a final word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a final word" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the last statement or opinion on a particular topic or issue. Example: "Although there were many conflicting opinions on the matter, the president's speech was seen as the final word on the economic crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

4. A Final Word About Portfolio Performance.

Huffington Post

A final word.

The Guardian - Opinion

He asked Finebaum for a final word.

The New Yorker

A Final Word on Plagiarism.

University of California, Berkeley

WOODRUFF: Just a final word.

The Washington Post

A final word of caution.

Nature

A final word on maps.

The New York Times - Arts

A final word is in order.

Cornell University

A final word from the proud mother.

The New York Times

A final word about home insurance.

The Guardian - Money

Convert the new colors to a final word.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a final word" to signal the end of a discussion, argument, or piece of writing. It's effective for emphasizing the last point you want to make, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a final word" in situations where further discussion is expected or desired. This phrase implies closure, so premature use can shut down potentially valuable dialogue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a final word" functions as an introductory phrase, typically signaling the concluding statement or opinion on a particular topic. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in diverse contexts to mark the end of a discussion or piece of writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a final word" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a concluding statement. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It is frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, serving to provide closure and emphasize a lasting point. While generally neutral to professional in register, it's important to use it appropriately, avoiding premature closure in ongoing discussions. Consider related phrases like "in conclusion" or "to summarize" for more formal settings, and avoid misusing the phrase in contexts where further dialogue is expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a concluding remark

Focuses on the act of concluding a discussion or text.

to conclude

A more formal way to introduce the ending remarks.

a final statement

Emphasizes the formality and definitiveness of the closing message.

as a final thought

Introduces a concluding reflection or consideration.

in conclusion

Offers a more concise and direct way to signal the end of a discussion.

in closing

A common phrase used to signal the end of a speech or presentation.

to summarize

Highlights the act of condensing information into a final point.

the last point

Highlights the final item in a series or list.

lastly

A simple transition word to indicate the final point.

one last thing

A casual way to introduce a final, often important, piece of information.

FAQs

How can I use "a final word" in a sentence?

You can use "a final word" to introduce a concluding statement or opinion. For example, "A final word on the budget: we need to cut costs".

What's a more formal alternative to "a final word"?

For a more formal setting, consider using phrases such as "in conclusion", "to summarize", or "in closing".

Is it appropriate to use "a final word" in an ongoing conversation?

Using "a final word" suggests that you're concluding the discussion, which may not be suitable if the conversation is meant to continue. Choose alternative phrases that don't imply closure if the dialogue is still open.

What can I say instead of "a final word" in an informal setting?

In an informal setting, you could use phrases like "lastly", "one last thing", or simply "finally" to introduce your concluding point.