beginning of the end

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beginning of the end" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to the start of a series of events that will ultimately lead to the end of something. Example: The company's decision to outsource their production to another country was the beginning of the end for their domestic operations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Beginning of the end for those fellows!

The New Yorker

"It is the beginning of the end".

The New York Times

"It's the beginning of the end".

The New York Times - Arts

It was the beginning of the end".

The New Yorker

THE beginning of the end of AIDS?

The New York Times

This is the beginning of the end".

The New York Times - Magazine

They mark the beginning of the end".

The Guardian - Tech

"I'm at the beginning of the end.

The New York Times - Sports

That song the beginning of the end.

The New Yorker

"This symbolized the beginning of the end.

The New York Times - Sports

Was "Lazy Sunday" the beginning of the end?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "beginning of the end", ensure the context clearly indicates what is coming to an end. Avoid vague references to maintain clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "beginning of the end" in situations that are merely inconvenient or slightly negative. This phrase carries a heavy weight and is best reserved for situations with genuinely significant and irreversible consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beginning of the end" functions as a noun phrase that signifies the initial stage of a process or series of events that will inevitably lead to a negative outcome or termination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used to indicate the start of something's decline.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "beginning of the end" is a common idiom used to describe the start of a process or series of events that will inevitably lead to a negative conclusion or termination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, primarily in News & Media. While it can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it's often used in neutral to professional settings, making it suitable for analytical articles and news reports. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is coming to an end to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the turning point towards failure

Focuses on the moment when success shifts to the possibility of failure.

the onset of decline

Highlights the start of a weakening process.

the initial stage of collapse

Focuses on the failing or breaking apart aspect.

downward spiral's start

Focuses on the negative progression implied, specifying it as a decline.

the prelude to disaster

Suggests an event that comes before a calamitous occurrence.

the inception of downfall

Formal and dramatic, indicating the start of a significant fall from a high position.

the first step toward oblivion

Emphasizes the irreversible nature of the decline, leading to a state of being forgotten.

the dawn of termination

Highlights the start of something ceasing or concluding.

the genesis of the demise

Formal and emphasizes the origin of something's end.

the commencement of ruin

Emphasizes the start of damage or destruction.

FAQs

How can I use "beginning of the end" in a sentence?

You can use "beginning of the end" to describe the start of a process that will inevitably lead to the failure or termination of something. For example: "The decline in sales was the "beginning of the end" for the company."

What phrases are similar to "beginning of the end"?

Similar phrases include "onset of decline", "downward spiral's start", or "prelude to disaster", which all suggest the initial phase of an eventual negative outcome.

Is "beginning of the end" a formal or informal expression?

"Beginning of the end" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's often found in news reports and analytical articles, making it suitable for neutral to professional settings.

What's the difference between "beginning of the end" and "end of the beginning"?

"Beginning of the end" signifies the start of a decline or termination. "End of the beginning" implies that an initial phase or introductory period has concluded, and a new, possibly more serious or complex, phase is starting.