Conclusion Starters to End Your Essay Right

Conclusion starters are phrases, or you can say “transition words,” that are used at the start of the final paragraph. These words act as a signal that your blog or article is coming to an end. They help bring a sense of clarity to the reader. Without a proper starter, even a well-written conclusion will feel abrupt or unfinished.

The ending of your essay isn’t just a simple summary…it’s all about making an impact on the reader. A strong conclusion will support the points you presented and leave the reader with something to think about. Here are some common examples that will help you wrap things up clearly and confidently.

The Role of Concluding Sentence Starters in Essay Writing

Conclusion starters are like a final handshake—firm, confident, and clear. They help tie your argument without repeating every word in the article. Instead of ending the paragraph with a thud, it will help you land your point with purpose. A persuasive essay reinforces your stance. Analytical ones link evidence back to your argument. But you always need a strong conclusion starter to set up a satisfying finish.

Types of Conclusion Starters for Essays

Let’s be honest – you cannot end your conclusion the same everytime. What works for essays you were writing in college will not work for Blogs or articles that you’re writing casually for a website. That is why knowing your conclusion starters for essays isn’t about just starting your conclusion with random words. 

If you’re writing something formal, you’ll need essay conclusion starters (confident and polished-sounding words) like “In summary,” “Ultimately,” or “This analysis shows.” But if you’re ending a speed, then you’ve got more room to play. Words like “Let’s leave it at this” or “To wrap things up” can sound better in these settings. One last option that you can use for both is ending sentence starters, and they fit well for both formal and informal writing – clear, purposeful, and just punchy enough to leave a mark. Think of it as a Mic drop joke at a standup show…Engage the audience and leave them thinking.

Best Words to Start a Conclusion Paragraph

The starting of your final paragraph should be spot on – it’s just like landing a plane on the runway – you want it smooth, confident and on target. You must always choose the right words to start a conclusion paragraph because, yes! The starting matters. 

Conclusion Starting words can also be used as your essay’s closing words. They can set the tone. For example, if you are using words like “Clearly,” “Therefore,” or “All things considered,” it makes it absolutely clear that you’re wrapping things up not just getting off-topic.

For argumentative and persuasive essays, the ending matters the most because this is not just closing things up…It’s about supporting your arguments. This will leave the reader nodding, not getting back to question your argument.

Examples of Conclusion Starters (With Usage)

Finding the right words can feel harder than you think…Whether you need something formal or non-formal, here is a list of good conclusion starters that give you options that sound natural, not forced.

Formal Conclusion Starters

Best for academic, analytical, or research essays.

• “In summary”
• “To conclude”
• “Ultimately”
• “The evidence suggests that”
• “It can be concluded that”

Use Case Example:

Ultimately, the study confirms a strong correlation between screen time and reduced attention span in teenagers.

Persuasive Conclusion Starters

Perfect for argumentative or opinion-based writing.

• “Given the facts”
• “Considering the evidence”
• “Clearly, it is evident that”
• “This proves”
• “Therefore, one must agree”

Use Case Example:

Given the facts, it’s clear that implementing a four-day workweek can boost both productivity and employee well-being.

Conversational/Creative Conclusion Starters

Ideal for personal essays, reflections, or creative writing.

• “All in all”
• “So, what does this mean?”
• “When you think about it”
• “To wrap it up”
• “At the end of the day”

Use Case Example:

At the end of the day, your voice matters—even when it shakes.

Some Conclusion Starters to Avoid

These are overused or vague. They won’t hurt your essay, but they won’t impress either.

• “In conclusion”
• “As you can see”
• “In a nutshell”
• “In short”
• “Lastly”

Want a handy Conclusion Starter Cheat Sheet?

We’ve put together a free, printable list of over 50 powerful sentence starters categorized by tone, purpose, and essay type. Get it straight to your inbox — just drop your email below, and we’ll send it your way. No spam. Just writing help you’ll actually use.

Bonus Tips for Writing Strong Conclusions

• Rephrase your thesis – don’t repeat it
  Say your main point in a new way to avoid sounding redundant.
  Example:
  Original thesis: “Social media affects mental health.”
  Paraphrased: “Platforms like Instagram and TikTok shape how we feel about ourselves more than we realize.”
• Use intentional transition words
  Choose natural closers that guide the reader toward the end.
  Example:
  Instead of: “To conclude,”
  Try: “In short,” “All things considered,” or “Looking back.”
• End with meaning, not fluff
  Finish with a takeaway or reflection to leave an impact.
  Example:
  “The way we use social media today will define how future generations think about us.”

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Conclusion Starter

Choosing a strong conclusion starters is as important as writing the rest of the blog or article. It isn’t just about sounding smart – It’s about ending with the right purpose. It doesn’t matter what you are writing because the right face always makes all the difference. Go, for starters, that match your tone, feel natural and help your reader walk away with the main idea clearly in mind. Sometimes, a simple “In the end” says more than a flashy phrase could ever say.