To summarise is a straightforward replacement for in conclusion when you are collecting the main points. For a spoken recap, use To recap. For a final recommendation, use My recommendation is… For example: My recommendation is to prepare a backup demonstration in case the connection fails. Choose the phrase according to what your ending needs to say.
In conclusion is a useful phrase, but you have other options. These 20 alternatives each include six example sentences for presentations, meetings, reports, and emails. Some introduce a summary; others lead into a recommendation or final thought. The examples describe illustrative situations.
Which alternative to in conclusion fits your ending?
Use a summary phrase to recap, a judgement phrase to assess the evidence, and an action phrase to state what should happen next. The following choices suit different closing tasks.
Your closing task
Phrase to choose
What it does
Summarise points in a report
To summarise
Restates the points already covered.
Remind a meeting of what was agreed
To recap
Gives listeners a short recap.
Combine several findings
Taken together
Connects evidence before drawing a conclusion.
Weigh competing options
On balance
Introduces a judgement after considering trade-offs.
Make a recommendation
My recommendation is
States the course of action you advise.
Confirm an agreed action
The next step is
Names what happens next.
End formal remarks with thanks
In closing
Signals a brief final statement.
20 other ways to say in conclusion
Summary phrases, judgement phrases, and requests for action do different jobs. The groups below explain those differences alongside the examples.
Summary, judgement, and action phrases introduce different kinds of endings.
Phrases for summarising the main points
To summarise, to recap, and in brief introduce a shorter version of points already discussed. Keep new arguments out of a recap.
1. To summarise
To summarise introduces a short account of the main points already discussed. It suits presentations, reports, and professional emails. Follow it with the ideas you have already explained, rather than introducing a new argument the audience has not had time to consider.
To summarise introduces a shorter version of the points you have already covered.
Report summary: To summarise, the proposal addresses three needs: simpler scheduling, clearer ownership, and fewer handovers.
To summarise, our interviews identified the same obstacle across all three departments.
To summarise, the first option is quicker to introduce, while the second gives us more flexibility.
To summarise, the workshop covered planning your message, choosing examples, and rehearsing aloud.
To summarise, we can proceed once the team confirms the scope and the delivery date.
To summarise, the evidence supports a small trial before a wider rollout.
2. To recap
To recap introduces a reminder of earlier points for listeners who need the essentials again. This phrase sounds natural in a meeting or training session. Keep the recap short enough to help people remember what they need to do.
Training reminder: To recap, save your draft, check the sharing permissions, and send the link to your reviewer.
To recap, we agreed to test the new agenda at the next two team meetings.
To recap, the opening states the problem, the middle explains the evidence, and the ending asks for a decision.
To recap, each group will prepare one example and nominate someone to explain it.
To recap, the results describe this sample; they do not establish what every customer will prefer.
To recap, the revised plan keeps the original deadline but reduces the number of deliverables.
3. In brief
In brief introduces a very short summary, particularly in writing. It tells readers that the next sentence will contain the essential point. Avoid following it with a long list of qualifications; if the conclusion needs substantial explanation, a less compressed transition will suit it better.
In brief, the revised process gives every request a named owner.
In brief, the feedback favours a shorter introduction and more time for questions.
In brief, we need approval for the trial before booking the training sessions.
In brief, the report recommends improving the current system before replacing it.
In brief, the proposed schedule protects preparation time for each speaker.
In brief, our next review will focus on whether the changes solve the original problem.
Phrases for assessing evidence and explaining its meaning
Taken together connects findings; overall and on balance introduce an assessment. The key takeaway is and what this means is draw out the message or practical implication.
4. Taken together
Taken together connects several findings before a conclusion about their combined meaning. It works well in research presentations and analytical reports. Name the combined evidence, then give a conclusion that matches its strength. It should not make a tentative finding sound more certain than it is.
Taken together connects findings before explaining what they suggest as a group.
Taken together, the interviews and survey responses suggest that unclear instructions are the main difficulty.
Taken together, these examples show why a single template will not suit every department.
Taken together, the timing results point to a need for a shorter demonstration.
Taken together, the comments support keeping the practical exercises in the workshop.
Taken together, the two studies offer a useful starting point, although neither answers the whole question.
Taken together, the figures suggest that we should investigate the delay before changing the staffing plan.
5. Overall
Overall introduces an assessment of the whole picture while allowing for exceptions. It suits a discussion of strengths and weaknesses. Name what worked or what needs attention so the judgement gives your audience something specific.
Overall, the revised presentation is easier to follow, although the final chart still needs clearer labels.
Overall, the trial met our immediate needs without requiring a change to the existing workflow.
Overall, the panel found the examples useful but wanted a more direct recommendation.
Overall, the second outline gives the audience a clearer route through the argument.
Overall, the plan is workable if we confirm who owns each task.
Overall, the discussion clarified the choices even though we have not reached a decision.
6. On balance
On balance introduces a judgement after weighing competing considerations. It is useful for a recommendation where neither option is perfect. Briefly connect your judgement to the trade-off that matters most, so the reader can see why you favour one course of action despite its disadvantages.
On balance introduces a judgement after you have considered the relevant trade-offs.
Recommendation after weighing a trade-off: On balance, a smaller pilot is the better choice because it lets us test the process before expanding it.
On balance, keeping the current venue makes sense, despite the limitations of the room layout.
On balance, the simpler slide design is easier to read than the version with more background detail.
On balance, we should postpone the demonstration until we can test it with the equipment in the room.
On balance, the additional rehearsal time is worth reducing the number of topics we cover.
On balance, the first proposal fits our immediate priorities more closely.
7. With that in mind
With that in mind connects previously presented information to a decision or action based on it. It is a useful closing transition, but it does not itself summarise your argument. Make the connection clear by following it with a recommendation that responds to the point immediately before it.
With that in mind, I suggest that we begin with the teams that handle the most requests.
With that in mind, please choose one section of your talk to rehearse before our next session.
With that in mind, the proposal includes time for testing before the launch decision.
With that in mind, we should agree on a common definition before comparing the results.
With that in mind, I would keep the main presentation short and share the supporting detail afterwards.
With that in mind, our immediate priority is to make the instructions easier to find.
8. The key takeaway is
The key takeaway is draws attention to the central message at the end of a detailed talk. Choose a takeaway you have supported during the presentation and give it a sentence of its own.
The key takeaway is introduces the message you want the audience to remember.
The key takeaway is that a clear request makes it easier for the audience to respond.
The key takeaway is that our users need a simpler starting point, not more instructions.
The key takeaway is that preparation should include practising the explanation, not just editing the slides.
The key takeaway is that these results apply to the group we studied.
The key takeaway is that the team needs a shared process for handling urgent changes.
The key takeaway is that one useful example can explain the idea more clearly than a crowded slide.
What this means is explains the practical implication of findings the audience has heard. Follow this phrase with the practical implication, such as a change to the schedule or a decision the team needs to make.
What this means is that we need to confirm the room setup before finalising the demonstration.
What this means is that the audience must understand the comparison before hearing our recommendation.
What this means is that each department will need a named contact during the trial.
What this means is that the revised training should include time to practise the task.
What this means is that we can simplify the form without removing the information reviewers need.
What this means is that a decision today would give the team enough time to prepare the next stage.
Phrases for recommendations and next steps
My recommendation is introduces advice. The next step is introduces an action, so make clear whether that action has been agreed.
10. My recommendation is
My recommendation is introduces the course of action you advise in a presentation or report. Connect it to the reasoning you have already provided, and make clear whether you are proposing a change or reporting an approved decision.
A recap reminds people of an agreement; an action names what happens next.
Proposed action: My recommendation is to test the revised process with one team before extending it to the others.
My recommendation is to keep the introduction short and spend more time explaining the evidence.
My recommendation is to compare both versions with a reader who has not seen the project before.
My recommendation is to agree on the success criteria before selecting a supplier.
My recommendation is to prepare a backup demonstration in case the connection fails.
My recommendation is to review the trial results together before committing to the full programme.
11. The next step is
The next step is introduces an action at the end of a discussion. State a concrete action, and include an owner or deadline when those details have been agreed. It is an action transition rather than a direct synonym for a summary phrase; use it after the audience understands your conclusion.
A useful next-step sentence identifies who will act and what they will do.
Agreed responsibility: The next step is for the project lead to confirm which team will join the trial.
The next step is to revise the closing slide so it asks for one clear decision.
The next step is for each group to submit its chosen example before the workshop.
The next step is to check the assumptions with the people who will use the process.
The next step is to rehearse the shortened version and see whether it fits the time available.
The next step is to circulate the agreed actions so everyone can check their responsibilities.
Phrases for closing a speech or meeting
These spoken endings introduce a final thought, reminder, or closing statement. Follow them with a short message so listeners can tell the talk is ending.
12. Let me leave you with this
Let me leave you with this introduces a final thought, question, or short reminder in a speech. It is more personal than a report-style summary and can work well when you want listeners to reflect afterwards. Keep the thought connected to your argument rather than adding a quotation that needs a new explanation.
Let me leave you with this: what is the one thing your audience needs to understand before they act?
Let me leave you with this: a useful rehearsal tests the message as well as the timing.
Let me leave you with this: the question is not how much we can include, but what people need to remember.
Let me leave you with this: the smallest practical change may be the easiest place to begin.
Let me leave you with this: a clear example can make a difficult idea accessible.
Let me leave you with this: who needs to be part of the conversation before we make the decision?
13. As we wrap up
As we wrap up gives a friendly signal that a meeting, workshop, or talk is nearing its end. Follow it with a brief recap or practical reminder. It is less suited to formal academic prose, and it should mark a real ending rather than introduce another long section.
As we wrap up, choose one technique from today that you want to try in your next presentation.
As we wrap up, let us confirm the two actions we agreed during the discussion.
As we wrap up, remember that the shared document contains the supporting examples.
As we wrap up, I would like to return to the question that started this workshop.
As we wrap up, check that you know who to contact if the instructions are unclear.
As we wrap up, take a moment to write down the idea you found most useful.
14. Before we finish
Before we finish introduces a final clarification or request before a conversation ends. It tells listeners that a short closing point remains. Unlike a summary phrase, it can introduce a final housekeeping detail, but that detail should not distract from the main conclusion of the talk.
Use a closing question to confirm an action that still needs an owner.
Before we finish, could we confirm who will send the updated brief to the client?
Before we finish, I want to clarify that the trial does not replace the existing approval process.
Before we finish, please note the question we will revisit at the next meeting.
Before we finish, let us check that the proposed deadline works for everyone responsible for delivery.
Before we finish, I would like each group to share the main point from its discussion.
Before we finish, remember to save your revised outline so you can use it in the next rehearsal.
15. In closing
In closing introduces a slightly formal final statement in a speech, letter, or professional message. It works when you want to state a final position or express thanks after making your main point. Keep the closing short; this phrase loses its usefulness if the reader or listener encounters several more paragraphs.
Final appeal in formal remarks: In closing, I ask the committee to consider a limited trial with a review at the end.
In closing, thank you for helping us identify the questions the next phase must answer.
In closing, the proposal offers a practical starting point for improving the handover process.
In closing, I would welcome your comments on the two options outlined in this report.
In closing, our goal is to make the information easier to understand and use.
In closing, please review the revised scope before we confirm the schedule.
16. To bring this back to our opening question
To bring this back to our opening question connects a presentation’s ending to the question established at its start. The audience can connect your ending to the problem you introduced. Use this phrase only when you established that question at the start.
To bring this back to our opening question, we can reduce confusion by giving each request a clear owner.
To bring this back to our opening question, the audience needs a reason to care before it needs the technical detail.
To bring this back to our opening question, the trial will help us decide whether the proposed process is workable.
To bring this back to our opening question, a shorter agenda would create more time for the decisions that matter.
To bring this back to our opening question, the evidence supports changing the instructions before changing the tool.
To bring this back to our opening question, the strongest ending tells people what to remember and what to do next.
Further summary and judgement phrases
To sum up and in short condense the discussion. All things considered and ultimately introduce a judgement or deciding factor.
17. To sum up
To sum up introduces a summary in speech or writing. It is close in meaning to to summarise and often feels comfortable in everyday conversation. Use it to gather points you have already made into a short final statement.
To sum up, we have agreed on the topic, but we still need to choose a speaker.
To sum up, the revised outline puts the audience’s question at the centre of the talk.
To sum up, each speaker has five minutes, including time for one question.
To sum up, the main problem is the gap between receiving a request and assigning it.
To sum up, we can keep the existing process if we make the handover clearer.
To sum up, the next rehearsal needs to test whether the explanation makes sense without the slides.
18. In short
In short introduces a conclusion condensed into one clear sentence. Like in brief, it promises a compact explanation; it is also common in conversation. Keep qualifications that affect the meaning, even if they make the sentence a little longer.
In short, we need a decision on the venue before we can send the invitations.
In short, the instructions are accurate, but the order makes them difficult to follow.
In short, the exercise gave us a way to check whether the audience understood the explanation.
In short, the proposed change would give reviewers more time to read the draft.
In short, the results support a trial, provided we can involve the team that will use the process.
In short, start with the question you want the presentation to answer.
19. All things considered
All things considered introduces a judgement after considering several factors. It is similar to on balance, with a broader emphasis on the circumstances as a whole. Make sure you have covered the relevant factors before using it to support a recommendation.
All things considered introduces a judgement based on the circumstances you have discussed.
All things considered, the smaller room suits this workshop because discussion matters more than seating capacity.
All things considered, we should keep the current deadline and narrow the scope.
All things considered, a recorded demonstration would be easier to manage at this event.
All things considered, the second proposal gives the team enough time to prepare.
All things considered, we can postpone the extra session without disrupting the main programme.
All things considered, the outline needs a clearer ending before we spend more time on the slide design.
20. Ultimately
Ultimately introduces the final judgement or deciding factor in an argument. It can close an argument by naming what matters most after the detail has been discussed. It does not promise a recap, so follow it with the conclusion you want the reader or listener to reach.
Ultimately, we need to choose the approach the team can maintain after the trial ends.
Ultimately, the proposal depends on whether we can provide the training people will need.
Ultimately, the audience needs to understand what we are asking them to approve.
Ultimately, the rehearsal will tell us whether the shorter explanation is clear enough.
Ultimately, we should judge the revised process by whether it resolves the handover problem.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the people responsible for delivering the work.
Quick reference: which phrase should you choose?
Alternative
When to use it
Example
To summarise
Recapping main points
To summarise, the proposal addresses three needs: simpler scheduling, clearer ownership, and fewer handovers.
To recap
Spoken reminders
To recap, save your draft, check the sharing permissions, and send the link to your reviewer.
In brief
Concise written summaries
In brief, the revised process gives every request a named owner.
Taken together
Combining findings
Taken together, the interviews and survey responses suggest that unclear instructions are the main difficulty.
Overall
A broad assessment
Overall, the revised presentation is easier to follow, although the final chart still needs clearer labels.
On balance
Weighing trade-offs
On balance, a smaller pilot is the better choice because it lets us test the process before expanding it.
With that in mind
Moving from evidence to action
With that in mind, I suggest that we begin with the teams that handle the most requests.
The key takeaway is
One memorable message
The key takeaway is that a clear request makes it easier for the audience to respond.
What this means is
Explaining implications
What this means is that we need to confirm the room setup before finalising the demonstration.
My recommendation is
Giving advice
My recommendation is to test the revised process with one team before extending it to the others.
The next step is
An agreed action
The next step is for the project lead to confirm which team will join the trial.
Let me leave you with this
A reflective speech ending
Let me leave you with this: what is the one thing your audience needs to understand before they act?
As we wrap up
A friendly spoken close
As we wrap up, choose one technique from today that you want to try in your next presentation.
Before we finish
A final check or request
Before we finish, could we confirm who will send the updated brief to the client?
In closing
A formal final statement
In closing, I ask the committee to consider a limited trial with a review at the end.
To bring this back to our opening question
Returning to the opening
To bring this back to our opening question, we can reduce confusion by giving each request a clear owner.
To sum up
An everyday summary
To sum up, we have agreed on the topic, but we still need to choose a speaker.
In short
A compact spoken or written ending
In short, we need a decision on the venue before we can send the invitations.
All things considered
A judgement after considering the circumstances
All things considered, the smaller room suits this workshop because discussion matters more than seating capacity.
Ultimately
The deciding factor
Ultimately, we need to choose the approach the team can maintain after the trial ends.
Questions about alternatives to in conclusion
What can you say instead of in conclusion in a presentation?
Use to recap for a short reminder, the key takeaway is for the main message, or the next step is for an agreed action. A presentation ending can also return to the question you asked at the start. Choose one closing transition and follow it with the message you want the audience to remember.
Which alternatives work in formal writing?
To summarise suits a summary, taken together connects findings, and on balance introduces a judgement after weighing competing points. Choose according to the argument you have made. For an assignment or report with a required format, follow that format; in conclusion remains an acceptable option.
Are all of these phrases direct synonyms for in conclusion?
No. To summarise and to sum up introduce a recap, while my recommendation is introduces advice and the next step is introduces an action. Replacing a summary phrase with an action phrase changes what the sentence promises. Check that the sentence still does the job you intended.
Can you end an email without a concluding phrase?
Yes. A short email can end with the request or next step itself. If the message has already explained the reason, state what you need from the reader and include an agreed deadline where relevant. A sign-off such as Kind regards closes the email; it does not replace a missing request in the body.
How to make your closing phrase work
Choose the job before the wording. Use to recap for a reminder, on balance for a weighed judgement, and the next step is for an action. A phrase that changes the meaning of the sentence needs more than a simple word replacement.
Give the phrase a useful sentence. In closing, thank you may be enough for a brief acknowledgement. If your presentation asks for a decision, state that decision before signing off. A polished transition cannot compensate for an unclear request.
Signal the ending once. If you say as we wrap up, then before we finish, then in closing, your audience may wonder when the talk will actually end. Pick one transition and move into the final message.
Match the setting. As we wrap up sounds natural in a workshop. Taken together suits a discussion of several findings. Read your sentence aloud to check that it sounds like something you would comfortably say.
Practise the last lines. Put the closing message into our cue card generator and rehearse it aloud. Use the presentation timer to check that you have left enough time for the ending.
