end of play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "end of play" is a correct and commonly used idiom in written English.
It typically refers to the end of a certain activity, task, or event, and can also denote the conclusion of a specific timeframe. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as business, sports, and everyday conversation. Example: At the end of play, the team had scored three goals and secured their spot in the finals. In this sentence, "end of play" refers to the conclusion of the game or match. Another example: We'll have to review the budget again at the end of play next month. Here, "end of play" refers to the end of the month or a specific deadline for reviewing the budget.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

It's going to be the end of play, isn't it.

The Guardian - Sport

At the end of play, Kim himself makes an appearance.

The Guardian

The baseball calm that comes with the end of play has been absent this time around.

The New Yorker

"You'll become the greatest by end of play because you are".

The Guardian - Sport

Think we're pretty much where we left everyone at the end of play last week.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Turner Construction is renovating the arena and needs about 20 consecutive weeks from the end of play.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Swanton's end-of-play summaries, by contrast, always sounded as if written and delivered by the pompous headmaster of a minor public school.

The Times

Director Jesse Berger mounts a handsome production (David M. Barber the set designer, Sara Jean Tosetti the costumer) that may be a whit too bathed in bright light, until, that is, the copious end-of-play bloodletting.

Huffington Post

7.13pm BST End of play Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta gestures next to Italian Interior Minister Angelino Alfano at the lower house of Parliament in Rome, Italy, tonight.

The Guardian - Business

[End of play.].

Huffington Post

BOSTON COLLEGE TRIUMPHS Cronin's Goal Near End of Play Beat Royal Military Academy, 7-6, in Stirring Battle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "end of play" to clearly indicate the cessation of a specific activity or period within a defined context, particularly in sports, business, or project management. It's best suited when a clear endpoint needs to be emphasized.

Common error

Avoid using "end of play" when referring to the termination of something abstract or ongoing without a defined timeframe. It's more appropriate for situations with a clear, measurable conclusion, not open-ended processes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "end of play" functions primarily as a noun phrase indicating the termination of a specific activity or period. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various contexts demonstrating its usage, confirming its role in denoting completion. It commonly marks the cessation of a sporting event, a business session, or any defined activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

24%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "end of play" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote the conclusion of an activity, particularly in sports, business, and other contexts with defined periods. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to signal completion and provide a temporal marker, allowing for summaries and evaluations. While the register is generally neutral, the phrase is most frequently found in news and media reporting. Consider alternatives such as "close of play" or "final whistle" depending on the context. Avoid using it in situations lacking a defined timeframe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close of play

Replaces "end" with "close", maintaining the meaning of a conclusion to a period of activity.

conclusion of the game

More specific, referring directly to the finish of a game.

end of the session

Refers to the conclusion of a specific session, whether it's a meeting, game or activity.

final whistle

Typically used in sports contexts to denote the end of a match.

game over

An idiomatic phrase signifying the termination of a game or contest.

time's up

Indicates that the allocated time for an activity has finished.

the final curtain

Often used metaphorically to represent the end of something, especially a performance or era.

last call

Signals the approaching end of service or opportunity, typically in a bar or similar setting.

closing time

Refers to the time when a business or establishment shuts for the day.

end of the line

Implies reaching the ultimate limit or boundary, the final stage of progress.

FAQs

How can I use "end of play" in a sentence?

You can use "end of play" to indicate the conclusion of a game, match, or session, such as "The score was tied at the "end of play"" or "The meeting adjourned at the "end of play"".

What's a synonym for "end of play"?

Synonyms for "end of play" include "close of play", "conclusion of the game", or "final whistle", depending on the specific context.

Is "end of play" formal or informal?

"End of play" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is most common in sports reporting and business settings.

What's the difference between "end of play" and "end of game"?

While similar, "end of game" specifically refers to the conclusion of a game, whereas "end of play" can refer to the conclusion of a period or session within a game or other activity. "End of game" is more specific, while ""end of play"" is broader.