closing stages

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "closing stages" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the final phases or moments of a process, event, or activity. Example: "As we enter the closing stages of the project, it's important to finalize all outstanding tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chelsea besieged Swansea in the closing stages of the match.

Independent

Rooney was replaced for the closing stages by youngster Lawrence Shankland.

The Guardian - Sport

The Hammers then had a huge let-off in the closing stages of the first half.

The Guardian - Sport

Only in the closing stages did the Dogs do so, decisively.

The Guardian - Sport

He idled in the closing stages and perhaps got there too soon.

The Guardian - Sport

The German club saw out the closing stages with blissful ease.

The Guardian - Sport

Spurs threw everything forward throughout the closing stages and Campbell went closest deep into injury time.

The Guardian - Sport

Irish voices united during the closing stages and they departed Gdansk with their pride unbowed.

The Guardian - Sport

At the closing stages of the event, I'm feeling danced and hugged out.

The Guardian - Music

Instead they surged back in the closing stages of the first half.

The Guardian - Sport

Against Calzaghe, Hopkins simply found no way in the closing stages to throw enough effective punches.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "closing stages", consider the context. It's particularly effective in sports, projects, and events where a sense of urgency or culmination is present. Make sure the subject fits the finality that the phrase suggests.

Common error

Avoid using "closing stages" when referring to something that is merely nearing a midpoint or a temporary pause. This phrase is most appropriate when the end is definitively approaching.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closing stages" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes the final portion of an event, process, or period. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a valid and frequently used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "closing stages" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to the final part of an event or process. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage, particularly in news, sports, and business contexts. While alternatives like "final phase" or "last stretch" exist, "closing stages" often conveys a stronger sense of culmination or urgency. To use it effectively, ensure the context genuinely reflects the nearing end of something, and avoid overuse in less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last stage

A direct and simple way to refer to the final part of a process.

end stages

Simply refers to the last parts of something, similar in meaning but less emphatic.

final stretch

Indicates the last part of a race or effort.

final phase

Focuses on the last distinct segment of a process.

terminal phase

Refers to the concluding stage, often with a formal or scientific connotation.

end phase

Emphasizes the termination point of a process.

finishing straight

Similar to "final stretch" but more specifically related to races.

last leg

Implies the final portion of a journey or competition.

dying moments

Highlights the very last, often critical, part of an event.

endgame

Suggests a strategic final phase, often in a conflict or negotiation.

FAQs

How can I use "closing stages" in a sentence?

You can use "closing stages" to refer to the end of an event or process, such as "The team dominated the "closing stages" of the match" or "We are in the "closing stages" of the project".

What are some alternatives to "closing stages"?

Alternatives include phrases like "final phase", "end stage", or "last stretch", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "final stages" or "closing stages"?

"Final stages" and "closing stages" are largely interchangeable, but ""closing stages"" often implies a sense of urgency or culmination that "final stages" might not.

What's the difference between "closing stages" and "final moments"?

"Closing stages" refers to a more extended period near the end, while "final moments" typically refers to the very last few seconds or minutes of something.