How to Make a Concluding Sentence with Examples (Guide)

Crafting a concluding sentence is a crucial part of writing as it sums up your ideas and gives the reader a final impression. Here are the best tips for creating an effective concluding sentence:

Echo the Introduction: Refer back to the introduction or the main idea of your text. This creates a sense of unity and closure.
Summarize the Main Points: Briefly summarize the key points you made in your text. This reinforces your argument or the information you’ve presented.
Offer a Final Insight or Implication: Provide the reader with something to think about. This could be an implication of your argument, a solution to a problem, or a question that encourages further thought.
Use a Simple, Direct Statement: Keep it clear and straightforward. Avoid introducing new ideas or overly complex sentences.
End with a Quotation or Reference: Sometimes ending with a relevant quote or a reference to a broader context can be impactful.
Create a Call to Action: If appropriate, encourage your reader to take some form of action or further explore the topic.
Use Transitional Phrases: Phrases like “in conclusion,” “to sum up,” or “finally” can signal to the reader that you are concluding.

Remember, the concluding sentence should leave the reader satisfied and give a sense of completeness to your writing.

Table of Contents

Exploring Ways to Concluding Sentences (Comprehensive Guide)

1. Echo the Introduction

When crafting a concluding sentence, one effective method is to echo the introduction. This technique creates a full-circle narrative by linking the end of your writing back to the beginning. It reinforces the main idea and gives your reader a sense of closure.

How do you echo the introduction in a concluding sentence?

To effectively echo the introduction, consider the key themes or statements you introduced at the beginning of your piece.

Restate the Thesis or Main Idea: Take the central idea or thesis statement from your introduction and rephrase it in your conclusion. This reinforces the main point of your text.
- Example: If your introductory sentence was “The advent of social media has drastically altered our communication landscape,” your concluding sentence might be, “Thus, social media has undeniably transformed how we communicate in the modern world.”
Use Similar Language or Key Terms: Incorporate similar language, phrases, or keywords that you used in the introduction. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance in your writing.
- Example: If you began with a discussion on the importance of environmental conservation, end with a phrase that highlights this significance again.
Refer Back to an Anecdote or Scenario: If you started with an anecdote, refer back to it in your conclusion. This can make your writing more memorable and impactful.
- Example: If your introduction included a personal story about witnessing climate change effects, you could conclude by referencing how that story encapsulates the broader challenge facing the planet.

How can this technique make your conclusion more impactful?

Using this method in your conclusion can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your writing.

Provides Coherence and Unity: Echoing the introduction helps in tying your entire piece together, making it more cohesive.
Reinforces Key Messages: It allows you to reiterate the main points or themes, ensuring they leave a lasting impact on the reader.
Creates a Satisfying Conclusion: Readers often find satisfaction in a narrative that comes full circle, enhancing their overall experience of your text.

By echoing your introduction in the conclusion, you effectively reinforce your main ideas and provide a satisfying sense of closure for your reader.

2. Summarize the Main Points

The second method in crafting an effective concluding sentence involves summarizing the main points of your text. This technique ensures that your key ideas are fresh in the reader’s mind as they finish reading, reinforcing the central message of your piece.

How do you summarize main points in a concluding sentence?

Summarizing the main points in a concluding sentence requires you to distill the essence of your text into a concise and impactful statement.

Identify Key Ideas: Reflect on the major points or arguments you presented. What are the essential ideas you want your reader to remember?
- Example: If your essay discusses the benefits of renewable energy, your concluding sentence might summarize these benefits briefly.
Use Concise Language: Avoid overly detailed explanations. The goal is to remind the reader of your main points, not to restate all the information.
- Example: “Renewable energy presents a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution to our energy needs.”
Link the Points Together: If possible, show how your main points connect to form a coherent whole. This highlights the structure of your argument.
- Example: “From reducing carbon emissions to fostering economic growth, renewable energy offers multiple benefits that address both environmental and economic challenges.”

How can summarizing main points enhance your conclusion?

Incorporating a summary of the main points in your conclusion can significantly improve the effectiveness of your writing.

Reinforces Your Argument: By summarizing the key points, you reinforce your argument or message, making it more likely to stick with the reader.
Aids in Reader Retention: A concise summary helps the reader better retain the information and main ideas from your text.
Provides Clarity: It clarifies the purpose and takeaway of your piece, ensuring the reader understands the central message.

Incorporating a succinct summary of your main points in the concluding sentence ensures that your key messages are clearly communicated and remembered.

3. Offer a Final Insight or Implication

The third method for creating a compelling concluding sentence is to offer a final insight or implication. This approach goes beyond just summarizing or restating the main points; it involves leaving your reader with a thought-provoking idea, a deeper understanding, or a call to reflect on the broader implications of your topic.

How do you provide a final insight or implication in a concluding sentence?

Crafting a concluding sentence with a meaningful insight or implication involves a bit of creativity and forward-thinking.

Draw Broader Implications: Think about the wider significance of your topic. How does it relate to larger issues, trends, or themes in society, life, or a specific field?
- Example: If your essay is about the impact of technology on privacy, you might conclude with a statement like, “As technology continues to advance, the balance between innovation and privacy remains a pivotal challenge for our society.”
Pose a Thought-Provoking Question: Sometimes, ending with a question can be powerful. It encourages the reader to think deeply about the topic.
- Example: “What future are we building when we prioritize convenience over privacy in the digital age?”
Offer a Prediction or Future Outlook: If appropriate, you can conclude with a prediction or your perspective on the future of the topic.
- Example: “With ongoing advancements in AI, the next decade is poised to redefine our understanding of human-computer interaction.”

How can offering a final insight or implication make your conclusion more impactful?

Incorporating a final insight or implication into your concluding sentence can greatly enhance the impact of your writing.

Encourages Deeper Engagement: It prompts the reader to think more deeply about the topic, extending the engagement beyond the text.
Highlights the Relevance: This approach can demonstrate the ongoing or future relevance of your topic, emphasizing its importance.
Sparks Curiosity and Reflection: By leaving the reader with something to ponder, you increase the likelihood that your writing will be memorable and thought-provoking.

A concluding sentence that offers a final insight or implication leaves a lasting impression, encouraging the reader to continue thinking about the topic long after they have finished reading.

4. Use a Simple, Direct Statement

The fourth method in crafting an effective concluding sentence is to use a simple, direct statement. This approach is about being clear and straightforward, ensuring that your reader is left with a strong, unambiguous understanding of your main message.

How do you use a simple, direct statement in a concluding sentence?

Creating a simple, direct concluding sentence involves clarity and conciseness.

Avoid Complexity: Keep your language simple and to the point. Avoid introducing new concepts or overly complex phrases.
- Example: If your essay is about the importance of daily exercise, a direct concluding sentence could be, “Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health.”
Be Assertive: Use a confident tone to reinforce your main point. This leaves no doubt in the reader’s mind about your stance or the significance of your message.
- Example: “Voting is not just a right; it’s a cornerstone of democracy.”
Focus on the Takeaway: Think about the one key idea you want your readers to remember and articulate it plainly.
- Example: “Sustainable living is not a choice but a necessity for our future.”

How can a simple, direct statement enhance your conclusion?

Using a simple and direct statement in your concluding sentence has several benefits.

Ensures Clarity: It ensures that your main message is communicated clearly and effectively.
Strengthens the Impact: A straightforward statement can often be more impactful and easier to remember.
Reduces Misinterpretation: By being direct, you reduce the chances of your message being misinterpreted by the reader.

A concluding sentence that is simple and direct effectively reinforces your main point without any ambiguity, ensuring that your message is clearly understood and remembered.

5. End with a Quotation or Reference

The fifth method for crafting an effective concluding sentence is to end with a quotation or reference. This approach involves using a relevant quote or referring to a broader context, which can provide a sense of depth and universality to your writing.

How do you effectively use a quotation or reference in a concluding sentence?

Incorporating a quotation or reference requires careful selection and relevance to your topic.

Choose a Relevant Quote: Look for a quote that succinctly encapsulates your main ideas or themes. It should resonate with the overall message of your text.
- Example: If your essay is about perseverance, you might conclude with a quote like, “As Winston Churchill once said, ‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.'”
Reference a Historical or Cultural Context: Tie your topic to a broader historical, cultural, or social context. This can give your conclusion a more profound and universal appeal.
- Example: “Just as the Renaissance marked a turning point in artistic expression, our digital age is redefining creativity in the digital realm.”
Use a Literary or Philosophical Allusion: Referencing a well-known piece of literature, a philosophical idea, or a cultural concept can add depth to your conclusion.
- Example: “In the spirit of Socrates’ pursuit of truth, we must continue to question and challenge our assumptions in the field of science.”

How can ending with a quotation or reference make your conclusion more impactful?

Using a quotation or reference in your concluding sentence can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your writing.

Adds Authority and Weight: A well-chosen quote or reference can lend authority to your argument and make your conclusion more persuasive.
Connects with the Reader: References to familiar cultural or historical contexts can resonate more deeply with readers, making your conclusion more memorable.
Provides a Broader Perspective: It encourages the reader to think about your topic within a larger framework, extending the relevance of your writing.

Concluding with a relevant quotation or reference can give your writing a sophisticated and thoughtful edge, leaving a lasting impression on your reader.

6. Create a Call to Action

The sixth method for crafting a compelling concluding sentence is to create a call to action. This approach motivates the reader to do something or think in a certain way based on the information or argument you have presented. It’s a powerful way to leave a lasting impact and encourage active engagement with your topic.

How do you create a call to action in a concluding sentence?

To effectively incorporate a call to action, you need to be clear about what you want the reader to do or consider after reading your text.

Specify the Action: Clearly state what you want the reader to do. It could be to think differently, change a behavior, or engage in a specific activity.
- Example: If your article is about environmental conservation, your call to action might be, “Start making a difference today by reducing your plastic use and advocating for green policies in your community.”
Relate it to the Main Points: Ensure that your call to action is directly related to the main points of your text. It should feel like a natural next step based on your arguments.
- Example: “Given the alarming rise in cybercrime, it’s imperative that we all invest in robust cybersecurity measures.”
Make it Achievable: The action you propose should be realistic and achievable for your readers. This makes it more likely that they will follow through.
- Example: “To enhance your personal well-being, commit to 30 minutes of exercise each day.”

How can a call to action enhance your conclusion?

A call to action can significantly enhance your conclusion by:

Encouraging Active Response: It moves readers from passive consumption to active engagement with your topic.
Reinforcing the Importance of the Topic: A call to action underscores the relevance and urgency of your subject matter.
Creating a Personal Connection: It encourages readers to personally connect with the topic and consider their role or impact.

A concluding sentence that includes a call to action can transform your writing from merely informative or persuasive to inspiring and motivating.

7. Use Transitional Phrases

The seventh method in crafting an effective concluding sentence involves the use of transitional phrases. These phrases signal to the reader that the discussion is coming to an end and prepare them for the conclusion. They help in smoothly wrapping up your writing and reinforcing the sense of closure.

How do you use transitional phrases in a concluding sentence?

Incorporating transitional phrases involves selecting words or phrases that effectively bridge the body of your text with the conclusion.

Select Appropriate Phrases: Common transitional phrases for conclusions include “in conclusion,” “to sum up,” “ultimately,” and “finally.” Choose one that best fits the tone and style of your writing.
- Example: If you’re concluding an analytical essay, you might start your final sentence with, “In conclusion, the data clearly indicates…”
Avoid Overuse or Clichés: While these phrases are helpful, be mindful not to overuse them or rely on clichés that might undermine the impact of your conclusion.
- Example: Instead of just saying “In conclusion,” you might say, “In light of these points, it’s evident that…”
Seamlessly Integrate with Your Final Thoughts: Ensure that the transitional phrase naturally leads into the main idea of your concluding sentence.
- Example: “Ultimately, this discussion underscores the need for continued research in the field of renewable energy.”

How can transitional phrases make your conclusion more impactful?

Using transitional phrases in your concluding sentence has several advantages:

Provides Clarity and Flow: It helps in signaling the end of your discussion, making the structure of your writing clearer.
Enhances Coherence: Transitional phrases can enhance the coherence of your writing by smoothly linking the conclusion to the body of the text.
Strengthens the Conclusion: They prepare the reader for the final statement, making it more impactful.

Incorporating transitional phrases in your concluding sentence ensures a smooth and effective transition to your final thoughts, reinforcing the overall coherence and impact of your writing. With this, we have covered seven methods for crafting an effective concluding sentence.

List of Examples of Concluding Sentences

Here are extensive examples of concluding sentences for various types of essays and contexts. These examples are designed to showcase different techniques like summarizing key points, echoing the introduction, offering insights, and using direct statements.

Argumentative Essay on Climate Change:
- “In conclusion, given the overwhelming scientific evidence and the potential catastrophic impact on the planet, immediate and decisive action to combat climate change is not just advisable, it’s imperative.”
Persuasive Essay on the Importance of Education:
- “Ultimately, education stands not merely as a pathway to personal development and success but as a cornerstone for a more enlightened, equitable, and progressive society.”
Descriptive Essay about a Childhood Memory:
- “As I look back on those summer days spent under the apple tree, I realize they were not just moments of joy, but the foundation of my lifelong appreciation for nature and simplicity.”
Narrative Essay on Overcoming a Challenge:
- “This journey taught me that even in the face of adversity, resilience and determination can lead to extraordinary personal growth and triumph.”
Expository Essay on Technological Advancements:
- “Therefore, while technological advancements have undoubtedly transformed our lives for the better, they also pose significant ethical and social challenges that we must address with caution and responsibility.”
Analytical Essay on ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’:
- “Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ not only exposes the racial injustice of the Deep South in the 1930s but also illuminates the enduring need for empathy and courage in the face of prejudice.”
Compare and Contrast Essay on Online vs. Traditional Education:
- “In summary, while both online and traditional education have their merits and drawbacks, the choice ultimately depends on the learner’s individual needs, circumstances, and learning style.”
Cause and Effect Essay on Social Media:
- “Social media has irrevocably changed our communication landscape, not only enhancing global connectivity but also presenting new challenges in terms of privacy and mental health.”
Critical Essay on Government Policies:
- “This analysis reveals that while government policies aim to address socio-economic issues, they must be continually reassessed to adapt to the evolving needs and challenges of society.”
Reflective Essay on a Personal Experience:
- “This experience profoundly changed my perspective, teaching me the value of empathy and understanding in building meaningful human connections.”

Each of these sentences provides a clear, succinct, and impactful conclusion to the different types of essays, ensuring that the main message is effectively communicated and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Q&As

What is the purpose of a concluding sentence?

A concluding sentence serves to wrap up a paragraph or essay, providing closure to the reader. It summarizes the main points made, reinforces the argument or narrative, and leaves the reader with a final thought or impression. A well-crafted concluding sentence is essential for a cohesive and effective piece of writing.

How can I make my concluding sentence impactful?

To make your concluding sentence impactful, aim to succinctly summarize your main points, echo your introduction, or leave the reader with a thought-provoking idea or question. The key is to be clear, concise, and to reinforce the central message of your text, ensuring it leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Can I end my essay with a quote in the concluding sentence?

Yes, you can end your essay with a quote in the concluding sentence. This can be effective if the quote is relevant and enhances the main message of your essay. Choose a quote that ties in well with your argument or discussion and adds a layer of depth or broader context to your conclusion.

Is it okay to introduce new information in a concluding sentence?

It is generally not advisable to introduce new information in a concluding sentence. The purpose of a conclusion is to summarize and reinforce what has already been discussed, not to introduce new ideas or topics, as this can confuse the reader and dilute the main message.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in a concluding sentence?

Common mistakes in a concluding sentence include introducing new ideas or information, being too vague or overly complex, and failing to effectively summarize or echo the main points of the essay. Avoiding these pitfalls will help ensure that your conclusion is clear, concise, and impactful.

How long should a concluding sentence be?

A concluding sentence should be concise, typically just one or two sentences long. The goal is to succinctly summarize your main points or leave the reader with a final thought, without dragging on or diluting the impact of your conclusion.

Can a concluding sentence be a question?

Yes, a concluding sentence can be a question. This can be an effective way to leave the reader with something to think about, encouraging further reflection. However, make sure that the question is relevant to the topic and effectively encapsulates the main points discussed.

How do I link my concluding sentence back to the introduction?

To link your concluding sentence back to the introduction, you can restate the thesis in a new way, echo a key phrase or idea introduced at the beginning, or revisit an anecdote or scenario you presented. This creates a sense of full-circle narrative and reinforces the main message.

Should a concluding sentence summarize every point made in the essay?

While a concluding sentence should summarize the main points, it does not need to detail every single point made in the essay. Focus on distilling the essence of your argument or discussion into a succinct and impactful statement.

How can I ensure my concluding sentence aligns with my essay’s tone?

To ensure your concluding sentence aligns with your essay’s tone, maintain the same style and voice used throughout your essay. Whether formal, informal, persuasive, or descriptive, the conclusion should feel like a natural and consistent extension of the rest of your writing.

How to Make a Concluding Sentence with Examples (Guide)