linker (conclusion/summary) · informal
The bottom line is
UK/ðə ˈbɒt.əm laɪn ɪz/US/ðə ˈbɑː.təm laɪn ɪz/the BOT·tom LINE is
used to give a short, clear conclusion or the most important point
Examples
“We've discussed costs and benefits; the bottom line is we need more funding.”
“People bought the product for the price, but the bottom line is customer service matters most.”
“After all the debate, the bottom line is that safety must come first.”
Band 8 sentence
“We've analysed costs, feasibility and impact; the bottom line is that the policy won't work without better enforcement.”
Collocations
- the bottom line is that + clause
- the bottom line + verb (e.g. 'the bottom line remains')
Word family
Common mistakes
The bottom line are we need more funding.→The bottom line is we need more funding.
Bottom line is that safety important.→The bottom line is that safety is important.
Say it for a higher band
5Basically→6In the end→7+The bottom line is
Synonyms
the main point is
in short
Easily confused
the main point is
“The main point is that students need more practice.”
Related words
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In Emphasis & conclusion
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