Conclusion vs Ending: When To Use Each One In Writing

When it comes to writing, choosing the right words can make a significant impact on the final product. One common source of confusion for writers is the difference between conclusion and ending. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they actually have distinct meanings and implications.

So, which of the two is the proper word to use? The answer is that it depends on the context. In some cases, both words may be appropriate. However, it’s important to understand the nuances of each term in order to use them effectively.

Generally speaking, a conclusion is the final part of an argument or discussion. It’s the point at which the writer sums up their main points and presents a final opinion or recommendation. In contrast, an ending is simply the point at which something stops. It doesn’t necessarily have the same level of significance or weight as a conclusion.

With these definitions in mind, it’s clear that choosing the right word is crucial for conveying the intended meaning. In the rest of this article, we’ll explore the differences between conclusion and ending in more detail, and provide examples of when each term might be appropriate.

Define Conclusion

A conclusion is a final decision or judgment reached after considering all the evidence and arguments presented. It is the end result of a thought process or discussion. In writing, a conclusion is the final paragraph or section that summarizes the main points of the piece and provides a final thought or opinion on the topic.

Define Ending

An ending is the point at which something stops or comes to a close. It is the final part of a story, movie, or other narrative in which the loose ends are tied up and the resolution is revealed. In writing, an ending can refer to the final scene or chapter of a story, or the last sentence or paragraph of an essay or article.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence can make all the difference in conveying the intended meaning. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “conclusion” and “ending” in a sentence.

How To Use “Conclusion” In A Sentence

The word “conclusion” refers to the final part of something, whether it be a speech, an essay, or an experiment. Here are some examples of how to use “conclusion” in a sentence:

• After conducting the experiment, we came to the conclusion that the hypothesis was correct.
• In conclusion, I would like to thank everyone for coming to my presentation.
• The conclusion of the movie left the audience feeling satisfied.

As you can see, “conclusion” is typically used to refer to the final part of something, often in a formal or academic context.

How To Use “Ending” In A Sentence

The word “ending” refers to the final part of a story, movie, or book. Here are some examples of how to use “ending” in a sentence:

• The ending of the book was unexpected and left me feeling surprised.
• After watching the movie, I couldn’t stop thinking about the ending.
• The ending of the story tied up all the loose ends and left the reader feeling satisfied.

Unlike “conclusion,” “ending” is typically used to refer to the final part of a creative work, often in a more casual or conversational context.

More Examples Of Conclusion & Ending Used In Sentences

When it comes to writing, the difference between conclusion and ending can sometimes be confusing. Here are some more examples of how these words can be used in sentences:

Examples Of Using “Conclusion” In A Sentence

• After analyzing all the data, we came to the conclusion that the project was not feasible.
• In conclusion, I would like to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication.
• The conclusion of the book left me feeling satisfied and fulfilled.
• Based on the evidence presented, the judge reached the conclusion that the defendant was guilty.
• The research team drew the conclusion that the new drug was effective in treating the disease.
• It is my conclusion that we need to take immediate action to address this issue.
• The conclusion of the experiment was that the hypothesis was correct.
• After much debate, we reached the conclusion that the proposal was not in the best interest of the company.
• The report’s conclusion was that the company needed to invest in new technology to remain competitive.
• My conclusion is that we need to rethink our strategy if we want to achieve our goals.

Examples Of Using “Ending” In A Sentence

• The ending of the movie was unexpected and left me feeling surprised.
• She decided to change the ending of her novel after receiving feedback from her editor.
• The ending of the play was very emotional and left many in the audience in tears.
• The ending of the story was ambiguous and left the reader wondering what happened next.
• We need to come up with a strong ending for our presentation to make a lasting impression.
• The ending of the concert was met with thunderous applause from the audience.
• The ending of the game was disappointing, as our team lost in the final minutes.
• She was disappointed with the ending of the book, as she felt it was too predictable.
• The ending of the year marked a new beginning for the company.
• He was proud of the ending of his speech, as he felt he had made a strong impact on the audience.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

In the English language, the terms “conclusion” and “ending” are often used interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that many people make. It is important to understand the differences between these two terms and use them correctly in your writing.

Highlighting Common Mistakes

One common mistake is using “conclusion” to refer to the end of a story or a movie. While a conclusion can be an ending, it is not always the case. A conclusion is a final thought or judgment reached after considering all the evidence or arguments. On the other hand, an ending is simply the point at which something stops or finishes.

Another mistake is using “ending” to refer to the final thoughts or judgments in an academic paper or essay. An ending is simply the point at which something stops or finishes, whereas a conclusion is a summary of your findings or arguments.

Tips On How To Avoid Making These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes, it is important to understand the context in which these terms are used. Here are some tips:

• When writing an academic paper or essay, always use “conclusion” to refer to your final thoughts or judgments.
• When referring to the end of a story or movie, use “ending” instead of “conclusion.”
• Try to think about the purpose of your writing and choose the appropriate term accordingly.

By following these tips, you can avoid making the common mistake of using “conclusion” and “ending” interchangeably.

Context Matters

Choosing between “conclusion” and “ending” can depend on the context in which they are used. The choice of one over the other can impact the overall tone and message of the piece.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “conclusion” and “ending” might change:

Context	Choice between “Conclusion” and “Ending”
Academic Paper	“Conclusion” is the appropriate choice in an academic paper as it summarizes the main points and findings of the research.
Novel	“Ending” is the appropriate choice in a novel as it provides closure to the story and characters.
Business Report	“Conclusion” is the appropriate choice in a business report as it provides a final analysis and recommendation based on the data presented.
Movie	“Ending” is the appropriate choice in a movie as it concludes the plot and resolves any conflicts.

In each of these contexts, the choice between “conclusion” and “ending” can greatly impact the overall message and tone of the piece. It is important to consider the intended audience and purpose of the writing in order to make the appropriate choice.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using ‘conclusion’ and ‘ending’ are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind. Here are some cases where the rules may not apply:

1. Fiction Writing

In fiction writing, the terms ‘conclusion’ and ‘ending’ can have slightly different meanings. While the conclusion typically refers to the final thoughts or insights offered by the author, the ending refers to the actual events that bring the story to a close. In some cases, the conclusion and ending may be separate entities altogether. For example, a story might have a satisfying ending that ties up all loose ends, but the conclusion might leave readers with a deeper message or moral to ponder.

2. Technical Writing

In technical writing, the terms ‘conclusion’ and ‘ending’ may be used interchangeably, but they can also have more specific meanings depending on the context. For example, in a scientific report, the conclusion might refer to the final section where the author summarizes the findings and implications of the study. The ending, on the other hand, might refer to the final results or outcomes of the experiment.

3. Speeches And Presentations

When giving a speech or presentation, the terms ‘conclusion’ and ‘ending’ can be used to refer to different aspects of the talk. The conclusion might refer to the final thoughts or call to action that the speaker offers, while the ending might refer to the final slide or visual that the audience sees. In some cases, the conclusion and ending might be combined into a single statement or slide.

Overall, while the rules for using ‘conclusion’ and ‘ending’ are generally straightforward, it’s important to keep in mind the context and genre of your writing or speaking to ensure that you’re using the terms correctly.

Practice Exercises

Here are some practice exercises to help readers improve their understanding and use of conclusion and ending in sentences:

Exercise 1:

Read the following sentences and identify whether the word used is conclusion or ending:

Sentence	Word
After analyzing the data, I came to the __________ that the project was not feasible.	conclusion
The movie had a happy __________.	ending
She reached the __________ of her career when she became the CEO.	end
The __________ of the book left me feeling unsatisfied.	ending
Based on the evidence, the jury reached a __________.	conclusion

Exercise 2:

Complete the following sentences with the correct word:

1. After reading the entire report, I came to the __________ that the company needs to invest in new technology.
2. The __________ of the play was unexpected and left the audience in tears.
3. In __________, I would like to thank everyone for their hard work on this project.
4. The __________ of the book was satisfying and tied up all loose ends.
5. Based on the data, what is your __________ about the effectiveness of the new marketing strategy?

Answer Key:

1. conclusion
2. ending
3. conclusion
4. ending
5. conclusion

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between conclusion and ending, it is clear that these two terms are not interchangeable. A conclusion is the final thoughts or opinions on a topic, while an ending is the point at which the story or narrative concludes.

It is important to understand the difference between these two terms, as they are often used incorrectly in both speech and writing. By using the appropriate term, you can ensure that your message is clear and concise.

Key Takeaways

• A conclusion is the final thoughts or opinions on a topic.
• An ending is the point at which the story or narrative concludes.
• Conclusion and ending are not interchangeable terms.
• Using the appropriate term ensures clear and concise communication.

As you continue to learn about grammar and language use, remember the importance of using precise language to convey your message effectively. By paying attention to the nuances of language, you can become a more skilled communicator and writer.