Conclusion: a reasoned judgement

The idea

Use a conclusion for one judgement and conclusions for several. You can reach a conclusion, draw a conclusion or state the conclusion that something is true.

Examples

• The committee reached a conclusion after examining the figures.
• Her conclusion was that the bridge needed repairs.
• We drew different conclusions from the same data.
• The report supports the conclusion that demand is rising.
• It is too early to come to a conclusion.
• His conclusion rests on interviews with local residents.

Watch out

Do not confuse a conclusion with the evidence leading to it: the judgement is what you infer from that evidence.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the best answer. After studying the soil, we reached a ___ about the garden. (conclusion / counterargument)

   Show answer or example answer

   conclusion

   Conclusion names the judgement reached about the garden.

2. Choose the best answer. The researchers drew two different ___. (conclusion / conclusions)

   Show answer or example answer

   conclusions

   Conclusions fits the two distinct judgements.

3. Choose the best answer. The team reached the conclusion ___ the system was reliable. (that / under)

   Show answer or example answer

   that

   That introduces the content of the judgement.

Use it today

Consider a piece of evidence and write a conclusion you could draw from it.