Conclusion Indicators
LSAT glossary · Logical Reasoning
Definition
Words and phrases that reliably signal the conclusion of an LSAT argument. The standard list includes "therefore," "thus," "hence," "consequently," "so," "it follows that," "clearly," "obviously," "this shows / proves that," and "we can conclude that." When such a word precedes a claim, that claim is typically the conclusion the premises are offered to support.
Conclusion Indicators in plain English
Conclusion indicators are little flag-words that basically announce 'the main point is coming right after me.' The usual suspects are 'therefore,' 'thus,' 'hence,' 'consequently,' 'so,' 'it follows that,' 'clearly,' 'obviously,' 'this shows that,' 'this proves that,' and 'we can conclude that.' When you spot one, the claim that follows it is almost always the conclusion — the thing the rest of the argument exists to support. They're like road signs: the LSAT plants them so a careful reader can find the destination fast.
Learn these first
Sign up free: all 104 LSAT terms as flashcards, plus practice questions with full explanations →
Related LSAT terms
LSAT practice questions · LSAT flashcards · LSAT study guide