at the tail end

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the tail end" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the last part of something, either physically or figuratively. For example, "We arrived at the tail end of the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

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

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 end of the event was something both mundane and marvelous.

The New York Times

Her first teaching job was in Ghana, at the tail end of Nkrumah's rule.

The Guardian

The Ebbsfleet loss at the tail end of September proved to be a turning point.

The Guardian - Sport

His contribution at the tail end of 1983-84 helped Saints to their highest-ever finish.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the tail end" to specifically emphasize the very last part or stage of something, especially when implying a sequential order or progression.

Common error

Avoid using "at the tail end" when a simple "at the end" suffices. The phrase is most effective when highlighting the final portion of a drawn-out process or sequence, not just any conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the tail end" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun. It indicates the final part or concluding stage of something. This is supported by Ludwig examples where it describes positions in time, processes, or physical locations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the tail end" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for describing the final part or concluding stage of something. Its usage is common across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While primarily neutral in register, more formal alternatives may exist for specific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure it effectively emphasizes the very last portion of a sequence or event to avoid redundancy. Ludwig examples helped to confirm its correct usage and provide insight into its application across diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the end

Omits "tail", resulting in a shorter, more general expression indicating conclusion.

towards the close

Replaces "tail end" with a more formal expression indicating the approaching end of something.

at the fag end

Uses the British English slang term "fag end" to denote the last or least desirable part.

in the final stages

Emphasizes the process of concluding, rather than the physical location.

at the concluding part

Rephrases the original by using "concluding" instead of "tail", emphasizing the finality.

near the finish

Uses "finish" instead of "end", focusing on the completion of an event or process.

in the last phase

Highlights the phase of the process that is near conclusion.

at the rear

Focuses on the physical position at the back, implying the end.

towards the back

Indicates a position near the end or rearmost part.

at the back of

Focuses on the position at the rear of something, not necessarily the conclusion of it.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the tail end" to describe being at the very end of something. For example: "We arrived "at the tail end" of the concert" or "He joined the project "at the tail end" of its development".

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

"At the end" generally refers to the conclusion of something, while "at the tail end" specifically emphasizes the very last part or stage, often implying a sequence or drawn-out process. "At the end" is more generic.

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "towards the close", "in the final stages", or simply "at the end". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "at the tail end" formal or informal?

"At the tail end" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in very formal writing. It is considered a common expression suitable for most situations.