at both ends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at both ends" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it in a sentence to describe a situation in which action takes place from two opposing sides. Example sentence: "The agreement was negotiated at both ends, ultimately resulting in a mutually beneficial outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unity fails at both ends.

The New York Times

Plugs at both ends".

The New York Times

Gorgeous at both ends!

The Guardian

"I burned the candle at both ends.

Independent

The rugs are fringed at both ends.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They have drop trailers at both ends.

The New Yorker

We're growing at both ends".

The New York Times

Set piece chances at both ends early.

The Guardian - Sport

70 min: So close - at both ends!

The Guardian - Sport

They have been squeezed at both ends.

The Guardian - Opinion

64 min: Chaos at both ends!

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In sports journalism, employ the phrase to describe action occurring near both goals or scoring areas (e.g., "chances at both ends").

Common error

Avoid using "at both ends" when you actually mean "on all sides" for objects without specific ends, like a circle. Additionally, ensure you are not redundant by saying "at both two ends", as "both" already implies the number two.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at both ends" serves as an adverbial or prepositional phrase that provides spatial or metaphorical orientation. According to Ludwig AI, it is primarily used to denote symmetry or simultaneous activity at two opposing extremities. In many of the provided examples, it functions as an adjunct of place, modifying verbs like "tipped", "fringed" or "cut".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Sports Journalism

15%

Less common in

Wiki & How-to Guides

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal Business Reports

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at both ends" is a highly versatile and grammatically correct expression according to Ludwig AI. It finds substantial use in describing physical symmetry (in biological or structural contexts), sports dynamics (action near both goals) and metaphorical pressures (being squeezed by two opposing forces). With a strong presence in elite publications like The New York Times and The Guardian, it is a reliable choice for any writer. Whether you are using it literally to describe a physical object or idiomatically to describe a hectic lifestyle, it conveys a clear sense of dual extremities. For more variety, consider using "at either end" or "on both sides" depending on whether you wish to emphasize length or width.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at either end

Refers to both extremities but emphasizes them individually rather than as a collective pair.

at each extremity

A more formal or scientific way to describe the furthest points of an object.

on both sides

Suggests lateral position rather than longitudinal extremities.

from both directions

Focuses on the movement or approach toward a central point from two opposite sides.

at both terminals

Used specifically in transportation or electrical engineering contexts.

at both poles

Specific to spherical objects or extreme opposites in a spectrum.

bilaterally

A technical adverb used in science and medicine to indicate something affecting or occurring on two sides.

on both fronts

Often used in political or military contexts to describe simultaneous action in two areas.

from both perspectives

A metaphorical variation used when discussing viewpoints or arguments rather than physical objects.

from start to finish

Emphasizes the temporal or sequential span rather than just the physical tips.

FAQs

How do I use "at both ends" in a sentence?

You can use "at both ends" to describe simultaneous action or physical features on opposite sides. For example: "The bridge has security checkpoints "at both ends"."

What is the difference between "at both ends" and "at either end"?

While often interchangeable, "at both ends" emphasizes the pair of extremities together, whereas "at either end" can sometimes imply that a feature exists at one end or the other, though it usually refers to both in practice.

What does it mean to "burn the candle at both ends"?

This is a popular idiom meaning to work excessively hard without enough rest. You might say, "He's been "burning the candle at both ends" to finish the project on time."

Can I use "at both ends" in a professional report?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. In technical or scientific contexts, it accurately describes symmetry, such as when a bone is "cut "at both ends"" or a sequence is "primed "at both ends"".