at the tail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the tail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the end or final part of something, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The report concluded with a summary at the tail of the document."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The leader at the tail end".

The New Yorker

released" clause appears at the tail end of paragraph (1).

Cornell University

Clinton joined in at the tail end of the mockery.

The Washington Post

Mr. Somerstein arrived at the tail end of all this.

The New York Times - Arts

"But we're at the tail end of it".

The New York Times

"We are at the tail end," he said.

The New York Times

He arrived at the tail end of the boom.

The New York Times - Travel

Patrick's Day Parade but ended up at the tail end.

The New York Times

At the tail is the new machine-printed call number label.

Columbia University

A Tailbuoy will be deployed at the tail of each streamer for positioning.

Columbia University

At the tail end of the event was something both mundane and marvelous.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the tail" to emphasize the terminal point of a sequence or process, especially when the length or duration is relevant. For instance, "at the tail end of the project" implies the project is nearing completion.

Common error

Avoid using "at the tail" when you simply mean something is located behind something else, especially if there is no sequential or process-oriented context. Use "behind" or "in the back of" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the tail" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when or where something occurs in relation to the end of something else. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, such as "at the tail end of the event" or "at the tail end of the season".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the tail" is a grammatically sound and versatile adverbial phrase that signifies the end or concluding portion of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is appropriate for diverse situations, often indicating when or where something occurs in relation to the end of a period, event, or sequence. Its prevalence in news and media showcases its wide acceptance. To maximize clarity and precision, reserve "at the tail" for contexts directly related to time, sequence, or process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the end

This is a more general phrase indicating the conclusion or final part.

at the rear

Focuses on the physical back or hindmost part of something.

at the back

Similar to "at the rear", emphasizes the position behind something.

at the conclusion

Emphasizes the final stage or outcome of an event or process.

at the final stage

Highlights the last phase of a multi-step process.

at the last part

A more literal and straightforward way to express the ending section.

in the wake

This suggests something following as a consequence or result.

in the aftermath

Implies events or situations that occur after a significant event.

at the heels

Suggests closeness in proximity or pursuit.

following closely

Indicates that something comes directly after something else.

FAQs

How can I use "at the tail" in a sentence?

You can use "at the tail" to describe the end of something, such as "The concert was at the tail end of the summer" or "He arrived "at the tail end of" the meeting".

What can I say instead of "at the tail"?

You can use alternatives like "at the end", "at the rear", or "at the back" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in the tail" instead of "at the tail"?

While "in the tail" might be grammatically understandable, "at the tail" is the idiomatic and more commonly used expression. "In the tail" may be used if referring to something physically located inside the tail of an object, rather than referring to its position in a sequence.

What's the difference between "at the tail end" and "at the beginning"?

"At the tail end" refers to the final portion or conclusion of something, while "at the beginning" refers to the initial stage or commencement. They are opposite in meaning, indicating different points in a sequence or process.