at the back end

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the back end" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to technology, programming, or processes, referring to the part of a system that is not visible to the user or the final stages of a process. Example: "The data processing happens at the back end of the application, ensuring that users receive the final output seamlessly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

At the back end is a sink.

The Washington Post

"Give us more time at the back end," he said.

The New York Times - Health

At the back end is the cost of malpractice insurance.

The New York Times

"But the overvote protection is at the back end.

The New York Times

At the back end, you find mostly sausage meat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a shame we slipped off at the back end.

The Guardian - Sport

Figure showing single segment with gear assembly attached at the back end.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

There is work to be done at the back end.

The Washington Post

We did it at the back-end of last season too.

Independent

The extended architecture combines the advantages of the PTP debugger at the front-end and SPDL at the back-end.

Procedia Computer Science

I couldn't quite understand what the Dutch were doing at the back-end.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex systems, use "at the back end" to clearly distinguish between user-facing components and server-side processes.

Common error

Avoid using "at the back end" when you strictly mean "later" or "eventually". While it can imply a final stage, ensure the context doesn't suggest a physical location.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the back end" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It indicates the location or stage where an action or process occurs. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is grammatically sound and commonly employed across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the back end" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to specify a location or stage within a system or process. According to Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, including news, academia, and science, with a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a physical location or a later stage in a sequence. Be mindful not to confuse the spatial and temporal meanings, and consider alternative phrases like "towards the end" or "in the final stages" for greater clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent usage across reliable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the tail end

Similar meaning, but uses a more informal and visual metaphor.

in the final stages

Emphasizes the completion phase of a process or activity.

towards the end

Focuses on the temporal aspect of being near the conclusion, rather than spatial.

near the conclusion

Highlights the proximity to the end point or result.

in the later part

Refers to a non-specific, but late stage of something.

towards the rear

Implies movement or direction toward the back.

at the rear

Primarily indicates a physical location, rather than a temporal one.

at the far end

Emphasizes distance from the starting point.

in the hindmost part

A more formal and less common way to refer to the rear portion.

in the background

Implies that the process runs without user intervention.

FAQs

How can I use "at the back end" in a sentence?

Use "at the back end" to describe processes or components that are not directly visible to the user or occur in the later stages of a system or event. For example, "The data processing happens "at the back end" of the application."

What can I say instead of "at the back end"?

You can use alternatives like "towards the end", "in the final stages", or "at the tail end" depending on the context.

Is "at the back end" formal or informal?

"At the back end" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in technical or professional settings. In general use it's consider as neutral.

What does "at the back end" mean in software development?

In software development, "at the back end" refers to the server-side components and processes that handle data storage, processing, and security, as opposed to the user interface, which is the "front end".