Explanation at your level:
A conclusion is the end. When you finish a book, that is the conclusion. When you finish a game, that is also a conclusion. It is the final part of something.
A conclusion is the final decision you make. If you look at all the facts, you reach a conclusion. It is also the last part of an essay where you summarize your work.
When you have a conclusion, you have finished your reasoning. It is the result of thinking hard about a problem. In writing, it is the paragraph that summarizes your main ideas and gives a final thought to the reader.
A conclusion represents the synthesis of information. Whether you are writing an academic paper or making a business decision, it is the point where you stop analyzing and start stating your final position. It requires clarity and evidence.
The term conclusion denotes the terminal phase of an intellectual process or a structured argument. It implies that the premises have been thoroughly evaluated, leading to a definitive outcome. In formal rhetoric, the conclusion is essential for reinforcing the thesis and providing closure to the audience.
Etymologically rooted in the concept of enclosure, a conclusion acts as the intellectual boundary of a discourse. It is the point at which inquiry ceases and judgment is rendered. In literature and philosophy, a conclusion may not always be a simple summary; it can be a profound synthesis that elevates the preceding arguments into a higher understanding or a call to action.
Wort in 30 Sekunden
- Final judgment
- End of a text
- Logical result
- Countable noun
Think of a conclusion as the finish line of your thoughts. When you gather all the pieces of a puzzle—or all the facts in a mystery—the final picture you see is your conclusion.
In writing, it is that satisfying final paragraph where everything comes together. It tells the reader, 'This is what I want you to remember.' It is not just about stopping; it is about completing an idea.
The word conclusion comes from the Latin word concludere, which means 'to shut up' or 'to enclose.' It combines con- (together) and claudere (to close).
Historically, it referred to literally closing off a space. Over time, it evolved to mean closing off an argument or a line of reasoning. It is a beautiful metaphor: you are 'closing' the door on a topic once you have explored it fully.
You will hear this word in both casual and professional settings. In a meeting, you might say, 'We have reached a conclusion.' In an essay, you write a 'strong conclusion.'
Common pairings include logical conclusion or hasty conclusion. It is a very versatile noun that signals the end of a process.
1. Jump to conclusions: To decide something without enough evidence. Don't jump to conclusions before hearing the whole story!
2. Draw a conclusion: To reach a decision based on facts. We can draw a conclusion from the data.
3. Foregone conclusion: A result that is certain to happen. The victory was a foregone conclusion.
4. Bring to a conclusion: To finish something. Let's bring this meeting to a conclusion.
5. Reach a conclusion: To finally settle on an answer. They reached a conclusion after hours of debate.
The word is a countable noun, so you can have 'one conclusion' or 'many conclusions.' It is often used with definite or indefinite articles like 'the' or 'a.'
Pronunciation: /kənˈkluːʒən/. The stress is on the second syllable. Rhyming words include confusion, illusion, intrusion, seclusion, and diffusion.
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'close'.
Pronunciation Guide
Standard British
Standard American
Common Errors
- stressing the first syllable
- mispronouncing the 'zh' sound
- dropping the final 'n'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Common
Essential
Useful
Clear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Fortgeschritten
Grammar to Know
Noun usage
The conclusion.
Examples by Level
The story has a happy conclusion.
Story end
Noun usage
This is the conclusion.
The end
Simple sentence
He reached a conclusion.
He decided
Verb + Noun
The conclusion is clear.
The end is clear
Subject + verb
Read the conclusion.
Read the end
Imperative
What is your conclusion?
What is your answer?
Question form
The conclusion was good.
The end was good
Past tense
We need a conclusion.
We need an end
Need + noun
The conclusion of the movie was sad.
She reached a conclusion after the test.
Please write a short conclusion.
The conclusion summarizes the main points.
I agree with your conclusion.
The conclusion is at the end of the chapter.
What was the conclusion of the meeting?
He came to a wrong conclusion.
The scientific conclusion was based on new data.
It is hard to reach a conclusion without facts.
The essay needs a stronger conclusion.
He drew a logical conclusion from the evidence.
What conclusion did the committee reach?
The conclusion of the argument was unexpected.
We are close to a conclusion.
Her conclusion changed my mind.
The evidence points to the inevitable conclusion.
Don't jump to a conclusion too quickly.
The conclusion of the report was very detailed.
His conclusion was met with skepticism.
We need to bring this investigation to a conclusion.
The conclusion reinforces the author's argument.
It was a foregone conclusion.
She presented her conclusion to the board.
The study's conclusion challenges existing theories.
He arrived at the conclusion that change was necessary.
The conclusion of the debate was inconclusive.
They reached a tentative conclusion.
The final conclusion was reached after months of research.
Her conclusion provides a nuanced perspective.
The conclusion serves as a synthesis of the findings.
He articulated his conclusion with great precision.
The philosophical conclusion of the treatise is profound.
His conclusion was the culmination of years of study.
The narrative reaches a haunting conclusion.
She drew a sweeping conclusion from limited data.
The conclusion is inextricably linked to the premises.
Such a conclusion is logically sound.
The conclusion transcends the initial hypothesis.
The conclusion leaves the reader with much to ponder.
Synonyme
Gegenteile
Häufige Kollokationen
Idioms & Expressions
"jump to conclusions"
decide without evidence
Don't jump to conclusions!
casual""
""
""
""
""
Easily Confused
similar root
adjective vs noun
The evidence was conclusive (adj).
Sentence Patterns
Reach a conclusion
I reached a conclusion.
Wortfamilie
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Verwandt
How to Use It
9/10
Formality Scale
Häufige Fehler
Conclude is a verb.
Tips
The 'Close' Trick
Think of 'Close' to remember 'Conclusion'.
Academic Writing
Always use it for your final paragraph.
Debates
Used to summarize arguments.
Countable
It is always countable.
Zh sound
Practice the 'zh' sound.
Verb vs Noun
Don't say 'I conclusion'.
Latin Roots
It means to shut up!
Context
Read essays to see it in action.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Con-Close-Usion (Close the book)
Visual Association
A judge hitting a gavel.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Write a one-sentence conclusion for your day.
Wortherkunft
Latin
Original meaning: to shut up or enclose
Kultureller Kontext
None
Used heavily in academic writing.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Academic Writing
- In conclusion
- The evidence leads to
- To summarize
Conversation Starters
"What is your conclusion about the movie?"
"Did you reach a conclusion?"
"What is the conclusion of the story?"
"How do you start your conclusion?"
"Is this a foregone conclusion?"
Journal Prompts
Write a conclusion to your day.
What is your conclusion about life?
Summarize a book using a conclusion.
Why is it important to reach a conclusion?
Häufig gestellte Fragen
8 FragenNo, conclude is the verb.
Teste dich selbst
The story has a happy ___.
It is the end of the story.
What does 'reach a conclusion' mean?
It means to make a decision.
A conclusion is the start of an essay.
It is the end.
Word
Bedeutung
Common idiom.
Standard word order.
Ergebnis: /5
Summary
A conclusion is the final step in your thinking or writing process.
- Final judgment
- End of a text
- Logical result
- Countable noun
The 'Close' Trick
Think of 'Close' to remember 'Conclusion'.
Academic Writing
Always use it for your final paragraph.
Debates
Used to summarize arguments.
Countable
It is always countable.
Beispiel
I came to the conclusion that I should probably start saving money for a house.
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