a final sprint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a final sprint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a last push or effort to complete a task or project, often in a time-sensitive context. Example: "As the deadline approached, the team entered a final sprint to finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Santambrogio won in 4 hours 42 minutes 55 seconds, beating Nibali in a final sprint.

The New York Times - Sports

Indeed, the Aug. 24 primary will simply add a final sprint to what experts now describe as an established marathon.

The New York Times

That she also beat her friend and housemate Non Stanford in a final sprint added an extra layer of spice.

The Guardian - Sport

The riders will do eight laps of the Champs Elysees before a final sprint past the finishing line around 4.15pm.

The Guardian - Sport

There's a final sprint, too, offering even more points, which factor into the ranking of the top three competitors.

The New Yorker

Marcel Kittel, a German riding for Argos-Shimano, won the 83-mile stage in a final sprint along the cobbles of the Champs-Élysées.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Alessandro Petacchi won the fourth stage of the Tour of Switzerland, after a multibike crash took down many riders in a frenzied final sprint.

The New York Times - Sports

First Farah fell, and then he found himself in a fierce final sprint with Kenya's Paul Tanui.

The Guardian - Sport

Tony Martin of Germany won the Tour of the Algarve in Portugal with a strong final sprint, denying Alberto Contador his third straight title at the race.

The New York Times - Sports

In the women's World Championship road race, France's Pauline Ferrand-Prévot confirmed her rising star with a spectacular final sprint to see off three other riders on the line and claim the title.

The Guardian - Sport

But Wiggins matched the pace, kicking in with a superb final sprint on the Afrastrasse to finish 30.08 seconds ahead of the Swiss.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a final sprint" to vividly describe a concentrated burst of effort towards completing a goal, especially when time is a crucial factor. It adds a sense of urgency and excitement to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a final sprint" in situations where the activity isn't inherently competitive or time-sensitive. Using it for everyday tasks can sound exaggerated and unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a final sprint" functions as a noun phrase, often used as an adverbial to describe the manner in which something is done. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in sports, politics, and business contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a final sprint" is a commonly used phrase to describe a burst of effort near the end of a task or competition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and understandable. While it appears most frequently in news and sports contexts, it can also be found in business settings. When considering alternatives, phrases like "a last push" or "a final surge" can provide similar meanings depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Use it to add vividness and urgency to your writing, but be mindful of overusing it in contexts that aren't inherently competitive or time-sensitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a last push

Focuses on the effort, downplaying speed or competition.

a final surge

Emphasizes a sudden increase in effort or activity.

a last-ditch effort

Highlights desperation and the potential for failure.

a concluding burst

Stresses the short, intense nature of the effort at the end.

the home stretch

Implies the final part of a race or project, nearing completion.

the eleventh hour

Indicates something happening very late, just before a deadline.

a frantic finish

Highlights the chaotic and rushed nature of the end.

the last leg

Refers to the final stage of a journey or project.

a closing stretch

Emphasizes the nearing of the end of something.

the end game

Highlights the final strategic phase of a plan or competition.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a final sprint" in a sentence?

Use "a final sprint" to illustrate a surge of effort near the end of a project or race, such as, "The team put on "a final sprint" to meet the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "a final sprint"?

Consider using phrases like "a last push", "a final surge", or "the home stretch" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "a final sprint" in writing?

It's suitable when describing a focused burst of activity to reach a goal, often in situations involving competition, deadlines, or significant effort. For instance, "the campaign entered "a final sprint" before the election."

How does "a final sprint" differ from "a marathon" in describing a task?

"A final sprint" suggests a short, intense burst of effort, while "a marathon" implies a long, sustained effort. One is quick and forceful, the other is enduring and steady.