beginning and end

USAGE SUMMARY

"beginning and end" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to two distinct points in time, or as a metaphor for a comprehensive span of time, surroundings, or events. For example, "His life was characterized by extraordinary highs and lows, starting from the beginning and ending at the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only the beginning and end are difficult.

The New York Times

Was the woman the beginning and end of it all?

The New Yorker

This is not the beginning and end of my life".

The New Yorker

Cannabis became the beginning and end of Kate's prescription list.

Independent

I knew what the beginning and end were.

The New York Times

the beginning and end of the world, and much more.

Yale University

Special symbols mark the beginning and end of a transmission.

Cornell University

Leaves at beginning and end of codex stained and repaired.

Yale University

06m. at the beginning and end of the month, respectively.

Nature

The beginning and end of the case are well known.

The New York Times

The beginning and end of Valentino's appeal was sex.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "beginning and end" in formal writing, consider whether a more sophisticated synonym like "genesis and conclusion" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "beginning and end" when you only intend to describe an initial attempt or final outcome. Ensure the phrase accurately reflects covering the entirety of something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beginning and end" functions as a compound noun phrase, often acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It signifies encompassing the entirety of something. As Ludwig highlights, it is generally considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

31%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "beginning and end" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote the entirety of something, from its starting point to its conclusion. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used across various contexts. Predominantly found in science, news & media, and academia, it serves to emphasize the comprehensive scope or duration of a subject. While versatile, remember to consider the context and whether a more formal alternative might be more suitable, as highlighted by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from beginning to end

Adds emphasis on a linear process or narrative.

from start to finish

Indicates a complete process or duration, emphasizing the entire span.

start and finish

Offers a more straightforward and literal substitution for "beginning and end".

opening and close

Suitable when referring to events or periods with a clear start and endpoint.

outset and completion

Similar to "beginning and end" but emphasizes the initial stage and the finalization.

alpha and omega

Replaces "beginning and end" with a classical, slightly more formal expression implying completeness.

genesis and conclusion

Employs more academic terms to indicate the start and the end of something.

inception and termination

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey the idea of beginning and ending.

commencement and cessation

Uses more technical language to denote starting and stopping points.

birth and death

Substitutes "beginning and end" with a metaphorical expression relating to life's cycle.

FAQs

How can I use "beginning and end" in a sentence?

You can use "beginning and end" to describe the full scope of something, as in "The historian examined the "beginning and end" of the Roman Empire".

What are some alternatives to "beginning and end"?

Alternatives include "start and finish", "alpha and omega", or "inception and termination", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it redundant to say "from beginning to end"?

While "from beginning to end" is similar to "beginning and end", it emphasizes the entire duration or process, adding a layer of completeness or exhaustiveness.

Which is more formal, "beginning and end" or "genesis and conclusion"?

Genesis and conclusion carries a more formal and academic tone compared to the more common and neutral "beginning and end".