Is “cogitate” used appropriately in “I cogitate that success relies on hard work”?












3















I have been thinking about other ways to say "I believe" in an essay and I came across "cogitate". Do you think it would be appropriate to use this word in an essay's conclusion? For instance, does this sound all right?




In conclusion, I cogitate that success solely relies on hard work.











share|improve this question





























    3















    I have been thinking about other ways to say "I believe" in an essay and I came across "cogitate". Do you think it would be appropriate to use this word in an essay's conclusion? For instance, does this sound all right?




    In conclusion, I cogitate that success solely relies on hard work.











    share|improve this question



























      3












      3








      3


      1






      I have been thinking about other ways to say "I believe" in an essay and I came across "cogitate". Do you think it would be appropriate to use this word in an essay's conclusion? For instance, does this sound all right?




      In conclusion, I cogitate that success solely relies on hard work.











      share|improve this question
















      I have been thinking about other ways to say "I believe" in an essay and I came across "cogitate". Do you think it would be appropriate to use this word in an essay's conclusion? For instance, does this sound all right?




      In conclusion, I cogitate that success solely relies on hard work.








      word-usage word-choice






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      edited 12 hours ago









      200_success

      7,45312240




      7,45312240










      asked yesterday









      JustAnAmateurJustAnAmateur

      374




      374






















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          No, that sounds kind of pretentious and just wrong, as though you looked through a thesaurus to find a synonym. What is wrong with just using “believe”? You wouldn’t use “cogitate” exactly this way either. This word means “to meditate (on)”: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cogitate - you would use this to describe thinking about something deeply and intently. Not to describe something you think or know to be true. “Cogitating” is more of an active process, and “believing” might be the result of “cogitating”. In any case the word “cogitate” is not very common, and does sound pretentious to me. “Meditate on” or “ponder” are preferable and more common (but still, none of these words are appropriate in this context).






          share|improve this answer































            24














            Firstly, it's pretty rare to use cogitate at all. Using any word related to it, the most common is "cogitation", the action noun for the act of cogitating.



            Second, think has two main senses in English. Most of us native speakers don't even necessarily realise it, but if we learn a language that has separate words for the two, like French, it kind of clicks. In French, there is penser, the active sense of think, where we might say think about, and croire, the stative sense of think, which is closely matched in sense to believe (though clearly with some difference).



            Cogitate is a close match to penser, not to croire. It means the act of thinking, pondering, and so on. You might, if you wished to be pretentious, say:




            Let me cogitate on that a minute.




            You can't say what you want to say. It doesn't make sense.






            share|improve this answer





















            • 5





              French "penser" also has this double meaning though, sorry ("Je pense que ce n'est pas une très bonne analogie.")

              – Aaron
              17 hours ago






            • 1





              Interesting! My school French lessons stressed using the two distinctly, that there was only one correct in any situation. I suppose that avoids unfortunate and embarrassing misunderstandings when writing or speaking, but may lead to confusion when reading or listening!

              – SamBC
              16 hours ago



















            9














            I agree with Mixolydian, "cogitate" sounds pretentious and doesn't fullfil exactly your intention.



            I don't know where you have found that word but what about checking the Oxford Thesaurus?



            Let me suggest some alternatives




            In conclusion, I think that success solely relies on hard work.

            In conclusion, I consider that success solely relies on hard work.

            In conclusion, I'm of the opinion that success solely relies on hard work.







            share|improve this answer































              9














              As Mixolydian states, cogitate is more about meditation or consideration of something. However, you could use it by rearranging your sentence a bit:




              After some cogitation, I conclude that success solely relies on hard work.




              This implies that the conclusion was reached after the cogitation.






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                6














                If you're looking to be the opposite of pretentious, you could say




                I reckon that success solely relies on hard work.







                share|improve this answer










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                • 1





                  Colloquial but an accurate meaning.

                  – ohwilleke
                  yesterday






                • 2





                  "Reckon" in this sense is common in British English but less so in the US. Americans tend to think of it as typically rural, which it definitely is not in the UK.

                  – Mark Foskey
                  yesterday





















                2














                I think you are trying to suggest that your conclusion is based on some careful consideration. So you might try:
                In conclusion, I determine (or have determined) that success solely relies on hard work.



                From the OED.



                Verb



                Ascertain or establish exactly by research or calculation.
                ‘the inquest is entrusted with the task of determining the cause of death’
                with clause ‘the point of our study was to determine what is true, not what is practicable’






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                  1














                  The word "cogitate" means to ponder on think about intently. A deliberate thought process whereas "believe" is relative to a matter of faith or speculation. Perhaps the phase "I speculate that" might be more appropriate.






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                  • The verb speculate may work in some contexts, but I don't think it fits very well in the OP's specific example: In conclusion, I speculate that success solely relies on hard work. It might work better, though, in a context like this: We speculate that the success of our experiments could be replicated in a broader trial.

                    – J.R.
                    12 hours ago













                  • What can I tell you I am an old man who has not written an essay in a hell of a long time. Just putting my 2 cents in. I am old enough to actually to known people who have used the word cogitate on a daily basis. Me thinks I shall get me hence to cogitate a spell in peace

                    – Old_Fossil
                    51 mins ago





















                  0














                  In my native French language, the verb "cogiter" has specific meaning.
                  It is used when one experiences deep, chronical thoughts about a subject. It often refers to an unpleasant feeling, an obsessive thinking, which sticks to you for a relatively long period.



                  So when I read




                  In conclusion, I cogitate that success solely relies on hard work.




                  I get a weird feeling about your sentence's time consistency.






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                  • We can even go back to the Latin root: cogito. As Descartes once said, 'cogito, ergo sum' - I think, therefore I am. In this sense it's more of a continuous action than an opinion.

                    – DaveMongoose
                    14 hours ago





















                  0














                  In formal writing for essays I would avoid using "I think" or "I believe" or "in my opinion". If you are writing the essay, then it is understood to be your original thought and your beliefs or opinions. These phrases are just filler. Whatever you are saying before should lead to the logical conclusion that success relies solely on hard work. Even the phrase "in conclusion" looks like filler to me without context.



                  For example:




                  1. This is my dog spot.

                  2. Spot is a very hard worker.

                  3. Spot became very successful after working hard for a long time.

                  4. Spot sacrificed his free time to work.

                  5. Spot's success is due solely to his hard work.


                  In this example, you can see how your fillers can be placed anywhere and not really change the meaning:




                  1. This is my dog spot.


                  2. I believe he is a very hard worker.


                  3. In my opinion he became very successful...


                  4. I think he sacrificed a lot...


                  5. In conclusion, I believe that Spot's success is solely due to hard work.


                  When writing an essay, you should present facts and evidence, and let conclusions arise from the flow of the logic. If it's fiction, then you can write such a narrative but it would be odd to include yourself. Even if it's an opinion piece, then you would still avoid any kind of narrative, and instead present facts to support your own opinion, but not in a way that ties it to yourself.






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                    42














                    No, that sounds kind of pretentious and just wrong, as though you looked through a thesaurus to find a synonym. What is wrong with just using “believe”? You wouldn’t use “cogitate” exactly this way either. This word means “to meditate (on)”: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cogitate - you would use this to describe thinking about something deeply and intently. Not to describe something you think or know to be true. “Cogitating” is more of an active process, and “believing” might be the result of “cogitating”. In any case the word “cogitate” is not very common, and does sound pretentious to me. “Meditate on” or “ponder” are preferable and more common (but still, none of these words are appropriate in this context).






                    share|improve this answer




























                      42














                      No, that sounds kind of pretentious and just wrong, as though you looked through a thesaurus to find a synonym. What is wrong with just using “believe”? You wouldn’t use “cogitate” exactly this way either. This word means “to meditate (on)”: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cogitate - you would use this to describe thinking about something deeply and intently. Not to describe something you think or know to be true. “Cogitating” is more of an active process, and “believing” might be the result of “cogitating”. In any case the word “cogitate” is not very common, and does sound pretentious to me. “Meditate on” or “ponder” are preferable and more common (but still, none of these words are appropriate in this context).






                      share|improve this answer


























                        42












                        42








                        42







                        No, that sounds kind of pretentious and just wrong, as though you looked through a thesaurus to find a synonym. What is wrong with just using “believe”? You wouldn’t use “cogitate” exactly this way either. This word means “to meditate (on)”: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cogitate - you would use this to describe thinking about something deeply and intently. Not to describe something you think or know to be true. “Cogitating” is more of an active process, and “believing” might be the result of “cogitating”. In any case the word “cogitate” is not very common, and does sound pretentious to me. “Meditate on” or “ponder” are preferable and more common (but still, none of these words are appropriate in this context).






                        share|improve this answer













                        No, that sounds kind of pretentious and just wrong, as though you looked through a thesaurus to find a synonym. What is wrong with just using “believe”? You wouldn’t use “cogitate” exactly this way either. This word means “to meditate (on)”: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cogitate - you would use this to describe thinking about something deeply and intently. Not to describe something you think or know to be true. “Cogitating” is more of an active process, and “believing” might be the result of “cogitating”. In any case the word “cogitate” is not very common, and does sound pretentious to me. “Meditate on” or “ponder” are preferable and more common (but still, none of these words are appropriate in this context).







                        share|improve this answer












                        share|improve this answer



                        share|improve this answer










                        answered yesterday









                        MixolydianMixolydian

                        2,256511




                        2,256511

























                            24














                            Firstly, it's pretty rare to use cogitate at all. Using any word related to it, the most common is "cogitation", the action noun for the act of cogitating.



                            Second, think has two main senses in English. Most of us native speakers don't even necessarily realise it, but if we learn a language that has separate words for the two, like French, it kind of clicks. In French, there is penser, the active sense of think, where we might say think about, and croire, the stative sense of think, which is closely matched in sense to believe (though clearly with some difference).



                            Cogitate is a close match to penser, not to croire. It means the act of thinking, pondering, and so on. You might, if you wished to be pretentious, say:




                            Let me cogitate on that a minute.




                            You can't say what you want to say. It doesn't make sense.






                            share|improve this answer





















                            • 5





                              French "penser" also has this double meaning though, sorry ("Je pense que ce n'est pas une très bonne analogie.")

                              – Aaron
                              17 hours ago






                            • 1





                              Interesting! My school French lessons stressed using the two distinctly, that there was only one correct in any situation. I suppose that avoids unfortunate and embarrassing misunderstandings when writing or speaking, but may lead to confusion when reading or listening!

                              – SamBC
                              16 hours ago
















                            24














                            Firstly, it's pretty rare to use cogitate at all. Using any word related to it, the most common is "cogitation", the action noun for the act of cogitating.



                            Second, think has two main senses in English. Most of us native speakers don't even necessarily realise it, but if we learn a language that has separate words for the two, like French, it kind of clicks. In French, there is penser, the active sense of think, where we might say think about, and croire, the stative sense of think, which is closely matched in sense to believe (though clearly with some difference).



                            Cogitate is a close match to penser, not to croire. It means the act of thinking, pondering, and so on. You might, if you wished to be pretentious, say:




                            Let me cogitate on that a minute.




                            You can't say what you want to say. It doesn't make sense.






                            share|improve this answer





















                            • 5





                              French "penser" also has this double meaning though, sorry ("Je pense que ce n'est pas une très bonne analogie.")

                              – Aaron
                              17 hours ago






                            • 1





                              Interesting! My school French lessons stressed using the two distinctly, that there was only one correct in any situation. I suppose that avoids unfortunate and embarrassing misunderstandings when writing or speaking, but may lead to confusion when reading or listening!

                              – SamBC
                              16 hours ago














                            24












                            24








                            24







                            Firstly, it's pretty rare to use cogitate at all. Using any word related to it, the most common is "cogitation", the action noun for the act of cogitating.



                            Second, think has two main senses in English. Most of us native speakers don't even necessarily realise it, but if we learn a language that has separate words for the two, like French, it kind of clicks. In French, there is penser, the active sense of think, where we might say think about, and croire, the stative sense of think, which is closely matched in sense to believe (though clearly with some difference).



                            Cogitate is a close match to penser, not to croire. It means the act of thinking, pondering, and so on. You might, if you wished to be pretentious, say:




                            Let me cogitate on that a minute.




                            You can't say what you want to say. It doesn't make sense.






                            share|improve this answer















                            Firstly, it's pretty rare to use cogitate at all. Using any word related to it, the most common is "cogitation", the action noun for the act of cogitating.



                            Second, think has two main senses in English. Most of us native speakers don't even necessarily realise it, but if we learn a language that has separate words for the two, like French, it kind of clicks. In French, there is penser, the active sense of think, where we might say think about, and croire, the stative sense of think, which is closely matched in sense to believe (though clearly with some difference).



                            Cogitate is a close match to penser, not to croire. It means the act of thinking, pondering, and so on. You might, if you wished to be pretentious, say:




                            Let me cogitate on that a minute.




                            You can't say what you want to say. It doesn't make sense.







                            share|improve this answer














                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer








                            edited 15 hours ago

























                            answered yesterday









                            SamBCSamBC

                            9,5721235




                            9,5721235








                            • 5





                              French "penser" also has this double meaning though, sorry ("Je pense que ce n'est pas une très bonne analogie.")

                              – Aaron
                              17 hours ago






                            • 1





                              Interesting! My school French lessons stressed using the two distinctly, that there was only one correct in any situation. I suppose that avoids unfortunate and embarrassing misunderstandings when writing or speaking, but may lead to confusion when reading or listening!

                              – SamBC
                              16 hours ago














                            • 5





                              French "penser" also has this double meaning though, sorry ("Je pense que ce n'est pas une très bonne analogie.")

                              – Aaron
                              17 hours ago






                            • 1





                              Interesting! My school French lessons stressed using the two distinctly, that there was only one correct in any situation. I suppose that avoids unfortunate and embarrassing misunderstandings when writing or speaking, but may lead to confusion when reading or listening!

                              – SamBC
                              16 hours ago








                            5




                            5





                            French "penser" also has this double meaning though, sorry ("Je pense que ce n'est pas une très bonne analogie.")

                            – Aaron
                            17 hours ago





                            French "penser" also has this double meaning though, sorry ("Je pense que ce n'est pas une très bonne analogie.")

                            – Aaron
                            17 hours ago




                            1




                            1





                            Interesting! My school French lessons stressed using the two distinctly, that there was only one correct in any situation. I suppose that avoids unfortunate and embarrassing misunderstandings when writing or speaking, but may lead to confusion when reading or listening!

                            – SamBC
                            16 hours ago





                            Interesting! My school French lessons stressed using the two distinctly, that there was only one correct in any situation. I suppose that avoids unfortunate and embarrassing misunderstandings when writing or speaking, but may lead to confusion when reading or listening!

                            – SamBC
                            16 hours ago











                            9














                            I agree with Mixolydian, "cogitate" sounds pretentious and doesn't fullfil exactly your intention.



                            I don't know where you have found that word but what about checking the Oxford Thesaurus?



                            Let me suggest some alternatives




                            In conclusion, I think that success solely relies on hard work.

                            In conclusion, I consider that success solely relies on hard work.

                            In conclusion, I'm of the opinion that success solely relies on hard work.







                            share|improve this answer




























                              9














                              I agree with Mixolydian, "cogitate" sounds pretentious and doesn't fullfil exactly your intention.



                              I don't know where you have found that word but what about checking the Oxford Thesaurus?



                              Let me suggest some alternatives




                              In conclusion, I think that success solely relies on hard work.

                              In conclusion, I consider that success solely relies on hard work.

                              In conclusion, I'm of the opinion that success solely relies on hard work.







                              share|improve this answer


























                                9












                                9








                                9







                                I agree with Mixolydian, "cogitate" sounds pretentious and doesn't fullfil exactly your intention.



                                I don't know where you have found that word but what about checking the Oxford Thesaurus?



                                Let me suggest some alternatives




                                In conclusion, I think that success solely relies on hard work.

                                In conclusion, I consider that success solely relies on hard work.

                                In conclusion, I'm of the opinion that success solely relies on hard work.







                                share|improve this answer













                                I agree with Mixolydian, "cogitate" sounds pretentious and doesn't fullfil exactly your intention.



                                I don't know where you have found that word but what about checking the Oxford Thesaurus?



                                Let me suggest some alternatives




                                In conclusion, I think that success solely relies on hard work.

                                In conclusion, I consider that success solely relies on hard work.

                                In conclusion, I'm of the opinion that success solely relies on hard work.








                                share|improve this answer












                                share|improve this answer



                                share|improve this answer










                                answered yesterday









                                RubioRicRubioRic

                                5,08411134




                                5,08411134























                                    9














                                    As Mixolydian states, cogitate is more about meditation or consideration of something. However, you could use it by rearranging your sentence a bit:




                                    After some cogitation, I conclude that success solely relies on hard work.




                                    This implies that the conclusion was reached after the cogitation.






                                    share|improve this answer








                                    New contributor




                                    seschneck is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                    Check out our Code of Conduct.

























                                      9














                                      As Mixolydian states, cogitate is more about meditation or consideration of something. However, you could use it by rearranging your sentence a bit:




                                      After some cogitation, I conclude that success solely relies on hard work.




                                      This implies that the conclusion was reached after the cogitation.






                                      share|improve this answer








                                      New contributor




                                      seschneck is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.























                                        9












                                        9








                                        9







                                        As Mixolydian states, cogitate is more about meditation or consideration of something. However, you could use it by rearranging your sentence a bit:




                                        After some cogitation, I conclude that success solely relies on hard work.




                                        This implies that the conclusion was reached after the cogitation.






                                        share|improve this answer








                                        New contributor




                                        seschneck is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                        Check out our Code of Conduct.










                                        As Mixolydian states, cogitate is more about meditation or consideration of something. However, you could use it by rearranging your sentence a bit:




                                        After some cogitation, I conclude that success solely relies on hard work.




                                        This implies that the conclusion was reached after the cogitation.







                                        share|improve this answer








                                        New contributor




                                        seschneck is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                        Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                        share|improve this answer



                                        share|improve this answer






                                        New contributor




                                        seschneck is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                        answered yesterday









                                        seschneckseschneck

                                        911




                                        911




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                                        New contributor





                                        seschneck is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                        seschneck is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                            6














                                            If you're looking to be the opposite of pretentious, you could say




                                            I reckon that success solely relies on hard work.







                                            share|improve this answer










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                                            • 1





                                              Colloquial but an accurate meaning.

                                              – ohwilleke
                                              yesterday






                                            • 2





                                              "Reckon" in this sense is common in British English but less so in the US. Americans tend to think of it as typically rural, which it definitely is not in the UK.

                                              – Mark Foskey
                                              yesterday


















                                            6














                                            If you're looking to be the opposite of pretentious, you could say




                                            I reckon that success solely relies on hard work.







                                            share|improve this answer










                                            New contributor




                                            erhweqrhweh is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                            Check out our Code of Conduct.
















                                            • 1





                                              Colloquial but an accurate meaning.

                                              – ohwilleke
                                              yesterday






                                            • 2





                                              "Reckon" in this sense is common in British English but less so in the US. Americans tend to think of it as typically rural, which it definitely is not in the UK.

                                              – Mark Foskey
                                              yesterday
















                                            6












                                            6








                                            6







                                            If you're looking to be the opposite of pretentious, you could say




                                            I reckon that success solely relies on hard work.







                                            share|improve this answer










                                            New contributor




                                            erhweqrhweh is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                            Check out our Code of Conduct.










                                            If you're looking to be the opposite of pretentious, you could say




                                            I reckon that success solely relies on hard work.








                                            share|improve this answer










                                            New contributor




                                            erhweqrhweh is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                            share|improve this answer



                                            share|improve this answer








                                            edited 17 hours ago









                                            RubioRic

                                            5,08411134




                                            5,08411134






                                            New contributor




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                                            answered yesterday









                                            erhweqrhweherhweqrhweh

                                            611




                                            611




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                                            • 1





                                              Colloquial but an accurate meaning.

                                              – ohwilleke
                                              yesterday






                                            • 2





                                              "Reckon" in this sense is common in British English but less so in the US. Americans tend to think of it as typically rural, which it definitely is not in the UK.

                                              – Mark Foskey
                                              yesterday
















                                            • 1





                                              Colloquial but an accurate meaning.

                                              – ohwilleke
                                              yesterday






                                            • 2





                                              "Reckon" in this sense is common in British English but less so in the US. Americans tend to think of it as typically rural, which it definitely is not in the UK.

                                              – Mark Foskey
                                              yesterday










                                            1




                                            1





                                            Colloquial but an accurate meaning.

                                            – ohwilleke
                                            yesterday





                                            Colloquial but an accurate meaning.

                                            – ohwilleke
                                            yesterday




                                            2




                                            2





                                            "Reckon" in this sense is common in British English but less so in the US. Americans tend to think of it as typically rural, which it definitely is not in the UK.

                                            – Mark Foskey
                                            yesterday







                                            "Reckon" in this sense is common in British English but less so in the US. Americans tend to think of it as typically rural, which it definitely is not in the UK.

                                            – Mark Foskey
                                            yesterday













                                            2














                                            I think you are trying to suggest that your conclusion is based on some careful consideration. So you might try:
                                            In conclusion, I determine (or have determined) that success solely relies on hard work.



                                            From the OED.



                                            Verb



                                            Ascertain or establish exactly by research or calculation.
                                            ‘the inquest is entrusted with the task of determining the cause of death’
                                            with clause ‘the point of our study was to determine what is true, not what is practicable’






                                            share|improve this answer








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                                              2














                                              I think you are trying to suggest that your conclusion is based on some careful consideration. So you might try:
                                              In conclusion, I determine (or have determined) that success solely relies on hard work.



                                              From the OED.



                                              Verb



                                              Ascertain or establish exactly by research or calculation.
                                              ‘the inquest is entrusted with the task of determining the cause of death’
                                              with clause ‘the point of our study was to determine what is true, not what is practicable’






                                              share|improve this answer








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                                                2












                                                2








                                                2







                                                I think you are trying to suggest that your conclusion is based on some careful consideration. So you might try:
                                                In conclusion, I determine (or have determined) that success solely relies on hard work.



                                                From the OED.



                                                Verb



                                                Ascertain or establish exactly by research or calculation.
                                                ‘the inquest is entrusted with the task of determining the cause of death’
                                                with clause ‘the point of our study was to determine what is true, not what is practicable’






                                                share|improve this answer








                                                New contributor




                                                Mbo42 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                Check out our Code of Conduct.










                                                I think you are trying to suggest that your conclusion is based on some careful consideration. So you might try:
                                                In conclusion, I determine (or have determined) that success solely relies on hard work.



                                                From the OED.



                                                Verb



                                                Ascertain or establish exactly by research or calculation.
                                                ‘the inquest is entrusted with the task of determining the cause of death’
                                                with clause ‘the point of our study was to determine what is true, not what is practicable’







                                                share|improve this answer








                                                New contributor




                                                Mbo42 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                                answered yesterday









                                                Mbo42Mbo42

                                                212




                                                212




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                                                    1














                                                    The word "cogitate" means to ponder on think about intently. A deliberate thought process whereas "believe" is relative to a matter of faith or speculation. Perhaps the phase "I speculate that" might be more appropriate.






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                                                    • The verb speculate may work in some contexts, but I don't think it fits very well in the OP's specific example: In conclusion, I speculate that success solely relies on hard work. It might work better, though, in a context like this: We speculate that the success of our experiments could be replicated in a broader trial.

                                                      – J.R.
                                                      12 hours ago













                                                    • What can I tell you I am an old man who has not written an essay in a hell of a long time. Just putting my 2 cents in. I am old enough to actually to known people who have used the word cogitate on a daily basis. Me thinks I shall get me hence to cogitate a spell in peace

                                                      – Old_Fossil
                                                      51 mins ago


















                                                    1














                                                    The word "cogitate" means to ponder on think about intently. A deliberate thought process whereas "believe" is relative to a matter of faith or speculation. Perhaps the phase "I speculate that" might be more appropriate.






                                                    share|improve this answer










                                                    New contributor




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                                                    • The verb speculate may work in some contexts, but I don't think it fits very well in the OP's specific example: In conclusion, I speculate that success solely relies on hard work. It might work better, though, in a context like this: We speculate that the success of our experiments could be replicated in a broader trial.

                                                      – J.R.
                                                      12 hours ago













                                                    • What can I tell you I am an old man who has not written an essay in a hell of a long time. Just putting my 2 cents in. I am old enough to actually to known people who have used the word cogitate on a daily basis. Me thinks I shall get me hence to cogitate a spell in peace

                                                      – Old_Fossil
                                                      51 mins ago
















                                                    1












                                                    1








                                                    1







                                                    The word "cogitate" means to ponder on think about intently. A deliberate thought process whereas "believe" is relative to a matter of faith or speculation. Perhaps the phase "I speculate that" might be more appropriate.






                                                    share|improve this answer










                                                    New contributor




                                                    Old_Fossil is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                    Check out our Code of Conduct.










                                                    The word "cogitate" means to ponder on think about intently. A deliberate thought process whereas "believe" is relative to a matter of faith or speculation. Perhaps the phase "I speculate that" might be more appropriate.







                                                    share|improve this answer










                                                    New contributor




                                                    Old_Fossil is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                                    share|improve this answer



                                                    share|improve this answer








                                                    edited 12 hours ago









                                                    J.R.

                                                    99.2k8127245




                                                    99.2k8127245






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                                                    answered 23 hours ago









                                                    Old_FossilOld_Fossil

                                                    1111




                                                    1111




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                                                    • The verb speculate may work in some contexts, but I don't think it fits very well in the OP's specific example: In conclusion, I speculate that success solely relies on hard work. It might work better, though, in a context like this: We speculate that the success of our experiments could be replicated in a broader trial.

                                                      – J.R.
                                                      12 hours ago













                                                    • What can I tell you I am an old man who has not written an essay in a hell of a long time. Just putting my 2 cents in. I am old enough to actually to known people who have used the word cogitate on a daily basis. Me thinks I shall get me hence to cogitate a spell in peace

                                                      – Old_Fossil
                                                      51 mins ago





















                                                    • The verb speculate may work in some contexts, but I don't think it fits very well in the OP's specific example: In conclusion, I speculate that success solely relies on hard work. It might work better, though, in a context like this: We speculate that the success of our experiments could be replicated in a broader trial.

                                                      – J.R.
                                                      12 hours ago













                                                    • What can I tell you I am an old man who has not written an essay in a hell of a long time. Just putting my 2 cents in. I am old enough to actually to known people who have used the word cogitate on a daily basis. Me thinks I shall get me hence to cogitate a spell in peace

                                                      – Old_Fossil
                                                      51 mins ago



















                                                    The verb speculate may work in some contexts, but I don't think it fits very well in the OP's specific example: In conclusion, I speculate that success solely relies on hard work. It might work better, though, in a context like this: We speculate that the success of our experiments could be replicated in a broader trial.

                                                    – J.R.
                                                    12 hours ago







                                                    The verb speculate may work in some contexts, but I don't think it fits very well in the OP's specific example: In conclusion, I speculate that success solely relies on hard work. It might work better, though, in a context like this: We speculate that the success of our experiments could be replicated in a broader trial.

                                                    – J.R.
                                                    12 hours ago















                                                    What can I tell you I am an old man who has not written an essay in a hell of a long time. Just putting my 2 cents in. I am old enough to actually to known people who have used the word cogitate on a daily basis. Me thinks I shall get me hence to cogitate a spell in peace

                                                    – Old_Fossil
                                                    51 mins ago







                                                    What can I tell you I am an old man who has not written an essay in a hell of a long time. Just putting my 2 cents in. I am old enough to actually to known people who have used the word cogitate on a daily basis. Me thinks I shall get me hence to cogitate a spell in peace

                                                    – Old_Fossil
                                                    51 mins ago













                                                    0














                                                    In my native French language, the verb "cogiter" has specific meaning.
                                                    It is used when one experiences deep, chronical thoughts about a subject. It often refers to an unpleasant feeling, an obsessive thinking, which sticks to you for a relatively long period.



                                                    So when I read




                                                    In conclusion, I cogitate that success solely relies on hard work.




                                                    I get a weird feeling about your sentence's time consistency.






                                                    share|improve this answer










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                                                    • We can even go back to the Latin root: cogito. As Descartes once said, 'cogito, ergo sum' - I think, therefore I am. In this sense it's more of a continuous action than an opinion.

                                                      – DaveMongoose
                                                      14 hours ago


















                                                    0














                                                    In my native French language, the verb "cogiter" has specific meaning.
                                                    It is used when one experiences deep, chronical thoughts about a subject. It often refers to an unpleasant feeling, an obsessive thinking, which sticks to you for a relatively long period.



                                                    So when I read




                                                    In conclusion, I cogitate that success solely relies on hard work.




                                                    I get a weird feeling about your sentence's time consistency.






                                                    share|improve this answer










                                                    New contributor




                                                    Pierre Saillard is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                    Check out our Code of Conduct.





















                                                    • We can even go back to the Latin root: cogito. As Descartes once said, 'cogito, ergo sum' - I think, therefore I am. In this sense it's more of a continuous action than an opinion.

                                                      – DaveMongoose
                                                      14 hours ago
















                                                    0












                                                    0








                                                    0







                                                    In my native French language, the verb "cogiter" has specific meaning.
                                                    It is used when one experiences deep, chronical thoughts about a subject. It often refers to an unpleasant feeling, an obsessive thinking, which sticks to you for a relatively long period.



                                                    So when I read




                                                    In conclusion, I cogitate that success solely relies on hard work.




                                                    I get a weird feeling about your sentence's time consistency.






                                                    share|improve this answer










                                                    New contributor




                                                    Pierre Saillard is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                    Check out our Code of Conduct.










                                                    In my native French language, the verb "cogiter" has specific meaning.
                                                    It is used when one experiences deep, chronical thoughts about a subject. It often refers to an unpleasant feeling, an obsessive thinking, which sticks to you for a relatively long period.



                                                    So when I read




                                                    In conclusion, I cogitate that success solely relies on hard work.




                                                    I get a weird feeling about your sentence's time consistency.







                                                    share|improve this answer










                                                    New contributor




                                                    Pierre Saillard is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                    Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                                    share|improve this answer



                                                    share|improve this answer








                                                    edited 12 hours ago









                                                    J.R.

                                                    99.2k8127245




                                                    99.2k8127245






                                                    New contributor




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                                                    answered 20 hours ago









                                                    Pierre SaillardPierre Saillard

                                                    11




                                                    11




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                                                    • We can even go back to the Latin root: cogito. As Descartes once said, 'cogito, ergo sum' - I think, therefore I am. In this sense it's more of a continuous action than an opinion.

                                                      – DaveMongoose
                                                      14 hours ago





















                                                    • We can even go back to the Latin root: cogito. As Descartes once said, 'cogito, ergo sum' - I think, therefore I am. In this sense it's more of a continuous action than an opinion.

                                                      – DaveMongoose
                                                      14 hours ago



















                                                    We can even go back to the Latin root: cogito. As Descartes once said, 'cogito, ergo sum' - I think, therefore I am. In this sense it's more of a continuous action than an opinion.

                                                    – DaveMongoose
                                                    14 hours ago







                                                    We can even go back to the Latin root: cogito. As Descartes once said, 'cogito, ergo sum' - I think, therefore I am. In this sense it's more of a continuous action than an opinion.

                                                    – DaveMongoose
                                                    14 hours ago













                                                    0














                                                    In formal writing for essays I would avoid using "I think" or "I believe" or "in my opinion". If you are writing the essay, then it is understood to be your original thought and your beliefs or opinions. These phrases are just filler. Whatever you are saying before should lead to the logical conclusion that success relies solely on hard work. Even the phrase "in conclusion" looks like filler to me without context.



                                                    For example:




                                                    1. This is my dog spot.

                                                    2. Spot is a very hard worker.

                                                    3. Spot became very successful after working hard for a long time.

                                                    4. Spot sacrificed his free time to work.

                                                    5. Spot's success is due solely to his hard work.


                                                    In this example, you can see how your fillers can be placed anywhere and not really change the meaning:




                                                    1. This is my dog spot.


                                                    2. I believe he is a very hard worker.


                                                    3. In my opinion he became very successful...


                                                    4. I think he sacrificed a lot...


                                                    5. In conclusion, I believe that Spot's success is solely due to hard work.


                                                    When writing an essay, you should present facts and evidence, and let conclusions arise from the flow of the logic. If it's fiction, then you can write such a narrative but it would be odd to include yourself. Even if it's an opinion piece, then you would still avoid any kind of narrative, and instead present facts to support your own opinion, but not in a way that ties it to yourself.






                                                    share|improve this answer








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                                                      0














                                                      In formal writing for essays I would avoid using "I think" or "I believe" or "in my opinion". If you are writing the essay, then it is understood to be your original thought and your beliefs or opinions. These phrases are just filler. Whatever you are saying before should lead to the logical conclusion that success relies solely on hard work. Even the phrase "in conclusion" looks like filler to me without context.



                                                      For example:




                                                      1. This is my dog spot.

                                                      2. Spot is a very hard worker.

                                                      3. Spot became very successful after working hard for a long time.

                                                      4. Spot sacrificed his free time to work.

                                                      5. Spot's success is due solely to his hard work.


                                                      In this example, you can see how your fillers can be placed anywhere and not really change the meaning:




                                                      1. This is my dog spot.


                                                      2. I believe he is a very hard worker.


                                                      3. In my opinion he became very successful...


                                                      4. I think he sacrificed a lot...


                                                      5. In conclusion, I believe that Spot's success is solely due to hard work.


                                                      When writing an essay, you should present facts and evidence, and let conclusions arise from the flow of the logic. If it's fiction, then you can write such a narrative but it would be odd to include yourself. Even if it's an opinion piece, then you would still avoid any kind of narrative, and instead present facts to support your own opinion, but not in a way that ties it to yourself.






                                                      share|improve this answer








                                                      New contributor




                                                      jreese is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.























                                                        0












                                                        0








                                                        0







                                                        In formal writing for essays I would avoid using "I think" or "I believe" or "in my opinion". If you are writing the essay, then it is understood to be your original thought and your beliefs or opinions. These phrases are just filler. Whatever you are saying before should lead to the logical conclusion that success relies solely on hard work. Even the phrase "in conclusion" looks like filler to me without context.



                                                        For example:




                                                        1. This is my dog spot.

                                                        2. Spot is a very hard worker.

                                                        3. Spot became very successful after working hard for a long time.

                                                        4. Spot sacrificed his free time to work.

                                                        5. Spot's success is due solely to his hard work.


                                                        In this example, you can see how your fillers can be placed anywhere and not really change the meaning:




                                                        1. This is my dog spot.


                                                        2. I believe he is a very hard worker.


                                                        3. In my opinion he became very successful...


                                                        4. I think he sacrificed a lot...


                                                        5. In conclusion, I believe that Spot's success is solely due to hard work.


                                                        When writing an essay, you should present facts and evidence, and let conclusions arise from the flow of the logic. If it's fiction, then you can write such a narrative but it would be odd to include yourself. Even if it's an opinion piece, then you would still avoid any kind of narrative, and instead present facts to support your own opinion, but not in a way that ties it to yourself.






                                                        share|improve this answer








                                                        New contributor




                                                        jreese is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                        Check out our Code of Conduct.










                                                        In formal writing for essays I would avoid using "I think" or "I believe" or "in my opinion". If you are writing the essay, then it is understood to be your original thought and your beliefs or opinions. These phrases are just filler. Whatever you are saying before should lead to the logical conclusion that success relies solely on hard work. Even the phrase "in conclusion" looks like filler to me without context.



                                                        For example:




                                                        1. This is my dog spot.

                                                        2. Spot is a very hard worker.

                                                        3. Spot became very successful after working hard for a long time.

                                                        4. Spot sacrificed his free time to work.

                                                        5. Spot's success is due solely to his hard work.


                                                        In this example, you can see how your fillers can be placed anywhere and not really change the meaning:




                                                        1. This is my dog spot.


                                                        2. I believe he is a very hard worker.


                                                        3. In my opinion he became very successful...


                                                        4. I think he sacrificed a lot...


                                                        5. In conclusion, I believe that Spot's success is solely due to hard work.


                                                        When writing an essay, you should present facts and evidence, and let conclusions arise from the flow of the logic. If it's fiction, then you can write such a narrative but it would be odd to include yourself. Even if it's an opinion piece, then you would still avoid any kind of narrative, and instead present facts to support your own opinion, but not in a way that ties it to yourself.







                                                        share|improve this answer








                                                        New contributor




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                                                        share|improve this answer



                                                        share|improve this answer






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                                                        answered 10 hours ago









                                                        jreesejreese

                                                        11




                                                        11




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