In Conclusion: A Story of One Teacher's Pet Peeve

Every teacher has their own set of pet peeves. Some teachers fret over excessive tardiness, while others abhor the use of electronic devices for non-academic purposes. While those two issues remain in my top five pet peeves, there is one that grinds my gears even more - and that is using the phrase “in conclusion” to conclude an essay. 

Using the phrase "in conclusion" is not necessarily incorrect or forbidden, but it can be considered redundant or unnecessary in many cases. This is because the conclusion of your essay, speech, or presentation should be evident from the content and structure of your argument or narrative. When you use the phrase "in conclusion," it can give the impression that you are simply signaling the end of your writing or speaking rather than providing a thoughtful and engaging conclusion. 

Using the phrase "in conclusion" in an essay can also be seen as a cliche and may give the impression that the writer is simply repeating themselves or stating the obvious. Here are a few reasons why you might want to avoid using this phrase:

1. It can be unnecessary: Your conclusion should be evident from the content of your essay, and you don't need to label it as such. Your reader should be able to discern that you are wrapping up your argument and summarizing your main points without explicitly stating that you are doing so.

2. It can be too formulaic: Using the same phrase to conclude all of your essays can make them sound robotic and impersonal. Each essay is unique, and your conclusion should reflect that.

3. It can limit your writing: If you feel like you have to use the phrase "in conclusion" to signal that you are concluding your essay, you may limit your ability to write a creative and engaging conclusion that truly captures the reader's attention.

Overall, it's important to remember that a conclusion should be a natural ending to your essay, not an afterthought or an obligatory label. By avoiding this phrase you can create a more natural, fluid ending to your essay that truly reflects the content and tone of your writing. You can also help, at least one teacher, not lose their cool when they reach the end of your essay.