C1 Expression Very Formal 7 min read

The concluding remarks address

Academic essay writing expression

In 15 Seconds

  • A formal signal that the final summary of a work is beginning.
  • Used primarily in academic essays, thesis papers, and professional presentations.
  • Introduces specific takeaways or final points for the audience to remember.
  • Carries a high level of authority and signals C1-level English proficiency.

Meaning

This phrase serves as a formal signal that you are entering the final stage of a presentation or essay. It tells your audience exactly which key points or conclusions you are about to summarize. Think of it as 'landing the plane' after a long flight of academic ideas.

Key Examples

3 of 10
1

Presenting a research paper at a university conference

The concluding remarks address the long-term environmental impact of urban expansion.

The concluding remarks address the long-term environmental impact of urban expansion.

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2

Writing the final paragraph of a corporate annual report

Our concluding remarks address the strategic goals for the upcoming fiscal year.

Our concluding remarks address the strategic goals for the upcoming fiscal year.

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3

A PhD student defending their thesis via Zoom

As we reach the end, the concluding remarks address the limitations found in my study.

As we reach the end, the concluding remarks address the limitations found in my study.

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🌍

Cultural Background

In American business culture, the 'concluding remarks' are often seen as the 'Call to Action'. It's not just a summary; it's a prompt for what the audience should do next. British academic style often uses 'concluding remarks' to acknowledge the limitations of the work, showing a sense of intellectual humility. While the English phrase is used in international settings, the Japanese equivalent 'Musubi' emphasizes the harmony and the 'tying together' of the relationship between speaker and listener. German presentations are highly structured. The 'concluding remarks' are expected to be a logical, point-by-point summary of the evidence presented earlier.

🎯

The Power of Three

When using this phrase, try to address exactly three points. It sounds more authoritative and is easier for the audience to remember.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

Only use this once per presentation. If you say it multiple times, the audience will get frustrated because they think you are finishing when you aren't.

In 15 Seconds

  • A formal signal that the final summary of a work is beginning.
  • Used primarily in academic essays, thesis papers, and professional presentations.
  • Introduces specific takeaways or final points for the audience to remember.
  • Carries a high level of authority and signals C1-level English proficiency.

What It Means

Ever felt like your presentation was just drifting toward a messy end? Using the concluding remarks address is like turning on the landing lights for a pilot. It tells everyone that the journey is almost over and things are about to get very important. This isn't just a simple 'goodbye' or a 'thanks for listening' slide. It is a high-level academic anchor that grounds your final arguments. You are essentially saying, 'Pay attention, because these are the final truths I want you to remember.' It carries a weight of authority and intellectual rigor. When you hear this, you know the speaker is done with the details and moving to the big picture.

What It Means

At its heart, this expression is a functional roadmap for the end of a formal work. The word concluding tells us we are at the finish line. Remarks is a fancy way of saying 'short statements' or 'specific points.' Finally, address means 'to deal with' or 'to focus on.' Together, they form a cohesive unit that introduces your final summary. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a professor tapping their glass to get everyone’s attention. You aren't just rambling; you are systematically closing the loop on your research. It implies that what follows is curated, intentional, and final. If your essay was a movie, this would be the climactic scene before the credits roll. Don't let the formality scare you; it's just a tool to keep things organized.

How To Use It

Using this phrase is all about timing and placement. You should only use it in the final 5% of your work. In a written essay, it usually kicks off the very last paragraph. In a speech, it’s the transition into your final slide. You follow it with a list of nouns or a 'that' clause. For example, the concluding remarks address the need for further research. See how smooth that is? It creates a bridge between your evidence and your final verdict. You can also add a possessive to make it clearer, like my concluding remarks address... or this paper's concluding remarks address... Just remember to keep the tone consistent. If you’ve been using slang for ten pages, dropping this at the end will feel very strange. It’s like wearing a tuxedo to a backyard BBQ.

Formality & Register

This is a 'black-tie' expression. It belongs in universities, corporate boardrooms, and international conferences. You will find it in academic journals, white papers, and high-stakes business reports. It is definitely not for TikTok captions or texting your friends about lunch. If you use it in a casual setting, people might think you’ve swallowed a dictionary. It sits firmly at the C1/C2 level of English proficiency. It shows that you understand the nuances of formal rhetoric. Using it correctly signals to your audience that you are a serious professional. It’s the kind of phrase that makes people sit up a little straighter in their chairs. Even if your topic is boring, this phrase makes you sound like an expert.

Real-Life Examples

Imagine you are finishing a 20-minute Zoom presentation on sustainable energy. Your last slide appears, and you say, the concluding remarks address the cost-benefit analysis of solar power. Everyone immediately knows you’re wrapping up. Or, picture an academic paper on the history of the internet. The last paragraph starts with the concluding remarks address the social impact of early forums. It provides a professional 'seal' on the work. You might also see it in legal contexts or government policy briefings. It’s very common in TED talks where the speaker wants to leave the audience with a 'mic drop' moment. Even Netflix documentaries sometimes use this style of narration to signal the end of an episode. It’s everywhere in the 'serious' corners of the world.

When To Use It

Use this phrase when you need to be crystal clear about your final points. It’s perfect for a thesis defense or a final exam essay. If you are writing a report for a manager who is very busy, this phrase helps them find the summary quickly. It’s also great for public speaking when you want to signal a transition without just saying 'the end.' It works best when you have 2-3 specific points to summarize. If you only have one point, it might feel a bit heavy. Think of it as a way to bundle your best ideas into a neat package. It’s also a lifesaver when you’ve lost your place and need a formal way to get back on track. Just drop this phrase and people will think the pause was intentional.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid this phrase in any casual interaction. Don't use it when ending a phone call with your mom. The concluding remarks address my love for your lasagna sounds like a robot wrote it. Also, don't use it in the middle of a speech. It’s for the end only! If you use it too early, you’ll confuse your audience. They’ll start packing their bags while you still have twenty slides left. It’s also not ideal for very creative or emotional writing. A heartfelt blog post about your dog shouldn't end with concluding remarks. It’s too cold and clinical for that. Keep it for the facts, the data, and the serious stuff. Using it incorrectly is like putting salt in your coffee—it just doesn't belong there.

Common Mistakes

A very common error is forgetting the 's' on remarks. It is almost always plural because you usually have more than one thing to say. ✗ the concluding remark address... sounds broken. Another mistake is using the wrong verb. People often say ✗ the concluding remarks talk about... which is too casual. Stick with address or focus on. Some learners also try to use it as a question. ✗ Do the concluding remarks address...? It’s a statement, not a question! Also, make sure you don't repeat yourself. If you’ve already said 'In conclusion,' you don't need this phrase right after it. That’s like saying 'The end, the end.' Once is enough to get the point across. Keep it sleek and professional.

Common Variations

If you find this phrase a bit too stiff, you have options. In summary, we will address... is a slightly softer version. The final section focuses on... is another great alternative for essays. For a presentation, you might say to wrap up, I’d like to address... which feels a bit more modern. If you want to be even more formal, try the terminal observations pertain to... but that’s really pushing it! You can also swap address for examine or highlight. For example, the concluding remarks highlight the importance of... works beautifully. In British English, you might hear closing remarks more often than concluding remarks. Both are perfectly fine, though concluding feels slightly more 'final' and decisive.

Real Conversations

P

Professor

That was a solid analysis of the data, Sarah. How are you ending the paper?
S

Student

Thanks! The concluding remarks address the limitations of our sample size.
P

Professor

Perfect. That’s a crucial point to leave the readers with.
M

Manager

We only have five minutes left in the meeting. Let’s get to the point.
P

Presenter

Understood. The concluding remarks address the budget cuts for next quarter.
M

Manager

Okay, let’s see those numbers. That’s what we’re all here for.

Quick FAQ

Is concluding remarks the same as a summary? Not exactly. A summary repeats everything briefly. Concluding remarks often add a final 'so what?' or a call to action. They give the summary a specific direction. Can I use it in a job interview? Yes, if you are asked to give a short presentation. It makes you look very organized and professional. Should I use it in an email? Only if the email is a very long, formal report. For a regular 'hey' email, it’s definitely too much. Does it sound old-fashioned? A little bit, but in a good way. It sounds 'classic' and 'educated' rather than 'outdated.' Think of it as a timeless piece of academic fashion.

Usage Notes

This phrase is strictly formal and sits at the C1 proficiency level. It is almost always used with the plural 'remarks' and requires a direct object after the verb 'address.' Avoid using it in casual conversation to prevent sounding pretentious or unnatural.

🎯

The Power of Three

When using this phrase, try to address exactly three points. It sounds more authoritative and is easier for the audience to remember.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

Only use this once per presentation. If you say it multiple times, the audience will get frustrated because they think you are finishing when you aren't.

💬

Eye Contact

In Western cultures, when you say 'The concluding remarks address...', make direct eye contact with the most important person in the room.

Examples

10
#1 Presenting a research paper at a university conference
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The concluding remarks address the long-term environmental impact of urban expansion.

The concluding remarks address the long-term environmental impact of urban expansion.

Here, it signals a transition from data presentation to final analysis.

#2 Writing the final paragraph of a corporate annual report
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Our concluding remarks address the strategic goals for the upcoming fiscal year.

Our concluding remarks address the strategic goals for the upcoming fiscal year.

Using 'our' personalizes the formal statement for a company perspective.

#3 A PhD student defending their thesis via Zoom
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

As we reach the end, the concluding remarks address the limitations found in my study.

As we reach the end, the concluding remarks address the limitations found in my study.

The speaker uses this to transition into the 'limitations' section of their talk.

#4 A LinkedIn post summarizing a long industry white paper
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

The concluding remarks address why remote work is here to stay.

The concluding remarks address why remote work is here to stay.

Even on social media, this adds a layer of professional credibility to the content.

#5 Texting a coworker after a very long, boring meeting
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I almost fell asleep until he said the concluding remarks address our holiday bonuses!

I almost fell asleep until he said the concluding remarks address our holiday bonuses!

A slightly humorous use of formal language in a casual text context.

#6 An emotional tribute at a retirement party
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The concluding remarks address the incredible legacy that Maria leaves behind.

The concluding remarks address the incredible legacy that Maria leaves behind.

Used here to give a sense of dignity and weight to a final tribute.

#7 Summarizing a legal brief in a courtroom setting
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

The concluding remarks address the defendant's lack of prior criminal history.

The concluding remarks address the defendant's lack of prior criminal history.

Standard high-formality usage in a legal context.

#8 Instagram caption for a series of 'study-gram' slides
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Swipe to the end where the concluding remarks address the core themes of the book.

Swipe to the end where the concluding remarks address the core themes of the book.

Directs the user to the final, most important part of the post.

Common learner mistake - singular vs plural Common Mistake
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✗ The concluding remark address the problem → ✓ The concluding remarks address the problem.

✗ The concluding remark address the problem → ✓ The concluding remarks address the problem.

Always use the plural 'remarks' unless you truly only have one single sentence to say.

Common learner mistake - improper placement Common Mistake
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✗ I started my essay and the concluding remarks address the intro → ✓ I finished my essay and the concluding remarks address the future.

✗ I started my essay and the concluding remarks address the intro → ✓ I finished my essay and the concluding remarks address the future.

Concluding remarks must happen at the end, never at the beginning of a work.

Test Yourself

Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb.

The concluding remarks _______ (address) the impact of climate change on local farming.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: address

'Remarks' is plural, so the base form 'address' is required for the present tense.

Which sentence is the most appropriate for a formal academic paper?

Choose the best concluding sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The concluding remarks address the need for further research.

This option uses the correct formal register and grammar.

Match the phrase variation to the correct context.

1. 'The concluding remarks address...' 2. 'To wrap up, I'll talk about...' 3. 'The closing statement focuses on...'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Academic, 2-Casual, 3-Legal

'Concluding remarks' is academic/business; 'Wrap up' is casual/neutral; 'Closing statement' is legal.

Fill in the speaker's line to maintain a formal tone.

Moderator: 'Thank you for your presentation on urban planning.' Speaker: 'Thank you. As you can see, my ____________________ the importance of green spaces.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: concluding remarks address

This maintains the high level of formality expected at a conference.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Synonyms by Register

🏛️

Very Formal

  • The concluding remarks address
  • The peroration highlights
🏢

Neutral/Professional

  • In summary
  • To conclude

Informal

  • To wrap up
  • Lastly

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb. Fill Blank B2

The concluding remarks _______ (address) the impact of climate change on local farming.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: address

'Remarks' is plural, so the base form 'address' is required for the present tense.

Which sentence is the most appropriate for a formal academic paper? Choose C1

Choose the best concluding sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The concluding remarks address the need for further research.

This option uses the correct formal register and grammar.

Match the phrase variation to the correct context. situation_matching B2

1. 'The concluding remarks address...' 2. 'To wrap up, I'll talk about...' 3. 'The closing statement focuses on...'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Academic, 2-Casual, 3-Legal

'Concluding remarks' is academic/business; 'Wrap up' is casual/neutral; 'Closing statement' is legal.

Fill in the speaker's line to maintain a formal tone. dialogue_completion C1

Moderator: 'Thank you for your presentation on urban planning.' Speaker: 'Thank you. As you can see, my ____________________ the importance of green spaces.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: concluding remarks address

This maintains the high level of formality expected at a conference.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

14 questions

No. 'Address' is a transitive verb here, so it takes a direct object. Just say 'address the issue'.

'Conclusion' is the name of the section. 'Concluding remarks' are the actual words you say. Use the latter when speaking.

It might be. 'In closing, I would like to highlight...' is usually a better fit for a cover letter.

Yes, if you are reporting on a speech: 'His concluding remarks addressed the budget.'

'Remarks' sounds more prepared and formal; 'comments' sounds more spontaneous.

Only if you mean the remarks are *directed* to them, but usually, we address *topics*, not people, with this phrase.

Use 'concluding'. 'Conclusive' means 'proving something beyond doubt' (e.g., conclusive evidence).

As a verb, stress the second syllable: uh-DRESS. As a noun (like your home), stress the first: AD-dress.

Yes, it is perfect for the 'closing statement' of a formal debate.

Usually, yes. A 'concluding remark' (singular) would be just one sentence, which is rare for a summary.

Yes, it is standard in all major varieties of formal English.

Only if you are being sarcastic or funny because it is so formal.

A noun phrase (the results), a gerund (improving the system), or a 'wh-' clause (how we can win).

Yes, it is a very common and acceptable variation.

Related Phrases

🔗

In summary

similar

A brief statement of the main points.

🔗

To wrap up

informal

To finish or conclude something.

🔗

The bottom line is

similar

The most important fact or result.

🔗

Closing statement

specialized form

The final argument in a court case.

🔗

Key takeaways

builds on

The main points to be remembered.

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