by the end

USAGE SUMMARY

"by the end" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that happened or that will happen at the end of a given time period. For example, "By the end of the week, we had finished the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

By the end of 2013?

The New York Times

By the end the theater was packed.

The New York Times - Arts

By the end, few believed him.

The Economist

By the end, his voice cracked.

The New York Times

"By the end they were cheering.

The New York Times

By the end, Touré was limping.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

All will be delivered by the end of 2015.

The New York Times

These officially expire by the end of 2010.

The Economist

By the end of last year it had a dozen.

The Economist

By the end of 1995, we were going strong.

The New York Times

A vote is planned by the end of this week.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by the end" to clearly indicate a deadline or the final state of something within a specific timeframe. For instance, "By the end of Q3, we aim to increase sales by 15%."

Common error

Avoid using "at the end" when you mean to express something completed or achieved within a period. "At the end" refers to a specific point, while "by the end" indicates a deadline or cumulative effect. For example, say "By the end of the year, we will have launched three new products" not "At the end of the year, we will have launched three new products" if you want to express an achievement within that period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by the end" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a time frame's conclusion. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It sets a deadline or describes the final state of something within a specific period.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by the end" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate the completion or final state of something within a specific timeframe. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Its neutral register allows for broad application across various contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. Usage examples highlight its effectiveness in setting deadlines and defining temporal boundaries. Distinguishing it from "at the end" is crucial to avoid confusion, as the former implies a cumulative effect or achievement within a period, while the latter refers to a specific point in time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon completion

Emphasizes the act of finishing something rather than the temporal aspect.

at the last

Focuses on the very latest moment in a process.

at the close

More formal and often used in business or official contexts.

ultimately

Highlights the final result or consequence after a process.

upon reaching the deadline

Specifies a target or limitation.

in conclusion

Used to summarize or finalize an argument or discussion.

in the final analysis

Stresses a thorough examination leading to a final conclusion.

when all is said and done

Idiomatic expression emphasizing the final outcome after all considerations.

eventually

Indicates something happening at a later, unspecified time.

with the passing of time

More poetic and emphasizes the duration leading to the end.

FAQs

How can I use "by the end" in a sentence?

Use "by the end" to specify a deadline or final state. For example, "By the end of the day, please submit your reports." or "By the end of the week, the project should be complete."

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

"By the end" indicates a deadline or the culmination of something within a timeframe, whereas "at the end" refers to a specific point in time. For instance, "We expect results "by the end of the month"", but "We held a party "at the end of the month"".

Can I use "by the end" to describe events in the past?

Yes, "by the end" can be used to describe events that concluded in the past. For example, "By the end of the war, the city was in ruins."

What are some alternatives to using "by the end"?

Alternatives include "upon completion", "at the close", or "in conclusion", depending on the specific context and meaning you want to convey.