In Conclusion vs. To Conclude – Which is Correct?

Both “in conclusion” and “to conclude” are grammatically correct and widely accepted as ways to introduce the final thoughts or summary of a text or speech. While “in conclusion” functions as an adverbial phrase, “to conclude” utilizes the infinitive form of the verb “to conclude” in an adverbial role. They are largely interchangeable in formal writing.

In Conclusion or To Conclude – Which is Correct?

When you need to signal the end of your argument, essay, or presentation, both “in conclusion” and “to conclude” are appropriate and correct choices. The primary difference lies in their grammatical structure, though their function as introductory phrases for a summary is nearly identical.

“In conclusion“ is an adverbial phrase. It acts like an adverb, modifying the entire sentence that follows by indicating its purpose: to present a conclusion. It is a fixed idiom often used to create a formal and definitive transition to the final summary.

“To conclude” is an infinitive phrase (the verb “to conclude” with “to”). In this context, it functions adverbially, much like “in conclusion,” signifying the intent to summarize or finalize the discussion. It can sometimes feel slightly more active or direct than “in conclusion,” but the distinction is subtle and often negligible in practical usage.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

The best trick to remember the difference and ensure correct usage is to recognize that both phrases serve as clear signposts for your audience, indicating that you are about to deliver your final summary or takeaway points. Think of them as verbal “end of discussion” markers. If you can swap one for the other without changing the core meaning of the concluding statement, you’re using them correctly. For instance, “In conclusion, our research shows a clear trend.” works just as well as “To conclude, our research shows a clear trend.” Focus on their shared function as a formal signal that you are wrapping things up.

Word / Phrase	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
In conclusion	Adverbial Phrase	As a final point; to summarize	In conclusion, the data strongly supports our hypothesis.
To conclude	Infinitive Phrase (adverbial)	In order to conclude; as a summary	To conclude, the findings highlight the urgent need for action.

How to Use In Conclusion

“In conclusion” is a widely recognized and formal phrase used to introduce the concluding section of an essay, report, speech, or any piece of formal writing. It acts as a clear signal to the reader or listener that the main body of the discussion is complete and a summary or final thought is about to be presented. It is suitable for academic, professional, and formal contexts, providing a sense of finality and closure.

Example 1: In conclusion, the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that climate change is a direct result of human activity.

Example 2: Our investigation has explored several key factors. In conclusion, we recommend implementing the proposed reforms immediately.

Example 3: The speaker addressed various economic challenges, stating, “In conclusion, collaboration is essential for global recovery.”

Etymology of the word In Conclusion

The phrase “in conclusion” derives from the noun “conclusion,” which entered English in the late 14th century from Old French “conclusion” and directly from Latin “conclusionem” (nominative “conclusio”), meaning “a closing, a bringing to an end, an end, result.” The Latin root “concludere” means “to shut up, enclose, infer, conclude,” formed from “com-” (together) and “claudere” (to shut). The preposition “in” simply indicates the state or condition of being at the conclusion.

How to Use To Conclude

“To conclude” serves a very similar purpose to “in conclusion,” effectively signaling the final part of a discussion, argument, or presentation. As an infinitive phrase used adverbially, it conveys the intention or purpose of summarizing. It is also highly appropriate for formal writing and speaking, offering a slightly more active or intentional tone compared to the more static “in conclusion,” though this difference is often subtle.

Example 1: Having reviewed all the arguments, to conclude, it is clear that a balanced approach is required.

Example 2: The research presented a comprehensive overview of the market. To conclude, the company should prioritize digital transformation.

Example 3: During the closing remarks, the CEO stated, “To conclude, I want to thank everyone for their dedication and hard work.”

Etymology of the word To Conclude

The phrase “to conclude” uses the infinitive form of the verb “conclude.” The verb “conclude” itself dates back to the late 14th century, coming from the Old French “conclure” and directly from the Latin “concludere,” meaning “to shut up, enclose, infer, conclude.” This Latin verb is a compound of “com-” (together) and “claudere” (to shut). The infinitive form “to conclude” therefore carries the literal sense of “to bring to an end” or “to finish,” and when used as an introductory phrase, it indicates the action of summarizing or finalizing.

Related Concepts

Understanding broader grammatical concepts helps clarify the appropriate use of phrases like “in conclusion” and “to conclude” by highlighting their function within a sentence and a larger text structure.

• Adverbial Phrases: An adverbial phrase is a group of words that functions as an adverb, modifying a verb, an adjective, or an entire sentence. “In conclusion” is a classic example, telling us the “when” or “how” of the following statement in terms of its position in the discourse.
• Infinitives and Infinitive Phrases: An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by “to” (e.g., “to run,” “to eat”). An infinitive phrase includes the infinitive and any modifiers or complements. In “to conclude,” the infinitive phrase acts adverbially, expressing the purpose or intention of the speaker/writer.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “In conclusion, I would observe that the present tendency is to make the individual subordinate to the state.” – Bertrand Russell, Authority and the Individual
• “To conclude, then, I think it is important to remember that these are not just abstract ideas but are deeply connected to the lives of real people.” – Adapted from a modern political commentary.
• “Our journey through the cosmos has revealed wonders beyond imagination. In conclusion, the universe remains an enigma, ever expanding, ever inviting further exploration.” – From a popular science documentary script.
• “The author meticulously built her case through chapters of detailed analysis. To conclude, she presented a compelling vision for a sustainable future.” – From a literary review.
• “Having weighed all the arguments and considered the potential impacts, the committee stated, ‘In conclusion, this proposal represents the most viable path forward.'” – From a news report on a policy decision.

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word or phrase to complete the sentence.

1. After a thorough analysis of the market trends, _______, we anticipate significant growth in the next quarter.
2. The speaker reviewed the historical context and the current challenges; _______, she emphasized the importance of community engagement.
3. All the evidence points to a strong correlation between these variables. _______, further research is warranted to establish causation.
4. The team presented their findings on project efficiency. _______, they proposed a new workflow to optimize resource allocation.
5. _______, I would like to reiterate my gratitude for your unwavering support throughout this endeavor.

Answer Key

1. in conclusion / to conclude
2. in conclusion / to conclude
3. in conclusion / to conclude
4. in conclusion / to conclude
5. in conclusion / to conclude

In Conclusion Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
In summary	Used to introduce a brief statement of the main points.
To summarize	To give a brief statement of the main points.
In essence	Referring to the most important characteristics or aspects of something.
Ultimately	Finally; in the end.
Finally	Used to introduce the last point or statement.

To Conclude Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
To summarize	To give a brief statement of the main points.
In closing	At the end of a speech, discussion, or piece of writing.
Ultimately	Finally; in the end.
Lastly	Used to introduce the final point or item.
To sum up	To present the main points in a concise form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is one phrase more formal than the other?
Both “in conclusion” and “to conclude” are considered formal and are appropriate for academic, professional, and official contexts. There isn’t a significant difference in their level of formality, making them largely interchangeable in most formal writing and speaking.

Question 2: Can I use “in conclusion” or “to conclude” in a casual conversation?
While grammatically correct, using “in conclusion” or “to conclude” in casual conversation might sound overly formal or even a bit pompous. In informal settings, phrases like “so anyway,” “to wrap up,” or “basically” are more common and natural ways to transition to a final thought.

Question 3: Are there alternatives to “in conclusion” and “to conclude” for variety?
Absolutely. To avoid repetition, especially in longer works, you can use several other phrases to introduce a conclusion. Common alternatives include “in summary,” “to summarize,” “in essence,” “ultimately,” “finally,” “in closing,” “therefore,” or simply beginning with a strong concluding statement without an explicit introductory phrase.

Conclusion

Both “in conclusion” and “to conclude” are effective and grammatically sound choices for signaling the final summary of your written or spoken work. While “in conclusion” acts as an adverbial phrase and “to conclude” as an adverbial infinitive phrase, their practical function is nearly identical. Choosing between them often comes down to personal preference or the subtle rhythm you wish to establish in your prose. Regardless of which you choose, their presence clearly indicates to your audience that you are moving towards your final thoughts.

Pro Tip: Using these phrases appropriately demonstrates clarity and professionalism in your communication. Ensure your concluding remarks genuinely summarize your main points and offer a sense of closure, rather than introducing new information.