conclude
B2Formal / Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To bring something to an end; to reach a decision or judgement by reasoning.
Can mean to formally and finally settle or arrange (e.g., a treaty). Also used to mean 'to say in conclusion'.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The sense of 'bringing to an end' often implies a formal, deliberate, or final closure (e.g., concluding a speech, meeting). The sense of 'reaching a judgement' implies a logical process based on evidence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Minor differences in collocational frequency.
Connotations
Equally formal in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in formal/academic writing in both varieties; no major disparity.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[S] conclude that [clause][S] conclude (sth) (with sth)[S] conclude (by doing sth)[S] conclude from sth that [clause]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To conclude... (as a discourse marker)”
- “Jump to conclusions”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To formally finalize negotiations, contracts, or financial reports.
Academic
To state the final argument or judgement based on research findings.
Everyday
To finish telling a story or to decide something based on what you've seen/heard.
Technical
In logic, to arrive at a proposition inferred from premises.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The enquiry will conclude next week.
- From the evidence, we can safely conclude he was elsewhere.
- The Prime Minister will conclude the debate.
- She concluded her speech with a quote from Shakespeare.
American English
- The investigation concluded yesterday.
- I conclude that the project is not feasible.
- Let me conclude by thanking our sponsors.
- They concluded a peace treaty after months of negotiation.
adverb
British English
- N/A - 'Concludingly' is extremely rare and non-standard.
American English
- N/A - 'Concludingly' is extremely rare and non-standard.
adjective
British English
- N/A - 'Concluding' is the present participle/adjective form, e.g., 'the concluding chapter'.
American English
- N/A - 'Concluding' is the present participle/adjective form, e.g., 'his concluding remarks'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The story concludes with a happy ending.
- The meeting concluded at five o'clock.
- The police concluded that it was an accident.
- What did you conclude from his behaviour?
- The author concludes by arguing for stricter regulations.
- After analysing the data, we concluded the new strategy was effective.
- The treaty was concluded after arduous diplomatic negotiations.
- One might erroneously conclude from these figures that the economy is improving.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CONclude - think of a CONference that comes to an END.
Conceptual Metaphor
JOURNEY (reaching the destination/end of the road), THINKING IS CALCULATING (summing up the evidence).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of Russian 'делать вывод' as 'make a conclusion' in simple speech; 'conclude' or 'decide' is often more natural.
- Don't confuse with 'include' (включать).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I conclude to go home.' Correct: 'I conclude that I should go home.' or 'I decide to go home.'
- Incorrect: 'The movie concluded with happily.' Correct: 'The movie concluded happily.'
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'conclude' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The main noun forms are 'conclusion' (the end result or judgement) and 'concluding' (the act of ending).
It is neutral to formal. In very informal speech, people often use 'finish', 'end', or 'decide' instead.
'Conclude' emphasizes reaching an end-point through reasoning or process. 'Decide' is broader and can be used for any choice, including quick or personal ones.
Yes, especially in the sense of 'coming to an end'. E.g., 'The concert concluded with a fireworks display.'