at one end

USAGE SUMMARY

"at one end" is a perfectly valid part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to denote the furthest reaches of a geographic area, the limits of a timeline, or the extreme points of a continuum. For example, "The city stretched as far as the eye could see, with its hustle and bustle coming to an abrupt halt at one end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They start at one end.

The Guardian

The bishop's sitting at one end.

The New York Times

Graydon Carter perched at one end.

The New York Times

The library is at one end.

The Guardian - Books

There's a fireplace (alas, purely decorative) at one end.

Princeton University

And at one end you have your general purpose processors.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

At one end, a makeshift podium has been set up.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

At one end are straightforward applications of existing rules.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It will be nailed down at one end.

University of Chicago

The arch stood at one end of the Hamidiyeh.

Johns Hopkins University

The demonstrated GPFG was fixed at one end.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at one end" to describe a range or spectrum, clearly define what exists at the other end for better context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "at one end" vaguely. Specify the context (e.g., "at one end of the table", "at one end of the spectrum") to prevent confusion about the location or concept being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at one end" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase of location, modifying a verb or clause to specify a position or location. It indicates something situated at a boundary, limit, or extremity. Ludwig confirms this frequent spatial meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

22%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Science

11%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at one end" is a versatile prepositional phrase widely used to indicate a location, position, or characteristic situated at a boundary or extremity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, including news, academic writing, and general instructions. While it maintains a neutral register, clarity is key: ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like ""at the far end"" or ""at the extremity"" depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. By using "at one end" thoughtfully, you can enhance the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the far end

This option emphasizes the distance from a starting point or reference, denoting the most remote position.

at the edge

This alternative focuses on a point along the perimeter or brink, suggesting proximity to an outer limit.

at the extremity

This alternative highlights the outermost point or edge, implying a position far from the center.

at a terminus

This alternative emphasizes the final point or limit, suggesting a physical or conceptual boundary.

at a boundary

This option refers to a border or limit, suitable when discussing constraints or demarcations.

at the head

This alternative implies a leading or prominent position, useful when referring to the front of something.

at the tail

This option denotes the rearmost or concluding part, contrasting with the front or beginning.

at the beginning

This refers to the starting point in a sequence or a physical space when "at one end" is used to refer to the origin.

at the top

This refers to the highest point in a vertical arrangement, implying superiority or prominence.

at the bottom

This option denotes the lowest point, contrasting with the top or upper part of something.

FAQs

How can I use "at one end" in a sentence?

You can use "at one end" to describe a position or characteristic at the extreme of something, like "The library is "at one end" of the building" or "At one end of the spectrum is complete agreement".

What's a good alternative to using "at one end"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "at the far end", "at the extremity", or "at a terminus" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "in one end" instead of "at one end"?

No, the correct preposition to use is "at". Saying "in one end" is grammatically incorrect. "At one end" indicates a location or position, while "in" suggests enclosure or containment, which doesn't fit the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "at one end" and "on one end"?

While both can refer to a location, "at one end" is more general. "On one end" often implies being supported by or resting "at one end", as in "The box rests "at one end" of the table". But "at one end" would be preferred in scenarios like "The spectrum has opportunity "at one end"".