closing words

USAGE SUMMARY

"closing words" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the last few words that someone speaks or writes in a statement or other communication. For example: In his closing words, the speaker reminded the audience to never forget the power of kindness.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With closing words from the Rev, Biggs's coffin slipped away.

The Guardian

That is the pure truth". And those are the closing words of the story.

The Guardian - Books

And with those opening and closing words of Plato's Republic, I thank you for a wonderful semester.

Yale University

"He did not change, nor did he yield, a soldier on the battlefield," are the closing words before the music fades to silence.

The Guardian - Music

The Duke made a short speech to mark the first day of their visit and spoke his opening and closing words in French - as many officials do when giving public addresses in the bilingual nation.

Independent

In addition, they whisper emotional expressions ('oh'), and opening and closing words such as 'Let's see,'OKOK.' 'Now what?'.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

"The dear earth everywhere blossoms in spring and grown green", the closing words of Mahler's symphonic song-cycle Das Lied von der Erde.

BBC

These are the closing words of Titus Alone, the last of three novels recounting the childhood and rebellion of Titus Groan, the 77th Earl of Gormenghast, an enormous, crumbling castle that stands isolated and self-enclosed somewhere on the margins of the world.

BBC

These are the closing words of the address, and echo the lead mantra of the campaign.

Huffington Post

The most obvious example of the influence of Vico's cyclical theory of history is to be found in the opening and closing words of the book.

Wikipedia

So I quickly hopped in a cab, just in time to hear closing words from MM's Founder/Producer Sebestién Nasra on stage, who seemed drowned-out in volume amongst the crowded room of attendees.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "closing words" to refer specifically to the final statements or remarks in a speech, document, or event to emphasize the concluding nature of the message.

Common error

Avoid using "closing words" interchangeably with "concluding remarks" in contexts where the formality of the language is important. "Concluding remarks" is often more suitable for formal settings, while "closing words" can be used in more casual or general contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closing words" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to the final part of a speech, presentation, or written work, serving to conclude the communication. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "closing words" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote the final remarks or statements in various forms of communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from news articles and academic papers to business presentations and casual conversations. While alternatives like "concluding remarks" and "final statements" exist for more formal settings, "closing words" remains a widely accepted and understood way to signal the end of a message. Understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, as highlighted by the examples, will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final remarks

Focuses on the spoken aspect of the conclusion.

concluding statements

Emphasizes the formal nature of the conclusion, often used in legal or official settings.

last words

Highlights the finality and significance of the words.

end remarks

A more casual way to refer to the final comments.

parting words

Implies a farewell or goodbye in the concluding statement.

final thoughts

Emphasizes the reflective or contemplative nature of the conclusion.

wrap-up remarks

Suggests a summarizing and conclusive nature.

terminal message

Highlights the absolute end of the statement, in a technical or formal context.

epilogue

Refers to a concluding section or speech at the end of a literary work or event, acting as an afterword.

swan song

Implies a final performance or statement before retirement or death, carrying a more dramatic weight.

FAQs

How can I use "closing words" in a sentence?

You can use "closing words" to refer to the last part of a speech, presentation, or written piece. For example: "In his "closing words", the CEO thanked all the employees for their hard work."

What's a more formal alternative to "closing words"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "concluding remarks" or "final statements", especially in legal or official settings.

Is there a difference between "closing words" and "parting words"?

"Closing words" generally refer to the end of a formal statement or speech, while "parting words" often imply a farewell or goodbye. The context determines the best choice.

What can I use instead of "closing words" in a literary context?

In a literary context, you might use "epilogue" to denote the concluding section or "swan song" to imply a final performance or statement.