at the finish line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the finish line" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase can be used to refer to a situation or point of accomplishment. For example, "After months of hard work, we finally arrived at the finish line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

I'll see him at the finish line".

The New Yorker

At the finish line, Adanna was crying.

The New York Times

Some runners were in tears at the finish line.

The New York Times - Sports

They were 18-0 but stumbled at the finish line.

The New York Times - Sports

Their parents will be at the finish line, too.

The New Yorker

"But we're definitely right at the finish line".

The Guardian - Music

When the bomb went off, he was at the finish line waiting for her to arrive.

The New York Times - Sports

At the finish line near Harvard were many booths peddling various goods (and free ice cream).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Waiting at the finish line, of course, are Princesses Rhyme and Reason.

Princeton University

The delays kept them from being at the finish line when the bombs exploded.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He was at the finish line on Monday morning.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the finish line" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly establishes what the 'race' or 'journey' represents to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone understands your implied 'race'. Clearly define the goal or accomplishment you're referencing when using "at the finish line" in abstract contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the finish line" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb to indicate location or state of completion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the finish line" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves to indicate the end of a race, project, or journey, both literally and metaphorically. Primarily found in News & Media and Academic contexts, it conveys a sense of completion and imminent success. When using "at the finish line" metaphorically, ensure that the context provides clarity to avoid any possible ambiguity. The phrase is used to denote the end point of a race or journey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reaching the goal

This suggests successfully achieving a specific objective or target.

at the end of the road

This alternative emphasizes the final point of a journey or process.

at the culmination

Focuses on the high point or climax of something after a long period of development.

upon completion

Highlights the moment something is successfully finished.

at journey's end

This evokes a sense of finality after a long and significant period.

crossing the threshold

This implies moving from one state to another upon completing something.

in the home stretch

This refers to the final phase of a task or project.

arriving at the destination

This emphasizes reaching a pre-determined endpoint.

when all is said and done

This summarizes the final outcome after all considerations and actions.

achieving closure

This focuses on the sense of completion and resolution.

FAQs

How can I use "at the finish line" in a sentence?

You can use "at the finish line" to describe the end of a literal race, as in "The runners collapsed "at the finish line"." It can also be used metaphorically to describe the end of a project or endeavor, such as "We are "at the finish line" with this deal after months of negotiations."

What are some alternatives to "at the finish line"?

Alternatives to "at the finish line" include phrases like "at the end of the road", "upon completion", or "reaching the goal", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "at the finishing line" instead of "at the finish line"?

While "finishing line" is technically understandable, "at the finish line" is the more common and widely accepted phrase.

What does it mean to be "at the finish line" in a metaphorical sense?

Metaphorically, being "at the finish line" signifies that you are very close to completing a task, achieving a goal, or reaching the end of a process. It implies that the most challenging parts are over and success is imminent.