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B2 noun #4,500 most common 16 min read

conclude

Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips conclude in 30 Seconds

Explanation conclude in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'conclude' is a very advanced word that you might not need yet. However, you can think of it as a fancy way to say 'to finish' or 'to end.' Imagine you are playing a game with your friends. When the game is over, you 'conclude' the game. Or, if you are reading a story, the last page is where the story 'concludes.' For now, just remember that it means something is stopping or finishing. You might see it in simple instructions, like 'Conclude the test now,' which means 'Stop the test now.' It is more common in school or at work than in talking with friends. If you want to use it, try saying 'The class will conclude at 3 o'clock.' This sounds very polite! But don't worry if you prefer to say 'finish'—that is also correct and much easier for A1 learners. 'Conclude' is like the 'big brother' of the word 'finish.' It does the same job but looks more professional.

For A2 learners, 'conclude' starts to appear in more formal contexts, like in a classroom or a simple office setting. You should understand it as 'to bring to an end.' For example, if your teacher says, 'Let's conclude our lesson,' they mean it is time to pack up your bags. You might also see it in short news stories or simple books. Another way to use it is when you make a simple decision based on what you see. If you see clouds in the sky, you might 'conclude' that it is going to rain. This is a bit more than just 'finishing'—it's about thinking and then deciding. You can practice by using it in sentences about your day. 'The party concluded with a cake.' 'I concluded that I was tired after walking for two hours.' It is a great word to use if you want to sound a little more grown-up in your English. Just remember that it is usually for things that are planned, not for things that happen by accident.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'conclude' in two main ways. First, use it to describe the formal end of an event, like a meeting, a speech, or a presentation. 'The CEO concluded the meeting with a short speech.' Second, use it to describe a logical decision. This is where 'conclude' becomes very useful for your writing. Instead of saying 'I think,' you can say 'I concluded that...' if you have a good reason for your opinion. For example, 'After looking at the prices, I concluded that the first hotel was the best choice.' This shows that you are thinking carefully. You will also see this word in the 'Conclusion' of essays. When you write the last paragraph of your homework, you are 'concluding' your argument. You should also learn the common phrase 'To conclude,' which you can put at the start of your final paragraph. This helps the reader know that you are almost finished and that you are going to say your most important point now.

At the B2 level, 'conclude' is an essential part of your academic and professional vocabulary. You are expected to use it accurately in essays, reports, and formal discussions. You should understand the nuance between 'concluding a process' (bringing it to an end) and 'concluding that' (reaching a logical deduction). In a B2 essay, you might write: 'Based on the evidence presented, we can conclude that the policy was unsuccessful.' This shows a high level of critical thinking. You should also be comfortable with collocations like 'conclude an agreement,' 'conclude a treaty,' or 'conclude a negotiation.' These are very common in business and political English. Furthermore, you should know how to use different prepositions with the word: 'conclude with a summary' vs. 'conclude by summarizing.' At this level, you should also be aware of the noun form 'conclusion' and how to 'draw a conclusion' or 'reach a conclusion.' Using 'conclude' correctly helps you sound more authoritative and precise in your arguments.

For C1 learners, 'conclude' is a word you likely use frequently, but now you should focus on its stylistic and nuanced applications. In C1-level writing, 'conclude' is often used to synthesize complex information. You aren't just summarizing; you are providing a definitive judgment. For example, in a legal or philosophical context, 'conclude' carries the weight of a final verdict. You might also use it in the passive voice to maintain an objective tone: 'It can be concluded from the data that...' C1 learners should also explore the more literary uses of the word, such as how an author 'concludes' a complex narrative arc. You should be able to distinguish 'conclude' from near-synonyms like 'deduce,' 'infer,' 'finalize,' or 'terminate' based on the specific register and context. For instance, 'concluding a deal' implies a formal closing, whereas 'terminating a deal' implies an ending that might be premature or hostile. Your use of 'conclude' should reflect a deep understanding of logical flow and formal structure, serving as a powerful tool for both ending an event and asserting a reasoned truth.

At the C2 level, you should have a masterly command of 'conclude,' using it with total precision and variety. You understand that 'conclude' is not just a verb but a marker of intellectual finality. In highly academic or legal discourse, you might use it to describe the formal execution of a treaty or the definitive resolution of a long-standing debate. You can use it in complex sentence structures, such as: 'Should the investigation conclude that negligence occurred, the repercussions will be severe.' Here, the word is used in a conditional sense that shows a high level of grammatical sophistication. You should also be adept at using it rhetorically to signal the climax of an argument. At this level, you might also use 'conclude' in a more metaphorical sense, such as 'concluding a chapter of one's life.' Your ability to switch between its physical meaning (ending) and its cognitive meaning (deducing) should be seamless. You should also be aware of rare or archaic uses and be able to identify when 'conclude' is being used in a way that implies a final, binding decision that cannot be challenged. In short, for a C2 speaker, 'conclude' is a tool for precision, authority, and structural elegance.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

conclude in 30 Seconds

To conclude is a formal verb meaning both to finish an event and to reach a logical decision.
It is commonly used in academic writing, legal contexts, and professional meetings to signal closure.
Grammatically, it often appears as 'conclude that,' 'conclude with,' or 'conclude by' depending on the meaning.
It is a B2 level word that adds precision and a professional tone to your English communication.

The word conclude is a versatile and sophisticated term that primarily functions as a verb, though it is often associated with its noun form, 'conclusion.' At its core, to conclude means to bring a process, event, or piece of work to a formal or definitive end. However, its utility extends far beyond mere termination; it is deeply embedded in the realms of logic, academia, and professional discourse, where it signifies the act of reaching a reasoned judgment or a logical deduction based on available evidence. When you conclude a speech, you aren't just stopping; you are providing a final summary that ties all your points together. When a scientist concludes that a hypothesis is correct, they are not just guessing; they are asserting a truth derived from rigorous experimentation and data analysis.

Primary Action: To bring something to a finish or an end, often in a structured or formal way.
Logical Process: To arrive at a belief or opinion by reasoning or considering the facts provided.

In everyday conversation, you might hear someone say, 'The meeting will conclude at 5:00 PM.' This usage is straightforward, indicating a scheduled end. In more complex scenarios, such as a legal trial, a judge might say, 'Based on the evidence, I conclude that the defendant is not guilty.' Here, the word carries the weight of authority and logical progression. It suggests that the speaker has weighed various factors and arrived at a final, unshakeable position. This dual nature—meaning both 'to end' and 'to decide'—makes it an essential word for anyone looking to communicate clearly in professional or academic environments.

After reviewing the financial reports, the board members were forced to conclude that the current business model was no longer sustainable.

Furthermore, 'conclude' is frequently used in the context of formal agreements or treaties. Diplomats might 'conclude a deal' or 'conclude a peace treaty.' In these instances, the word implies a successful negotiation that has reached its final, binding stage. It is not just about stopping the negotiation; it is about finalizing the terms and making them official. This nuance is vital: 'conclude' often carries a sense of achievement or resolution that simpler words like 'finish' or 'stop' lack.

In academic writing, the 'Conclusion' section of a paper is where the researcher summarizes their findings. To 'conclude' in this context means to synthesize the data and explain what it means for the broader field of study. It is the moment where the 'why' of the research is finally answered. Therefore, when you use this word, you are signaling to your audience that you have reached the final stage of a thought process or a physical event.

I would like to conclude my presentation by thanking everyone for their time and attention.

Negotiation: Finalizing a contract or agreement after discussion.

The word also appears in literature and storytelling. An author might conclude a chapter with a cliffhanger, or a story might conclude with a happy ending. In these cases, it refers to the structural end of the narrative. It provides a sense of closure, whether that closure is satisfying or leaves the reader wanting more. It is the final punctuation mark on a series of events.

The investigation did not conclude until every witness had been interviewed twice.

Ultimately, 'conclude' is about transitions. It marks the boundary between the process and the result, between the argument and the verdict, or between the activity and the rest. Whether you are concluding a transaction at a bank, concluding a debate in a classroom, or concluding that it's time to go to bed, you are acknowledging a shift from action to resolution.

It is difficult to conclude which strategy is better without more testing.

Performance: The final act or song of a show that brings the event to a close.

The symphony will conclude with a dramatic crescendo from the brass section.

Using 'conclude' correctly requires understanding the specific grammatical structures it typically follows. Depending on whether you mean 'to finish' or 'to deduce,' the sentence construction will change. One of the most common patterns is conclude that [clause]. This is used when you are stating a logical result or a decision made after looking at facts. For example, 'Scientists conclude that climate change is accelerating.' Here, 'conclude' introduces the finding.

Pattern: Conclude + that: Used for deductions. 'We concluded that the plan was too risky.'
Pattern: Conclude + with: Used for the final element of an event. 'The concert concluded with a fireworks display.'

Another frequent usage is conclude by [verb-ing]. This describes the final action someone takes to end an event. For instance, 'She concluded her speech by thanking her supporters.' This is very common in public speaking and formal writing. It provides a clear signal that the end has arrived and describes the manner in which the ending occurred. If you are writing an essay, you might write, 'To conclude, it is clear that more research is needed.' This 'To conclude' at the start of a sentence functions as a transition marker.

The lawyer concluded his argument by presenting a final piece of evidence.

In a more transitive sense, you can 'conclude an agreement' or 'conclude a deal.' This means the process of negotiation has reached its final, successful stage. 'The two companies concluded a merger agreement yesterday.' This usage is formal and often found in business or legal news. It implies that the deal is now signed and sealed. It is different from 'finishing' a deal, which might sound too casual for a multi-million dollar transaction.

When using 'conclude' to mean 'to deduce,' it is often used in the passive voice in academic contexts. 'It was concluded that the results were statistically significant.' Using the passive voice focuses on the conclusion itself rather than the person who made it, which is standard in scientific reporting. However, in active voice, it sounds more direct: 'The researchers concluded that the drug was effective.'

From the silence in the room, I concluded that no one had any further questions.

Pattern: Conclude + something: To finish a specific task or agreement. 'They concluded the negotiations after ten hours.'

You can also use 'conclude' to describe a logical sequence. 'If A is true and B is true, we must conclude that C is also true.' This is the language of logic and mathematics. It suggests an inevitable result of previous statements. It is much stronger than saying 'we think C is true'; it implies that C *must* be true based on the premises.

The judge concluded the proceedings and retired to his chambers to consider the verdict.

In a creative context, you might conclude a story or a poem. 'The novel concludes with the protagonist returning to their childhood home.' This usage helps set the scene for the final moments of a creative work. It provides a formal way to discuss the ending of a piece of art.

The winter season concludes with the first blossoming of the cherry trees.

Pattern: Conclude + from: Indicating the source of the deduction. 'What can we conclude from these statistics?'

We can conclude from the data that the marketing campaign was a huge success.

The word 'conclude' is a staple of formal and professional communication. You will hear it most frequently in environments where structured thinking and formal endings are valued. In the corporate world, for example, meetings, workshops, and conferences almost always 'conclude.' A facilitator might say, 'We will conclude our session by summarizing the action items.' This sounds much more organized and professional than saying, 'We're going to stop now.' It suggests that the end is part of a deliberate plan.

In the News: Journalists often use it when reporting on legal cases or political negotiations. 'The summit concluded without a clear agreement on trade tariffs.'

Legal settings are another place where 'conclude' is heard constantly. Lawyers 'conclude their arguments,' and judges 'conclude the trial.' In this context, the word has a specific legal meaning: it means all the evidence has been presented, and the process is moving to the next phase (like deliberation). If a lawyer says, 'That concludes the case for the prosecution,' they are officially handing the floor to the defense. It’s a formal marker of transition that is essential for the legal record.

The police investigation concluded that the fire was started accidentally.

In academia, professors and students use 'conclude' when discussing research. During a thesis defense, a student might be asked, 'How did you conclude that this methodology was the most appropriate?' In this scenario, the word is used to test the student's logical reasoning. It’s not about how they 'finished' their work, but about how they 'decided' on their approach. Similarly, academic journals are filled with phrases like 'The study concludes that...' which introduces the final findings of the research.

You will also hear 'conclude' in the world of diplomacy and international relations. When world leaders meet, the media reports on how the talks 'concluded.' If a treaty is 'concluded,' it means it has been signed. This is a very specific, high-level use of the word. It implies a successful end to a complex and often difficult process. For example, 'The two nations concluded a historic peace accord after years of conflict.'

The evening concluded with a standing ovation for the lead performer.

In Literature: Literary critics might discuss how a novel concludes to analyze the author's message or tone.

In everyday life, you might hear it at more formal social events, like weddings or graduation ceremonies. An emcee might say, 'This concludes our ceremony; please join us for refreshments in the hall.' It acts as a polite and clear way to tell a large group of people that the event is over and what they should do next. It provides a sense of order and decorum.

Based on the empty pizza boxes, I concluded that the teenagers had already eaten dinner.

Finally, in scientific or technical documentation, 'conclude' is used to describe the end of a process or a logical result. 'The system will conclude the backup process before shutting down.' It indicates a sequence of operations that must be completed. In all these cases, 'conclude' adds a layer of formality and precision to the language.

The researchers concluded that the new software was 20% faster than the old version.

In Sports: Commentators might say, 'The season will conclude next week with the championship game.'

The match concluded in a tie after a grueling ninety minutes of play.

While 'conclude' is a powerful word, it is often misused by learners who confuse it with simpler verbs like 'finish,' 'end,' or 'decide.' One of the most common mistakes is using 'conclude' for trivial or purely physical actions. For example, saying 'I concluded my lunch' sounds strangely formal and almost robotic. In this case, 'finished' is the natural choice. 'Conclude' implies a level of complexity or formality that a meal usually doesn't have. It's better reserved for a speech, a book, or a professional meeting.

Mistake: Over-formality: Using 'conclude' for everyday tasks like eating, sleeping, or walking. Use 'finish' instead.
Mistake: Preposition Confusion: Confusing 'conclude with' and 'conclude by.' 'With' followed by a noun; 'By' followed by a gerund (-ing).

Another frequent error involves the preposition that follows 'conclude.' People often mix up 'conclude with' and 'conclude by.' You conclude *with* a thing (a song, a summary, a prayer) and you conclude *by* doing something (singing, summarizing, praying). For example, 'The show concluded with a song' (correct) vs. 'The show concluded by a song' (incorrect). Similarly, 'She concluded by saying goodbye' (correct) vs. 'She concluded with saying goodbye' (less common/awkward). Getting these prepositions right is key to sounding like a native speaker.

Incorrect: I concluded that the movie was good before I saw it. (You can't conclude something before having evidence!)

A more subtle mistake is using 'conclude' when you really mean 'decide' without any logical basis. To 'conclude' something requires a process of reasoning or looking at evidence. If you just choose something randomly, you 'decide' or 'pick' it. If you say, 'I concluded to wear the red shirt,' it sounds like you performed a scientific analysis of your wardrobe. Unless you actually did that, 'decided' is a better fit. 'Conclude' should feel like the result of a thought process, not just a simple choice.

In writing, learners sometimes use 'To conclude' at the start of every final paragraph. While grammatically correct, it can become repetitive and predictable. Native speakers often use alternatives like 'In closing,' 'To sum up,' or 'Ultimately.' Also, avoid the redundant phrase 'In conclusion, to conclude...'—just pick one! Furthermore, ensure that your conclusion actually matches the points you made earlier. A logical 'conclusion' must be supported by the 'premises' or evidence you provided.

Incorrect: The story concludes in the middle of the book. (A conclusion, by definition, happens at the end.)

Mistake: Confusing with 'Inclusion': Sometimes learners mix up 'conclude' and 'include' because they sound similar. They mean the opposite: 'include' is to put in, 'conclude' is to finish or decide.

Finally, watch out for the tense. In academic writing, when you are stating what a study found, you can use the present tense ('The study concludes that...') or the past tense ('The study concluded that...'). However, if you are describing a specific event that happened in the past, always use the past tense: 'The meeting concluded at noon.' Using the present tense for a past event ('The meeting concludes at noon yesterday') is a basic but frequent grammatical error.

Incorrect: We concluded the agreement but we are still negotiating. (If you concluded it, the negotiation is over!)

By avoiding these common pitfalls—over-formality, preposition errors, and illogical usage—you can use 'conclude' with the confidence and precision of a native speaker. It is a word that, when used correctly, signals intelligence and a clear understanding of structure and logic.

Correct: After hours of debate, we concluded that neither option was perfect.

Understanding the synonyms and alternatives for 'conclude' helps you choose the exact right word for your context. While 'conclude' is excellent, sometimes a different word can provide more specific meaning. For example, if you are talking about finishing a task, 'finalize' might be better. If you are talking about a logical deduction, 'infer' or 'deduce' might be more precise. Let's look at how these words compare to 'conclude.'

Conclude vs. Finalize: 'Finalize' is specifically about completing the last details of a plan or agreement. 'Conclude' is more about the act of ending or the result of reasoning. You finalize a document; you conclude a meeting.
Conclude vs. Deduce: 'Deduce' is more technical and scientific. It specifically refers to the logical process of using facts to find an answer. 'Conclude' is broader and can be used for the end of a physical event too.

Another common alternative is 'terminate.' However, 'terminate' often has a negative or very abrupt connotation. You might 'terminate' a contract if someone breaks the rules, or 'terminate' a computer program if it crashes. 'Conclude,' on the other hand, usually implies a natural or planned ending. You wouldn't 'conclude' a program that crashed; you would only 'conclude' it if it finished its task successfully. Similarly, 'cease' means to stop, but it lacks the sense of 'reaching a result' that 'conclude' has.

While we could conclude the project now, I think we should spend another week refining the details.

In academic writing, 'infer' is a close cousin of 'conclude.' To 'infer' is to read between the lines and find a meaning that isn't explicitly stated. To 'conclude' is often to state the final, overall result. For example, 'From his tone, I inferred he was angry, and I concluded that I should leave.' Here, 'inferred' is the immediate observation, and 'concluded' is the final decision made from that observation. They work together but describe different stages of the thought process.

For informal situations, 'wrap up' is a great phrasal verb alternative. Instead of saying 'Let's conclude the meeting,' you might say 'Let's wrap things up.' This is much more common in casual offices or among friends. It carries the same meaning—bringing something to an end—but without the stiff formality of 'conclude.' However, in a written report, 'conclude' is always preferred over 'wrap up.'

The investigation was terminated due to a lack of evidence, but the detective never truly concluded that the suspect was innocent.

Conclude vs. Resolve: To 'resolve' is to find a solution to a problem. You might conclude a debate by resolving the main conflict. 'Resolve' focuses on fixing the issue; 'conclude' focuses on finishing the process.

Finally, consider 'wind up.' This is similar to 'wrap up' but often implies a gradual slowing down before the end. 'The party started to wind up around midnight.' This is different from 'conclude,' which often happens at a specific, defined moment. Using these various alternatives allows you to paint a more precise picture of how and why something is ending.

The speaker summarized her main points before she concluded the presentation.

By mastering these synonyms, you can avoid repeating 'conclude' too many times in a single piece of writing. Use 'deduce' for logic, 'finalize' for plans, 'wrap up' for casual talks, and 'conclude' for the formal, reasoned end of any significant process.

We can infer from the smoke that there is a fire, and we can conclude that we must evacuate immediately.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root 'claudere' is the same root found in 'clause,' 'closet,' and 'claustrophobia'—all related to the idea of closing or shutting.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kənˈkluːd/

US /kənˈklud/

The stress is on the second syllable: con-CLUDE.

Rhymes With

Include Exclude Mood Food Rude Crude Nude Feud

Common Errors

Pronouncing the first syllable like 'CON' (as in 'confidence'). It should be a neutral 'kuhn'.
Saying 'con-clood-ed' with an extra syllable when it is not needed.
Confusing the 'u' sound with an 'uh' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and academic texts, easy to recognize.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of prepositions (with, by, that).

Speaking 3/5

Used in presentations and formal discussions.

Listening 2/5

Clearly pronounced and often stressed in sentences.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Finish End Think Result Decide

Learn Next

Conclusion Conclusive Deduce Infer Synthesize

Advanced

Preclude Exegesis Syllogism Determinative Finality

Grammar to Know

That-clauses after reporting verbs

He concluded that the weather was too bad to travel.

Gerunds after 'by' for means/method

She concluded the speech by singing a song.

Passive voice for objectivity

It was concluded that the results were invalid.

Prepositional phrases with 'with'

The ceremony concluded with a prayer.

Infinitive of purpose at sentence start

To conclude, I would like to summarize my main points.

Examples by Level

The movie will conclude at 9 PM.

The movie will finish at 9 PM.

Future tense with 'will'.

Please conclude your work now.

Please finish your work now.

Imperative form (giving a command).

The story concludes with a happy ending.

The story ends with a happy ending.

Present simple tense for stories.

The class concludes in five minutes.

The class finishes in five minutes.

Intransitive use (no object).

We conclude the day with a song.

We finish the day with a song.

Present simple for habitual actions.

The game will conclude soon.

The game will end soon.

'Will' + base verb.

How does the book conclude?

How does the book end?

Question form with 'does'.

I conclude that it is late.

I think/decide it is late.

Subject + verb + that-clause.

The meeting concluded after one hour.

The meeting ended after one hour.

Past simple tense.

He concluded that he needed more sleep.

He decided that he needed more sleep.

Past simple + that-clause.

The festival concludes with a big parade.

The festival ends with a big parade.

Present simple for scheduled events.

She concluded her presentation by showing a video.

She finished her presentation by showing a video.

Conclude + by + -ing verb.

They concluded the party at midnight.

They finished the party at midnight.

Transitive use with an object (the party).

From the noise, I concluded the neighbors were home.

Because of the noise, I decided the neighbors were home.

Introductory phrase + subject + verb.

The concert will conclude with a famous song.

The concert will end with a famous song.

Future tense + 'with' + noun.

We concluded our trip in Paris.

We finished our trip in Paris.

Past simple.

The report concludes that the plan is too expensive.

The report says the plan costs too much.

Present simple for findings.

To conclude, I would like to thank my family.

In the end, I want to thank my family.

Infinitive phrase used as a transition.

The two countries concluded a trade agreement.

The two countries finished a trade deal.

Formal transitive use.

What do you conclude from these results?

What is your opinion after seeing these results?

Question with 'do' + conclude + 'from'.

The judge concluded the trial after three weeks.

The judge ended the trial after three weeks.

Past simple.

She concluded that the mistake was hers.

She decided that she made the mistake.

Mental process verb.

The event will conclude with a speech by the mayor.

The event will finish with the mayor's speech.

Future passive-like structure.

I concluded my research last month.

I finished my research last month.

Past simple with time expression.

The study concludes that regular exercise improves mental health.

The research proves that exercise is good for the mind.

Reporting verb in present tense.

The negotiations were concluded successfully yesterday.

The discussions were finished well yesterday.

Passive voice.

Scientists concluded that the fossils were millions of years old.

Scientists decided the fossils were very old.

Deductive use in the past.

The lawyer concluded her closing argument with a plea for mercy.

The lawyer ended her final speech asking for kindness.

Transitive use + 'with' phrase.

It is difficult to conclude anything without more data.

It is hard to make a decision without more information.

Dummy subject 'It' + infinitive.

The board concluded that the CEO should resign.

The board decided the CEO had to quit.

Subjunctive-like 'should' in the clause.

The symphony concluded with a dramatic finale.

The music ended with a very exciting final part.

Intransitive + 'with'.

We can conclude from his silence that he disagrees.

We can guess he disagrees because he isn't talking.

Modal 'can' + conclude + from.

The commission concluded that the accident was preventable.

The official group decided the accident could have been stopped.

Formal reporting verb.

The book concludes by examining the future of technology.

The book ends by looking at what will happen with tech.

Conclude + by + -ing.

One might conclude that the policy was a failure.

Someone could think the policy did not work.

Modal 'might' for cautious deduction.

The investigation concluded that no laws had been broken.

The police decided everything was legal.

Past perfect in the that-clause ('had been broken').

The meeting concluded with a vote on the new proposal.

The meeting finished by voting on the new plan.

Intransitive use.

The treaty was concluded after months of intense diplomacy.

The agreement was finalized after much talking.

Passive voice + duration phrase.

He concluded his career with a final, brilliant performance.

He finished his working life with a great show.

Transitive use.

From these premises, we must conclude that the theory is flawed.

Based on these facts, we have to say the theory is wrong.

Formal logical structure.

The evidence led the jury to conclude that the defendant was guilty.

The facts made the jury decide the person was guilty.

Causative structure (led someone to conclude).

The symposium concluded with a roundtable discussion on ethics.

The conference ended with a group talk about right and wrong.

Specific academic vocabulary ('symposium', 'roundtable').

It would be premature to conclude that the crisis is over.

It is too early to say for sure that the problem is finished.

Conditional 'would be' + adjective + infinitive.

The chapter concludes with a synthesis of the main arguments.

The chapter ends by putting all the ideas together.

Academic present tense.

Having reviewed the data, the committee concluded otherwise.

After looking at the facts, the group decided the opposite.

Participle phrase ('Having reviewed') + adverbial conclusion.

The negotiations were concluded to the satisfaction of both parties.

The deal was finished in a way everyone liked.

Complex passive structure.

The era concluded with the fall of the central government.

That time period ended when the government failed.

Historical narrative use.

We are forced to conclude that no further progress can be made.

We must admit that we cannot do any more.

Passive 'are forced' + infinitive.

Synonyms

finish terminate deduce infer finalize settle

Antonyms

commence begin start

Common Collocations

Conclude a deal

Conclude an agreement

Conclude a presentation

Conclude a meeting

Conclude that

Successfully conclude

Prematurely conclude

Conclude by saying

Conclude with a summary

Logically conclude

Common Phrases

To conclude

— Used to introduce the final part of a speech or essay.

To conclude, I believe we must act now.

In conclusion

— The noun-based version of 'to conclude,' used as a transition.

In conclusion, the data supports our hypothesis.

Draw a conclusion

— To make a judgment after considering all the facts.

It's too early to draw a conclusion about the new law.

Reach a conclusion

— To arrive at a final decision after much thought.

The jury has finally reached a conclusion.

Jump to a conclusion

— To decide something too quickly without enough evidence.

Don't jump to a conclusion before you hear both sides.

Foregone conclusion

— A result that is obvious and certain before it happens.

The election result was a foregone conclusion.

Bring to a conclusion

— To cause something to end.

We need to bring this investigation to a conclusion.

Conclude negotiations

— To finish the process of discussing terms.

We hope to conclude negotiations by Friday.

Conclude a contract

— To finalize and sign a legal document.

The contract was concluded yesterday morning.

Conclude an investigation

— To finish looking for facts in a case.

The police concluded the investigation after two months.

Often Confused With

conclude vs Include

Learners often mix these up due to the sound. Include means 'put in'; conclude means 'finish' or 'decide'.

conclude vs Exclude

Exclude means 'keep out.' It is the opposite of include, but sounds similar to conclude.

conclude vs Decide

Decide is more general. Conclude is a specific type of deciding based on logic or evidence.

Idioms & Expressions

"Wrap it up"

— To finish something, especially a meeting or a task.

We've been talking for an hour; let's wrap it up.

Informal

"Call it a day"

— To decide to stop working or doing something for the rest of the day.

We've finished most of the work, so let's call it a day.

Informal

"Tie up loose ends"

— To finish the small, remaining parts of a project or story.

I need one more day to tie up some loose ends on the report.

Neutral

"Bring down the curtain"

— To bring something to an end, often a long period or career.

He brought down the curtain on his career with a final win.

Literary

"Put the finishing touches on"

— To complete the very last details of something.

She is putting the finishing touches on her painting.

Neutral

"Signed, sealed, and delivered"

— Something that is completely finished and officially agreed upon.

The deal is signed, sealed, and delivered.

Informal

"The end of the road"

— The point where something must stop or cannot continue.

This is the end of the road for our old car.

Informal

"Cross the finish line"

— To successfully complete a difficult task or process.

We finally crossed the finish line with the project.

Neutral

"Close the book on"

— To end something and stop thinking or worrying about it.

The police have closed the book on the cold case.

Informal

"Last but not least"

— Used when concluding a list to show the last item is still important.

Last but not least, I'd like to thank my parents.

Neutral

Easily Confused

conclude vs Finish

Both mean to end something.

Finish is for tasks and physical actions (finish a book). Conclude is for formal events or logical reasoning.

I finished my coffee, but the meeting concluded with a vote.

conclude vs Deduce

Both involve logical thinking.

Deduce is specifically about the process of logic. Conclude is about the final result or the end of an event.

I deduced the answer from the clues and concluded that he was the thief.

conclude vs Terminate

Both mean to stop something.

Terminate is often abrupt, final, and potentially negative. Conclude is usually a planned, natural end.

They concluded the season but terminated his contract early.

conclude vs Infer

Both mean reaching an opinion based on facts.

Infer is reading between the lines. Conclude is making the final, overall judgment.

I inferred he was lying and concluded I shouldn't trust him.

conclude vs End

Both refer to the final part.

End is a general term for time/space. Conclude is more formal and structured.

The road ends here, but the ceremony concludes at the church.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + conclude + with + Noun

The party concluded with a cake.

Subject + conclude + that + Clause

I concluded that I was wrong.

To conclude, + Sentence

To conclude, we need more time.

Subject + conclude + by + Verb-ing

She concluded by thanking the host.

Subject + conclude + Object

They concluded the agreement.

It can be concluded that + Clause

It can be concluded that the risk is high.

From + Noun, + Subject + conclude + that

From the data, we conclude that growth is slow.

Adverb + conclude + that

The committee reluctantly concluded that the plan had failed.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in academic and professional writing; moderate in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

I concluded my breakfast at 8 AM. → I finished my breakfast at 8 AM.
'Conclude' is too formal for simple, everyday activities. Use 'finish' for meals and chores.
The show concluded by a fireworks display. → The show concluded with a fireworks display.
Use 'with' for nouns (things) and 'by' for gerunds (-ing verbs).
I concluded to go to the park. → I decided to go to the park.
'Conclude' usually takes a 'that' clause or an object, not an infinitive 'to' verb.
In conclusion to conclude, the plan is good. → In conclusion, the plan is good.
This is redundant. Use either 'In conclusion' or 'To conclude,' but not both together.
The study concludes that the sun was hot. → The study concludes that the sun is hot.
When stating a general fact found by research, use the present tense in the 'that' clause.

Tips

Watch your prepositions

Remember: Conclude WITH a noun, conclude BY doing something, and conclude THAT a fact is true. Mixing these up is a common B2 error.

Use it for transitions

In essays, 'To conclude' is a signal to your reader. It helps organize your writing and makes your final point stand out clearly.

Don't over-formalize

Avoid using 'conclude' for simple things like 'concluding a walk.' It makes you sound like a robot. Use 'finish' or 'end' for casual life.

Support your conclusion

When you use 'conclude that,' make sure you have mentioned the reasons or evidence earlier in your speech or text. A conclusion needs support!

Signal the end

In a presentation, say 'I'd like to conclude by...' This is a professional way to let the audience know they can start thinking of questions.

Research findings

When writing about science, use the present tense: 'The study concludes that...' This makes the finding sound like a permanent fact.

Business deals

Use 'conclude a deal' in emails to sound more professional than 'finish a deal.' It implies that all legal and formal steps are complete.

Listen for the stress

The stress is on the second syllable: con-CLUDE. Listening for this rhythm helps you identify the word in fast speech.

Look at the context

If 'conclude' is at the end of a chapter, it means 'finish.' If it's after a list of facts, it means 'decide.' Context is everything!

Synonym variety

If you use 'conclude' in one sentence, try using 'draw a conclusion' or 'reach a verdict' in the next to keep your writing interesting.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'con' (together) and 'clude' (close). You are closing all your thoughts together to reach a final decision.

Visual Association

Imagine a judge hitting a gavel. That sound marks the moment they conclude the trial.

Word Web

Finish Decide Deduce End Summary Verdict Agreement Finalize

Challenge

Write a three-sentence story about a detective who concludes an investigation using the word 'conclude' twice.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'concludere,' which is a combination of 'con-' (together) and 'claudere' (to shut).

Original meaning: Literally 'to shut up' or 'to close together.'

It belongs to the Romance-influenced branch of English vocabulary, entering through Old French in the late 14th century.

Cultural Context

There are no major cultural sensitivities, but 'terminate' (a synonym) can sound harsh in human resources contexts.

In the US and UK, 'To conclude' is the standard transition for formal writing.

The concluding chapter of 'The Origin of Species' by Charles Darwin. The phrase 'I conclude that...' in Sherlock Holmes stories. Commonly heard in the 'Law & Order' TV series during courtroom scenes.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Academic Writing

The study concludes that
It can be concluded from
In light of this, we conclude
To conclude our analysis

Business Meetings

Let's conclude this session
We concluded the deal
The project will conclude
Conclude with action items

Legal Proceedings

The trial concluded
Conclude the argument
Conclude an agreement
The judge concluded that

Daily Reasoning

I concluded he was busy
From his face, I concluded
What did you conclude?
Hard to conclude anything

Creative Arts

The film concludes with
The novel concludes
How should I conclude?
The performance concluded

Conversation Starters

"What did you conclude after watching that documentary last night?"

"How do you usually conclude a long day at work to help you relax?"

"If you had to conclude your life story right now, what would the last chapter be called?"

"Can we conclude that social media is doing more harm than good?"

"How should we conclude our team project to make the best impression?"

Journal Prompts

Reflect on a time you jumped to a conclusion too quickly. What happened?

Write about a project you recently concluded. What did you learn from it?

Describe the best way to conclude a difficult conversation with a friend.

If you could conclude one world problem today, which one would it be and why?

What evidence would lead you to conclude that you have achieved your biggest goal?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While grammatically correct, it sounds very strange and overly formal. In English, we use 'finish' for everyday things like meals or chores. Use 'conclude' for speeches, meetings, or logical decisions. For example, 'The dinner concluded with a toast' sounds better than 'I concluded my dinner.'

Both are perfectly fine and used frequently. 'In conclusion' is a prepositional phrase, while 'To conclude' is an infinitive. 'In conclusion' is slightly more common as a transition at the start of a final paragraph in essays. For example, 'In conclusion, the evidence is clear.'

Use 'conclude with' followed by a noun (a thing). Example: 'The concert concluded with a song.' Use 'conclude by' followed by a gerund (an -ing verb). Example: 'The singer concluded by thanking the fans.' This distinction is important for natural-sounding English.

No. It also means 'to reach a decision based on reasoning.' For example, if you say 'I concluded that it was raining,' you don't mean you 'finished' the rain; you mean you 'decided' it was raining based on seeing water on the window. This is its 'logical' meaning.

Usually, 'conclude' is used for events, processes, or thoughts. You don't 'conclude' a person. However, you can 'conclude that a person' is something. Example: 'I concluded that he was the right man for the job.' You can also 'conclude a relationship,' but this is very formal.

No, 'conclude' can be used in all tenses. Present: 'The report concludes that...' Future: 'The meeting will conclude soon.' Present Perfect: 'We have concluded our research.' The past tense 'concluded' is just very common because we often talk about things that have already finished.

It means to officially finish the negotiation and sign the agreement. It's a formal way of saying the deal is done. You will often see this in business news. For example, 'The two companies have concluded a merger agreement worth millions.'

Yes! 'Conclusive' is the adjective form. If evidence is 'conclusive,' it means it is so strong that it allows you to 'conclude' something for sure. For example, 'DNA evidence provided conclusive proof of his innocence.' It means the matter is settled.

It might sound a bit too formal for a text to a friend. Instead of 'I concluded that we should meet at 6,' you would probably say 'I think we should meet at 6' or 'Let's meet at 6.' Save 'conclude' for emails, essays, or professional settings.

This is a common idiom. It describes a result that everyone knows will happen before it actually does. For example, if the best team is playing the worst team, the best team's victory is a 'foregone conclusion.' It's like saying the end is already decided.