always review your essay after writing it for proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and don’t be afraid to revise. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ 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
• ↑ 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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Home › Study Tips › How to Write an Essay Conclusion: Proven Strategies and Common Mistakes to Avoid

How to Write an Essay Conclusion: Proven Strategies and Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Published December 16, 2024

If you want your essay to leave a lasting impression on your readers, you need to make your conclusion stand out.

A solid essay conclusion reinforces your essay’s main points and ensures your readers leave with a clear understanding of the argument. It will help you shine in essay competitions like the Immerse Essay Competition , where you can win a full scholarship to university and career preparation programmes.

However, a solid conclusion should not only round off your essay but also engage the reader’s emotions. This is why a conclusion paragraph is one of the hardest parts of essay writing. You need to recap your central points without repeating yourself while making it thought-provoking.

This post is for you if you’re wondering how to write a conclusion for an essay. It will discuss the elements of a great conclusion as well as what to avoid in your conclusion.

Key Elements of a Great Conclusion

Understanding the elements of a great essay conclusion helps you create one that leaves a lasting impression.

The key elements of a great essay conclusion are:

Restatement of Your Thesis

When concluding your essay, it is wise to remind the reader of its purpose. This is why an essay conclusion should begin by revisiting your thesis statement.

However, do not just copy and paste it from the introduction. Instead, rephrase it to reflect how you developed your argument throughout the essay.

For example, consider the thesis statement, “ Social media has a negative impact on teenager’s mental health .” Revisit the thesis with a statement like “ It is clear that the excessive use of social media contributes to mental health issues among teenagers .”

Review of Your Main Points

An effective conclusion paragraph should reinforce your arguments. A summary of your essay’s main points reminds the reader of the evidence you used to support your argument.

However, do not simply repeat what you already wrote. Instead, go through your body paragraphs, extract the main points, and piece them together. Remember that the best conclusions do not just summarise the main points but synthesise them.

This means connecting the points in a way that clearly shows their connections, especially how they add up to form a coherent whole.

Reflection of the Significance

A strong conclusion should convey why your argument matters. For this reason, after summarising your main points, reflect on the significance of your thesis by answering the “so what?” question.

After a reader sees all your supporting evidence and arguments, they may still wonder, “Why should I care about this?” or “What’s the bigger picture here?” Address this in your essay conclusion.

Does it provide a new understanding of the topic or raise new questions for future study? Whatever your essay is about, after reiterating your main points, make sure you provide the broader implications of your argument. Help the reader see how the essay relates to their lives or the wider world. This will elevate your essay from just a simple presentation of facts to a meaningful discussion.

Final Thought or Call-To-Action

You should always end your essay conclusion with a thought-provoking statement to encourage the reader to think critically about the topic.

Remember that a solid essay conclusion should engage the reader’s emotions. This is the part that does that. A thought-provoking statement or a prediction about the future as the final sentence of your essay conclusion leaves the reader with something to reflect on long after they have finished reading your essay.

For example, if your essay explores the dangers of AI, you may end the conclusion paragraph with something like, “ As we move forward with AI, we must ask ourselves—are we creating tools that serve humanity or that will ultimately control us?” This invites your readers to consider the ethical implications of AI long after reading your essay.For more detailed writing guides, check out Immerse’s social channels . You can also explore our Succeed platform for writing workshops and expert practical tips.

What to Avoid in an Essay Conclusion

Certain elements shouldn’t be in your essay paragraph because their presence will weaken your overall argument. The elements that you should avoid in an essay conclusion include:

Introducing New Information

The conclusion of your essay is not the place to introduce new arguments or evidence. Doing this will likely confuse your reader and disrupt the flow of your essay. Instead, stick to reiterating and synthesising the main points you already made in the essay’s main body.

The conclusion may include minor information, like a quotation that nicely summarises your main argument or a sentence or two that provides broader implications. However, new ideas or analyses essential to supporting your thesis statement should not come to the conclusion paragraph. Instead, move these to one of the supporting paragraphs.

Repeating the Introduction

Your conclusion should feel like a purposefully considered closing statement, not a repeat of earlier points. Therefore, while restating your thesis in your conclusion paragraph, it is important to avoid repeating your introduction word for word.

Remember that the introduction presents your thesis, and the main body provides evidence and argumentation to support it. Thus, the conclusion should reflect how the argument developed and provide a final perspective based on the evidence and analysis.

Repeating your introduction verbatim prevents your conclusion from offering a fresh perspective or demonstrating a deeper analysis. It makes you miss the chance to show how your main ideas fit together and reinforce the significance of your argument. It will also give the impression of a lack of effort.

Making General Statements

An essay conclusion should be specific and clear. Avoid general statements and vague assertions that do not reinforce your arguments.

For example, instead of saying, “ Social media affects everyone differently ,” make a specific statement that ties back to your argument, like “ The harmful effects of social media are particularly evident in teenagers, where it leads to mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression .”

Using Concluding Phrases

Avoid concluding phrases like “In conclusion,” “In Summary,” or “To sum up” because they are redundant, taking up word count that might be better used elsewhere, and can weaken your essay.

Returning to your thesis statement as you start the conclusion paragraph will tell the reader you are concluding the essay, so you don’t have to spell it out with concluding phrases. These phrases will come across as fillers that contribute nothing to the essay since the reader already knows you are concluding.

Overly Short or Long Conclusions

An essay conclusion should be concise and thorough. It should not be a single sentence, nor should it be overly long. Instead, it should be a length that effectively wraps up your essay without going overboard.

An overly short essay conclusion may not provide enough depth to make the essay leave an impression. For example, it may only restate the arguments without elaboration (like summarising key points, demonstrating the significance of your arguments, and leaving the reader with something to ponder).

Conversely, an overly long conclusion can risk repeating information already presented in the body paragraphs, making it largely redundant. This can also overwhelm readers, making the conclusion less impactful.

Using Apologetic Phrases

Your conclusion is your final chance to reinforce your argument, demonstrate its significance, and leave a lasting impression. However, apologetic phrases that sound uncertain do the opposite. They’ll make your argument appear less convincing and authoritative.

Apologetic phrases include “I’m not sure,” “It could be argued,” “Perhaps,” “I think,” and more. Avoid them like a plague in your conclusion, as they’ll bring in a sense of doubt, which is the exact opposite of what a strong conclusion should achieve. For example, instead of a last sentence like “ I think the evidence points to a need for stronger climate policies ,” go with a more confident statement like “ The evidence clearly shows the urgent need for stronger climate policies .”

Overly Dramatic Statements

If you want your arguments taken seriously, you should sound confident without veering into exaggeration or sensationalism.

Overly dramatic statements can make your essay look like a sensationalised opinion piece rather than a well-reasoned, scholarly argument.

Consider a dramatic statement like “ If we don’t act now, the entire planet will collapse on our heads .” It can make readers question the reliability of your arguments, potentially undermining your entire essay. Such statements can even alienate readers by making them feel like you’re trying to manipulate their emotions.

Practical Tips for Writing a Strong Essay Conclusion

Having discussed the key elements of a conclusion and what to avoid, let’s move on to some practical tips to help you write a strong essay conclusion.

Take Your Time

Do not rush through your conclusion. It’s your last chance to leave an impression on your readers, so take your time to craft the conclusion carefully.

Take a step back and reflect on the key insights of your essay. Carefully consider how you will rephrase your thesis statement and reinforce the connection between the introduction and body paragraphs.

Taking your time to write your conclusion allows you to refine the wording, structure, and flow. This ensures the conclusion is clear, sounds professional, and effectively reinforces your argument.

Consider the Bigger Picture

Considering the bigger picture elevates your essay conclusion by showing how your essay fits into a larger context. This step allows you to tie your specific points to real-world concerns. It makes your readers reflect on the larger implications of your essay’s argument, contributing to a broader understanding of your topic.

Use Transition Words

Ensure your conclusion flows naturally from the body of your essay using transition words. They can help guide your reader’s expectations. For example, using “therefore” can show how points made in the essay body logically lead to the final conclusion.

Transition words also help you smoothly transition from one part of the conclusion to another. Whether you are revisiting your thesis, synthesising your key points, or offering a final thought, transition words connect the different components. Without them, the conclusion will feel disconnected.

Mirror Your Introduction

Your conclusion should mirror the tone of your introduction to create a sense of unity throughout the essay.

If your introduction is formal and analytical, use the same style in the conclusion – and indeed, throughout the main body – to maintain a consistent voice. If the introduction used a conversational tone, echo this in the conclusion.

Revisit Your Hook

If you used an intriguing question, quote, or anecdote to hook readers in the introduction, reference it in the conclusion to provide closure. For example, if you asked a provocative question in the introduction, your conclusion should discuss how your essay addressed that question.

Explore our Research Idea articles for more inspiration to write essays with captivating endings.

Examples of Essay Conclusions

Here are a few examples of essay conclusions that will help you understand these strategies:

The evidence shows that climate change is an urgent global issue that demands immediate action. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, adopting sustainable practices, and holding corporations accountable can help mitigate the devastating effects of environmental degradation. Simply recognising the problem is not enough. We must take decisive action now to safeguard the future of our planet .

See how this example incorporates the key elements of a great essay conclusion:

Restatement of the thesis :

The thesis restatement is, “ The evidence clearly shows that climate change is an urgent global issue that demands immediate action. ”

The original thesis likely argued that climate change is a pressing issue that requires immediate action. This restatement reinforces the essay’s main argument, reminding the reader of the central claim.

Review of main points

“ Transitioning to renewable energy sources, adopting sustainable practices, and holding corporations accountable can help mitigate the devastating effects of environmental degradation. ”

This part condenses the main solutions discussed in the essay body into a brief overview, showing how the body supports the thesis.

Reflection of the significance

The sentence showing the significance of the thesis is, “ Simply recognising the problem is not enough. We must take decisive action now to safeguard the future of our planet .”

This statement shows the broader significance of the issue by emphasising the real-world consequence of inaction, which reinforces the essay’s relevance.

Final thought

“ We must take decisive action now to safeguard the future of our planet .”

This statement urges the reader to take concrete steps towards solving the problem.

“It is important that we invest in mental health care to ensure the well-being of future generations. The benefits of early intervention and increased support for mental health services far outweigh the costs. Prioritising mental health will help us create a healthier society for all. The time to act is now.”

Restatement of the thesis

The thesis restatement is, “ It is important that we invest in mental health care to ensure the well-being of future generations .”

The original thesis argued that investing in mental health care is key to the well-being of future generations. This restatement reminds the reader of the main argument of the essay.

Review of the main points

“ The benefits of early intervention and increased support for mental health services far outweigh the costs .”

The sentence summarises the key points (early intervention and increased support for mental health services) discussed in the essay and highlights their importance by emphasising that their benefits outweigh the costs.

Reflection on the significance

The statement reflecting the significance of the thesis is, “ Prioritising mental health will help us create a healthier society for all .”

This part of the conclusion highlights the broader significance of the issue by emphasising that prioritising mental health will create a healthier society.

The final thought is, “ The time to act is now. ”

This powerful statement encourages the reader to take immediate steps toward addressing mental health care.

A strong conclusion enhances your essay as it ensures your readers have a clear understanding of your argument.

To create a strong conclusion, include key elements like a thesis restatement, a review of the main points, the thesis significance, and a final thought). Avoid introducing new information, repeating your introduction, making general statements, using concluding phrases, and more.

Not sure how to start a conclusion in an essay? This is where Immerse Education comes in!

Immerse Education has educated thousands of students aged 13 – 18 through our exceptional academic, career, and skill enrichment programmes. Our programmes are designed by tutors from top global universities and help prepare participants for future success.

Participate in the Immerse Education Essay Competition for a chance to win a full or partial scholarship to amazing career preparation programmes.

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How to Write a Conclusion Paragraph

Conclusion paragraphs can be tricky to write, but a clear conclusion can sum up your main points and leave your reader with a clear sense of what to take away from your overall essay. Creating a strong essay means making sure that you have a clear introduction , several body paragraphs, and knowing how to write a conclusion paragraph. Keep reading closely, and you’ll know how to write a conclusion paragraph.   Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to write a conclusion paragraph, and then check out our library of conclusion worksheets to get plenty of practice in how to write a conclusion paragraph.

Choose Smooth Conclusion Transition Words

Restate Main Points

Another key aspects of how to write a conclusion paragraph is that you signal that you are drawing your essay to a close, so that you can then restate the main points of your essay. Depending on the length of your essay, this may be done in a single sentence, or it may require a few sentences. Be concise and clear; you should be able to summarize each main point in a simple phrase that avoids restating each detail and piece of evidence related to the point. Simply list off the points as a reminder to your audience about what they’ve just read.

Restate Your Argument

Finally, if you’re writing an argumentative essay, a key component of how to write a conclusion paragraph is that you’ll want to clearly restate your main argument in order to leave readers with one final appeal. If you have provided enough evidence along the way, this restatement should make readers feel as if you’ve persuaded them fully.

Call to Action

For some expository and argumentative essays, a key part of how to write a conclusion paragraph involves a call to action as your last sentence. For example, if you’re writing an informative essay about the sea creatures that live in the very deepest parts of the ocean, you may close with a sentence like this: “It’s clear that today’s scientists should continue to observe and document these mysterious creatures, so we may all learn more about life at the bottom of the ocean.” A call to action like this can make your reader feel inspired and informed after reading your essay.

What to Avoid with Conclusion Transitions

When determining how to write a conclusion paragraph, you want to keep it simple. Use a clear transition word or phrase, restate your main points and argument, and possibly finish with a call to action. Be sure to avoid the following missteps:

• New Information . Your conclusion is not the place to introduce anything new. Simply restate and summarize the main points clearly.
• Personal Opinion . Unless you are writing an opinion piece that includes several “I” statements throughout, avoid ending your essay with a sudden “I think…” or “I feel…” If you haven’t been including your personal opinion throughout the essay, then you shouldn’t insert your opinion into the conclusion.
• Lots of Details . When you restate your main points, don’t worry about restating all the small details that make up your description or evidence. The place for details is in your body paragraphs. The conclusion is simply for summary and a possible call for action or next steps.

Check out our printable conclusion paragraph worksheets too!

How to Conclude an Essay: Tips for a Strong Closing

Finishing an essay might be easy but the conclusion is not that much. Think of it as your big moment to leave a strong impression. Knowing how to conclude an essay  it’s not just about writing a random paragraph at the end. Instead, it’s where you wrap up everything you’ve said .

And to put it simply, the conclusion ties everything together . Think of it like putting a bow on a present that connects all your main points.

So, even if you’re trying to convince them or share a story, your conclusion is everything

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly why a strong conclusion matters . We’ll also share some easy tips, walk you through what to include, and point out mistakes to avoid. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

What is a conclusion? (And why it’s essential for your essay)

The conclusion is the last part of your essay, paper or any research . For instance, is where you wrap things up and leave the reader with a good final impression. In essence, it’s where you remind them of your main idea and key points in a simple way. Indeed, it’s like tying everything together  so nothing’s left hanging.

However, a good conclusion is more than just repeating what you’ve said before. For instance, you can show why your topic matters and connect your points to the bigger picture.

So, a strong conclusion makes the reader go,  “Yeah, that makes sense !” It brings everything together and leaves your essay feeling complete. Whether you’re writing an essay for school , trying to convince someone, or just telling a story, the conclusion is what makes your ideas stick with the reader.

The value of knowing how to conclude an essay effectively

Knowing how to wrap up an essay  the right way is super important if you want to leave a strong impression. That’s why the conclusion besides being the last of your text, it’s the grand finale . Since it drives home your points, and sticks with your reader. Plus, it’s your chance to make everything come full circle.

So, here’s why a solid conclusion is a total game-changer:

• It brings the essay to a satisfying close:  After presenting ideas and building arguments in the body, the conclusion serves as the final touchpoint where everything is neatly wrapped up. It ensures that readers feel the essay has reached its logical end and no loose threads remain.
• Also, it consolidates the main ideas: Actually, the conclusion is your chance to restate the key arguments and themes seen throughout the essay. By summarizing these points, you reinforce their importance and ensure the reader retains the most critical takeaways.
• The conclusion connects arguments to the thesis:  This is where you highlight how the essay’s arguments and evidence align with and support your central claim. Doing so strengthens the overall coherence and persuasiveness of your work, showing a well-constructed flow of ideas.
• It provides space for final reflections:  Depending on the essay type, the conclusion can offer a moment for personal insight, emphasize the topic’s broader significance, or encourage readers to think deeper. This reflective aspect adds a layer of meaning that resonates long after the essay is finished.

Adding these key elements to your writing really makes your conclusion stand out. Since it not only improves your essay but also makes a stronger impact . For instance, no matter if you’re writing a research paper, a persuasive essay, or a creative piece.

Remember that mastering this skill will make sure your essays leave a lasting impression.

What are the key elements to conclude an essay successfully?

When you want to write a conclusion, it’s crucial to focus on several key elements  that will make sure your remarks leave a strong impression.

Here are the essential aspects to consider for a successful essay conclusion:

1. Recap the main points

A successful conclusion begins with a review of the main arguments  and ideas you’ve discussed throughout your essay.

This isn’t about repeating everything word-for-word  but rather summarizing the most significant points in a fresh way.

Think of it like revisiting the highlights of a great story without overloading your reader with unnecessary details. For instance, if you’ve written about a complex topic, your conclusion should succinctly highlight the critical moments that solidify your argument.

2. Reflect on the topic

After summarizing the key ideas, it’s important to reflect on the topic itself . Don’t just revisit the results of your argument—take a step further and examine the implications of your findings.

For example, if your essay focused on environmental conservation strategies, your conclusion might consider how these strategies could shape the future of the planet or influence societal behaviors. This reflective approach not only deepens the reader’s understanding of the topic but also adds weight to your argument.

3. Offer a final perspective

The conclusion is your chance to leave readers with something they can’t stop thinking about. It’s the moment to show your main idea in a fresh way and get people thinking even more. For example, if you’ve been talking about how tech is changing education, your conclusion could mention how future tech might totally flip the script on teaching and learning.

Basically, you want to d rop a thought that gets them wondering  and leaves the door wide open for more ideas.

4. Close with purpose

To wrap things up, make sure your essay ends with a clear point . Now, this isn’t just about repeating your thesis—it’s about giving your reader something to walk away with.

Whether you’re talking about social issues, science, or art, your conclusion should give your argument a little extra oomph and make people stop and think. So, when you zoom out and look at the bigger picture, your conclusion doesn’t just tie things up—it gets your reader thinking even more.

Essential tips to conclude an essay

A strong conclusion can leave a lasting impression on your readers . To achieve this, follow these key tips.

1. Reflect on your purpose

Right before you being coming up with your conclusion, take a moment to revisit the main objectives of your essay. Remember to ask yourself if you’ve communicated your ideas effectively . This reflection ensures that your conclusion aligns with the overall message and purpose of your writing.

2. Keep it clear and concise

A conclusion should be brief but impactful.  Avoid unnecessary elaboration or going off-topic. Focus on summarizing your main points in a clear and straightforward manner to keep your readers engaged until the very end.

3. Use strong, memorable phrases

To make your conclusion stand out, incorporate memorable phrases or expressions that resonate with your audience. Consider using analogies or metaphors  that tie your argument to something familiar, offering a new perspective on your topic.

4. Engage with questions

Rhetorical sentences and questions  are a great way to get your readers thinking. Basically, you can use them to challenge your audience and get them thinking about the bigger picture.

Who knows, a good question might even stick with them after they’re done reading. Bottom line, it’s a simple way to make an impact.

5. Provide insightful recommendations

If your essay allows, offering recommendations or solutions  is a great way to conclude. This shows that you’ve considered practical applications of your ideas and provides value to your readers, especially if they are looking for ways to apply the knowledge you’ve shared.

Common mistakes to avoid when concluding an essay

Your conclusion is your final shot to make a lasting impression, so don’t lose the chance.

But let’s face it, it’s easy to mess up… Then how do you avoid those common errors?  Let’s see!

Introducing new information

First things first, your conclusion is not the time to drop any new ideas or arguments. Seriously, that’s just going to throw your reader off and mess with the flow. Stick to what you’ve already said, and keep it tight.

Just repeating the main points

Yeah, you should summarize your key points, but don’t just repeat them word-for-word like a broken record . Nobody wants that. Instead, mix it up by rephrasing things so it feels fresh and leaves a bigger impact.

Straying from your thesis

Also, try to keep the information on point and make sure your conclusion ties back to your thesis. This is because you don’t want to go off on a tangent . So, stay focused on your main argument and wrap things up by driving that point home.

Effective phrases to conclude an essay with example conclusions

A strong conclusion is key to leaving a lasting impression on your reader. After all, you want to wrap things up in a way that feels solid, but without just repeating yourself.

That being said, here are some powerful phrases and examples  to help you end your essay on a high note:

1. In conclusion

This is a simple and clear way to signal that you’re summarizing your essay.

“In conclusion, the evidence presented throughout this paper emphasizes the growing need for policy changes in the education sector to ensure equal access for all students”.

2. To summarize

When writing this phrase what you want is to briefly recap the main points of your essay.

“To summarize, technology can boost the economy, but we need to make sure it helps everyone”.

3. In short

When writing this one, you want to give a concise way to end your essay. Also, it’s perfect for a direct summary.

“In short, the importance of mental health support in schools cannot be underestimated, as it directly influences students’ performance”.

4. As a result

Use this phrase to highlight the outcomes or consequences of your findings.

“As a result, implementing stricter environmental regulations will lead to cleaner air and a healthier population”.

5. Therefore

A logical phrase that connects your argument with the conclusion, showing cause and effect.

“Therefore, the implementation of renewable energy sources is not only necessary for reducing carbon emissions but also for ensuring long-term energy security”.

6. All things considered

This is a thoughtful way to introduce a balanced conclusion that considers all aspects of the argument.

“All things considered, while technology has revolutionized communication, we must also address the challenges it poses to privacy and mental health”.

7. To conclude

A simple, clear phrase to indicate that you are wrapping up your thoughts.

“To conclude, our analysis of the data indicates that the correlation between physical activity and improved mental health is undeniable, urging further investment in public health initiatives”.

8. As we have seen

This phrase helps recap the main points you’ve discussed in the essay.

“As we have seen, the global shift towards online learning presents both opportunities and challenges, and a balanced approach is needed to maximize its potential”.

Unsure how to conclude your essay? Try Arvin AI for help!

Knowing how to conclude an essay or finding the right phrase  can sometimes be tricky. However, with the help of Arvin AI , it becomes much easier.

This GPT-4 powered Chrome extension can generate text for you, strengthen your arguments, translate content, and even create images to enhance your essay’s visual appeal.

With Arvin AI by your side, crafting the perfect conclusion  and polishing your entire essay becomes easier than ever!

What is the best way to conclude an essay?

Honestly, the optimal way to wrap up an essay is to reword your main idea. Then quickly go over your key points, and finally end with something that ties it all together.

But remember, don’t throw in new ideas or arguments. Instead, keep it simple and stick to what you’ve already said.

How do I conclude an essay without repeating myself?

To conclude an essay without repeating yourself , focus on synthesizing your key points instead of simply summarizing them. Restate the thesis in different words and connect the main arguments to emphasize their significance.

Can I use a question to conclude an essay?

You can end an essay with a question, but it’s not super common. Even so, if you want to try it, make sure it fits and adds something meaningful. For example, don’t leave the reader confused or feeling like you didn’t finish.

Instead, make the question connect to what you’ve written and help the reader think more deeply—or maybe even take action. That way, your conclusion feels complete and leaves a lasting impression.

Sarah Collins is a passionate professional writer with a master’s degree in Literature and Writing and over a decade of experience in content creation. She specializes in crafting engaging articles, from academic writing and grammar-focused content to practical guides, and believes writing is an art that connects deeply with readers.

Outside of work, Sarah finds inspiration in collecting vintage typewriters, appreciating their timeless charm and the tactile connection they provide to the written word.

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