close to the end

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to the end" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is coming close to reaching completion. For example, "We are close to the end of the project - only a few more steps to go."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was close to the end.

The New York Times

We're so close to the end.

The Guardian - Sport

Because we're very close to the end".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

2. Start as close to the end as possible.

Columbia University

"It's getting close to the end," she said.

The New York Times

He's close to the end, let's see what he finds.

The Guardian

Because we're close to the end of the race".

The New York Times - Sports

How can they do that so close to the end?

The Guardian - Sport

Nevertheless Felix continued pranking until very close to the end.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"We're close to the end of the transition period, but we're also close to the end of the transition process".

The New York Times

Especially at a job interview, starting close to the end helps with concision.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close to the end" to clearly signal that a process, event, or period is nearing its completion. This helps manage expectations and provides a sense of closure for the audience.

Common error

While "close to the end" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "nearing completion" or "in the final stages" in professional or academic writing to maintain a higher level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to the end" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause to indicate the stage or progression of an event, process, or state towards its conclusion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close to the end" is a versatile phrase used to denote the nearing of a conclusion across diverse contexts. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, it’s grammatically correct and widely used. While generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives in professional writing. Remember to use it to signal completion and manage expectations effectively. Common errors include overusing it in formal settings. With 60 examples from reliable sources, its usage spans news, academia, and science, making it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about to conclude

Emphasizes that something is on the point of ending.

almost finished

Emphasizes the state of being nearly complete.

in the final stages

Indicates that the process is in its last steps.

nearing completion

Focuses on the act of finishing something.

nearing its conclusion

Highlights the approach of the final decision or outcome.

drawing to a close

Highlights the gradual approach of the end.

approaching the finale

Emphasizes reaching the concluding performance or event.

on the verge of ending

Stresses the imminence of the conclusion.

at the tail end

Suggests being at the concluding part of something.

winding down

Focuses on the gradual reduction of activity before the end.

FAQs

How can I use "close to the end" in a sentence?

You can use "close to the end" to indicate that something is nearing its completion, such as "We are "close to the end" of the project" or "The game is "close to the end"".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "close to the end"?

Similar phrases include "almost finished", "nearing completion", or "drawing to a close". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "close to the end" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "close to the end" might be perceived as informal in some contexts. Alternatives such as "in the final stages" or "nearing its conclusion" may be more suitable for formal writing.

What's the difference between "close to the end" and "at the end"?

"Close to the end" implies nearness but not arrival at the final point, while "at the end" indicates the actual final point or conclusion.