around the end

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around the end" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time or point that is near the conclusion of something, such as a project, event, or period. Example: "We should start preparing for the presentation around the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

He said he would stand aside at "around the end of the year".

BBC

We start breeding them around the end of August.

The New York Times

Antowain Smith off tackle or around the end.

The New York Times - Sports

A W.T.O panel was expected to rule on that request around the end of this year.

The New York Times

Around the end of high school, I had started thinking about thinking.

The New Yorker

He knows every hiccup in the tricky current around the end of the jetty there.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

He said he would travel to the Netherlands around the end of January for treatment.

Wikipedia

The disease disappeared here around the end of June.

The New York Times

Around the end of 2001, though, he signed up.

The New York Times

I think Marcos and I first started discussing "The Private Eye" around the end of 2011.

The New York Times

At the current rate, Turkey would reach its stated limit around the end of September.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "around the end" to refer to a period of time, ensure the context clearly specifies what is ending. For instance, "around the end of the fiscal year" is more precise than just "around the end."

Common error

Avoid using "around the end" without specifying what is concluding. This can lead to confusion. Instead of saying, "Things will improve around the end", specify, "Things will improve around the end of the quarter."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around the end" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It indicates a temporal or spatial approximation of a concluding point. As demonstrated by Ludwig, the phrase is widely accepted and used across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "around the end" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate an approximate time or location near the conclusion of something. As verified by Ludwig, it appears frequently across diverse sources, including news media, scientific publications, and wikis, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While versatile, it is best practice to provide a clear reference to what is concluding to avoid vagueness. Common alternatives include "near the end" and "towards the end". Understanding these nuances ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near the conclusion

Indicates a time or point very close to the end, focusing on the final part or result.

towards the finish

Suggests movement or progression in the direction of the end, highlighting the act of approaching the final stage.

close to the deadline

Emphasizes the urgency or importance of meeting a final date or time for completion.

by the last part

Highlights the position in the final segment of something.

at the tail end

Implies being located at the very last portion or extremity.

in the final phase

Signifies being within the last stage or period of a process or activity.

nearing completion

Expresses that something is approaching being fully completed or finalized.

on the verge of ending

Suggests that something is about to finish or come to a conclusion imminently.

almost over

Emphasizes that something is very close to its termination.

at the fag end

Indicates the very last or worn-out part of something, often with a sense of exhaustion.

FAQs

What does "around the end" mean?

The phrase "around the end" generally refers to a period of time or a position that is close to the termination or conclusion of something. It implies approximation rather than a precise point.

How can I use "around the end" in a sentence?

You can use "around the end" to indicate time, location, or progression. For example: "The project should be completed "near the conclusion" of the year." or "The path curves "close to the deadline" of the lake."

What are some alternatives to "around the end"?

Some alternatives to "around the end" include "near the end", "towards the end", "close to the end", or "at the end of", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "at the end of" rather than "around the end"?

While both phrases are acceptable, "at the end of" might be considered slightly more formal. "Around the end" suggests a less precise, approximate timeframe, whereas "at the end of" implies greater specificity.