coming to an end

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coming to an end" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation that is coming to a close, either due to a natural conclusion or due to a planned end. For example: "Our summer vacation is coming to an end, and it'll soon be time to get back to work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

His term is coming to an end.

The New York Times

That period is coming to an end.

The Economist

"His contract was coming to an end.

Independent

The outing was coming to an end.

The New Yorker

"That is now coming to an end".

The New York Times

It was coming to an end.

The New York Times

The world was coming to an end.

The New Yorker

My ride was coming to an end.

The New York Times

Her wait is coming to an end.

The New York Times

"My life is coming to an end.

Independent

That era is coming to an end.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "coming to an end" to clearly indicate that something is concluding, whether it's a process, event, or period. It provides a sense of finality without being overly abrupt.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overuse in exclusively formal documents where phrases like "nearing completion" or "approaching termination" might lend more gravitas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coming to an end" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the progression towards the termination of something. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is used to describe events, periods, or processes nearing their conclusion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "coming to an end" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the nearing conclusion of various events, processes, or periods. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as in academic writing. When aiming for more formal expression, alternatives such as "drawing to a close" or "nearing completion" can be considered. While generally neutral, avoid overuse in highly formal settings. The phrase serves to signal finality without being abrupt, making it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drawing to a close

Emphasizes a gradual conclusion or nearing the final stage.

nearing completion

Focuses on the state of being close to finished.

reaching its conclusion

Highlights the act of arriving at a final decision or outcome.

approaching termination

A more formal way of saying something is about to stop.

winding down

Suggests a gradual decrease in activity before stopping.

petering out

Indicates a gradual decline in strength or quantity until it disappears.

expiring

Refers to the end of a valid period or agreement.

dissipating

Suggests a gradual fading or vanishing.

ceasing

A formal term for stopping or discontinuing.

terminating

Implies a formal or official ending.

FAQs

How can I use "coming to an end" in a sentence?

You can use "coming to an end" to describe the conclusion of various events or periods. For example: "The school year is "coming to an end"" or "The project's deadline is "coming to an end"".

What are some alternatives to "coming to an end"?

Alternatives include "drawing to a close", "nearing completion", or "reaching its conclusion". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "come to an end" instead of "coming to an end"?

Both "come to an end" and "coming to an end" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different usages. "Come to an end" often refers to the act of ending, while "coming to an end" describes the process of approaching the end.

What's the difference between "coming to an end" and "brought to an end"?

"Coming to an end" implies a natural or expected conclusion, whereas "brought to an end" suggests an action caused the conclusion. For instance, "The negotiations were "brought to an end" by the mediator" indicates a deliberate action.