Conclusion Phrases: B2–C1 English Writing Guide

Conclusion phrases are essential when you want to finish an essay, report, review or spoken explanation clearly. In this B2–C1 English guide, you will learn useful words and phrases for conclusions, with meanings, examples and common mistakes.

A good conclusion does not simply repeat everything you have already said. It should bring your ideas together, show your final opinion and leave the reader with a clear message.

Compare these two endings:

Weak:

• So, this is my essay. That is all.

Better:

• To sum up, although online learning has some disadvantages, it offers flexibility and convenience for many students.

Much better, isn’t it? The first one closes the door with a squeak. The second one closes it properly.

In this lesson, you will learn useful conclusion phrases for B2 and C1 English, with meanings and natural example sentences.

Why are Conclusion Phrases Important?

Conclusion phrases help you:

• summarise your main ideas
• give a final opinion
• show the result of an argument
• sound organised and fluent
• write better essays, reports and articles
• perform better in Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced writing tasks

In exam writing, a strong conclusion shows that you can organise your ideas clearly and control your tone.

Formal Conclusion Phrases

These phrases are useful in essays, reports, proposals and formal writing.

1. In conclusion

Meaning: used to introduce your final summary or opinion. In conclusion is very common in essays. It is clear, formal and easy to use.

• In conclusion, regular exercise and a balanced diet are essential for long-term health.
• In conclusion, although tourism can create problems, it also brings important economic benefits.

2. To conclude

Meaning: used to introduce the final part of your writing. To conclude is similar to in conclusion, but it can sound slightly more elegant.

• To conclude, the advantages of public transport clearly outweigh the disadvantages.
• To conclude, the report suggests that more investment is needed in staff training.

3. To sum up

Meaning: used when you want to briefly repeat the main points. To sum up is slightly less formal than in conclusion, but it is still suitable for many essays and reports.

• To sum up, the course was useful, well organised and suitable for intermediate learners.
• To sum up, working from home saves time, but it can also make people feel isolated.

4. To summarise

Meaning: used to give a short summary of the main ideas. This phrase is useful in reports and presentations.

• To summarise, the survey shows that most students are satisfied with the new timetable.
• To summarise, the main causes of stress were workload, lack of sleep and poor time management.

5. In summary

Meaning: used to introduce a short final summary. In summary is formal and useful in academic or professional writing.

• In summary, the new system is faster, cheaper and easier to use.
• In summary, the company should focus on improving customer service and online communication.

6. In brief

Meaning: used to give a short final statement. In brief means “in a few words”. It is useful when you want to keep the conclusion short.

• In brief, the meeting was productive and all major issues were resolved.
• In brief, the results were positive, but further research is necessary.

Neutral Conclusion Phrases

These phrases are useful when you want to give a general final opinion.

7. Overall

Meaning: considering everything. Overall is one of the most useful conclusion words in English. It works well in reviews, reports and essays.

• Overall, the film was entertaining, although the ending was rather predictable.
• Overall, the course was well structured and extremely useful.

8. On the whole

Meaning: generally; considering all aspects. This phrase is useful when something is mostly positive or mostly true, but not perfect.

• On the whole, the students responded well to the new teaching method.
• On the whole, the hotel was comfortable, although the rooms were quite small.

9. By and large

Meaning: generally; mostly. By and large is a little more conversational than on the whole, but it is still useful in semi-formal writing.

• By and large, the project was a success.
• By and large, people are becoming more aware of environmental problems.

10. All things considered

Meaning: after thinking about all the facts, advantages and disadvantages. This is more natural than everything considered.

• All things considered, studying abroad can be a valuable experience.
• All things considered, the restaurant offers good value for money.

11. Taking everything into account

Meaning: considering all the important points. This phrase is useful in balanced essays and reports.

• Taking everything into account, online learning is a practical option for many students.
• Taking everything into account, the event was well organised and enjoyable.

Phrases for Final Opinion

Use these when you want to show your final judgement clearly.

12. Ultimately

Meaning: in the end; when the most important point is considered. Ultimately is very useful at C1 level because it often introduces a deeper final point.

Ultimately, education should prepare young people for real life, not just exams.

Ultimately, poor communication can damage even the strongest relationships.

13. The main conclusion is that…

Meaning: used to state the most important final idea. This is useful in reports and formal essays.

• The main conclusion is that more support is needed for young people entering the workplace.
• The main conclusion is that regular feedback helps students make faster progress.

14. It is clear that…

Meaning: used to present a strong final opinion.

• It is clear that schools play an important role in teaching healthy habits.
• It is clear that social media has changed the way people communicate.

15. It seems reasonable to conclude that…

Meaning: used when you want your conclusion to sound careful and balanced. This is a good C1 phrase.

• It seems reasonable to conclude that flexible working can improve employees’ quality of life.
• It seems reasonable to conclude that technology is most effective when it supports, rather than replaces, human interaction.

Phrases for Results and Consequences

These phrases are useful when your conclusion explains the result of something.

16. As a result

Meaning: because of this; therefore.

• Many employees were not given proper training. As a result, mistakes became more common.
• The town invested in better public transport. As a result, fewer people used their cars.

17. Consequently

Meaning: as a result. Consequently is more formal than as a result.

• The number of tourists increased sharply. Consequently, local businesses benefited.
• The instructions were unclear. Consequently, many students completed the task incorrectly.

18. Therefore

Meaning: for that reason. Therefore is useful in formal writing, especially essays and reports.

• Many students find speaking difficult. Therefore, schools should provide more conversation practice.
• The current system is expensive and inefficient. Therefore, it should be improved.

19. For this reason

Meaning: because of the point just mentioned.

• The app is simple, useful and free. For this reason, I would recommend it to other students.
• The area has become too crowded. For this reason, the council should improve public transport.

Phrases for Recommendations

These are especially useful in reviews, reports and proposals.

20. For these reasons, I would recommend…

Meaning: used before giving a final recommendation.

• For these reasons, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
• For these reasons, I would recommend introducing more recycling bins around the school.

21. I would therefore suggest…

Meaning: used to make a recommendation based on your arguments.

• I would therefore suggest creating a quiet study area in the library.
• I would therefore suggest offering students more speaking practice.

22. The best solution would be to…

Meaning: used to present your final suggested solution.

• The best solution would be to provide cheaper public transport.
• The best solution would be to organise more after-school activities.

23. It would be advisable to…

Meaning: it would be a good idea to. This is a more formal recommendation phrase.

• It would be advisable to improve the lighting in the car park.
• It would be advisable to give students clearer instructions before the exam.

Informal and Spoken Conclusion Phrases

These are common in conversation, but you should be careful with them in formal writing.

24. At the end of the day

Meaning: used to say what matters most. This phrase is common in spoken English. It can sound too informal in an essay, so use it mainly in conversation or informal writing.

• At the end of the day, health is more important than money.
• At the end of the day, people want to feel safe and respected.

25. When all is said and done

Meaning: after everything has been considered. This phrase is idiomatic and slightly dramatic. It is better for speaking, articles or opinion pieces than formal essays.

• When all is said and done, family is what matters most.
• When all is said and done, the experience taught me a valuable lesson.

26. To cut a long story short

Meaning: used to give only the final result of a longer story. This is mainly conversational.

• To cut a long story short, we missed the train and had to take a taxi.
• To cut a long story short, the meeting was cancelled.

Do not use this phrase in a formal essay conclusion.

Common Mistakes with Conclusion Phrases

1. Using too many conclusion phrases together

Not natural:

• In conclusion, to sum up, overall, I think technology is useful.

Better:

• In conclusion, technology is useful when it is used carefully.

Choose one phrase. One conclusion marker is enough. No need to invite the whole family.

2. Using informal phrases in formal essays

Too informal:

• At the end of the day, governments should invest in education.

Better:

• In conclusion, governments should invest more in education.

or

• Ultimately, governments should invest more in education.

3. Repeating the introduction word for word

Weak:

• This essay is about the advantages and disadvantages of online learning. Online learning has advantages and disadvantages.

Better:

• To sum up, although online learning may not suit everyone, it offers flexibility and access to education for many people.

4. Adding a completely new idea in the conclusion

Avoid introducing a new argument at the end.

Not so good:

• In conclusion, public transport should be cheaper. Also, schools should teach cooking.

Better:

• In conclusion, making public transport cheaper would reduce traffic and help more people travel affordably.

Your conclusion should close the argument, not start a new one.

Conclusion Phrases by Register

In conclusion	formal	essays, reports
To conclude	formal	essays, speeches
To sum up	neutral	essays, reviews, articles
To summarise	formal/neutral	reports, presentations
Overall	neutral	reviews, reports, essays
On the whole	neutral	reviews, balanced writing
By and large	neutral/semi-formal	articles, reviews
All things considered	neutral	balanced opinions
Ultimately	formal/neutral	essays, articles
As a result	neutral/formal	cause and effect writing
Consequently	formal	essays, reports
At the end of the day	informal/spoken	conversation, opinion pieces
To cut a long story short	informal/spoken	conversation

Practice Exercise

Choose the best conclusion phrase for each sentence.

Choose from: Overall, In conclusion, As a result, To cut a long story short, Ultimately, All things considered, At the end of the day, To sum up

1. __________, I would recommend this film to anyone who enjoys emotional dramas.
2. The instructions were unclear. __________, many students made the same mistake.
3. __________, the advantages of online learning outweigh the disadvantages.
4. __________, the hotel was comfortable, although the service could be improved.
5. __________, we missed the bus and arrived late.
6. __________, the school should offer more practical subjects.
7. __________, the project was successful despite a few minor problems.
8. __________, health is more important than money.

Answer Key: 1. Overall, 2. As a result, 3. All things considered, 4. To sum up / Overall, 5. To cut a long story short. 6. In conclusion, 7. Overall / To sum up, 8. At the end of the day

Final Tip for B2–C1 Learners

In Cambridge writing tasks, a strong conclusion should not repeat your introduction word for word. Instead, it should restate the main idea using different vocabulary and show your final opinion clearly.

Useful choices:

For essays: In conclusion, To conclude, Ultimately

For reports: To summarise, In summary, The main conclusion is that…

For reviews: Overall, I would recommend…

For informal speaking: At the end of the day, To cut a long story short

Mastering these words and phrases for conclusions will make your writing sound clearer, more mature and more exam-ready.

Related posts:

How to Write an Essay for B2 First (FCE)

How to Write a C1 Advanced Essay 

How to Write a Report for B2 First 

Writing a Review for B2 First (FCE) 

Linking Words and Phrases 

Expressing Opinions and Arguments in English 

Making Generalisations in English: Useful Phrases and Examples

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FAQ 

What are conclusion phrases?

Conclusion phrases are words or expressions used to introduce the final part of a text or speech. Examples include in conclusion, to sum up, overall, ultimately and all things considered.

What is a good phrase for ending an essay?

Good phrases for ending an essay include in conclusion, to conclude, to sum up and ultimately.

Can I use “at the end of the day” in an essay?

It is better to avoid at the end of the day in formal essays because it sounds informal and conversational. Use in conclusion or ultimately instead.

What is the difference between “overall” and “in conclusion”?

Overall gives a general final opinion after considering everything. In conclusion clearly signals the final paragraph of a formal essay or report.