ended earlier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ended earlier" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something concluded before a previously expected or scheduled time. Example: "The meeting ended earlier than anticipated, allowing us to leave the office sooner."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

We excluded two programs (Cape Town, South Africa and Mozambique) as data collection ended earlier (2007 and 2005, respectively) allowing less follow-up time.

BMC Health Services Research

However, we do not find tumours in the E7 model, but our study ended earlier (10 months) than the other studies.

British Journal of Cancer

The follow-up period was right-censored in October 2011 or ended earlier due to death or loss to follow-up.

British Journal of Cancer

We have verified the conclusion drawn in our previous studies that in solar cycles 21 23 the polar-field reversal started and ended earlier at large heights than on the solar surface.

Advances in Space Research

But the parties ended earlier than in most years, reflecting the gruelling schedule for this year's Monday news conferences.

The Economist

Cohen pleaded guilty last year to misleading lawmakers about the timing of the project — claiming discussions about it ended earlier than they actually did.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The strike ended earlier this month.

The New York Times

His third marriage, to Karin Barnard, ended earlier this year.

The New York Times

The three-year contract ended earlier this year.

The New York Times

Read more about the three-month exhibit, which ended earlier this month, here.

Stanford University

The veteran broadcaster's legendary BBC1 Sunday show was ended earlier this year.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ended earlier", clarify why the event concluded prematurely. Providing context helps the reader understand the circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "ended earlier" without explaining the cause of the early termination. Failing to provide context can leave the reader confused about whether the early end was intentional or due to unforeseen circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ended earlier" functions as a verb phrase indicating the termination of an event, activity, or process before its anticipated or scheduled conclusion. As Ludwig AI explains, it is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ended earlier" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the premature conclusion of an event or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its frequency is classified as common, appearing often in news and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, consider clarifying why something ended earlier to provide sufficient context. Alternatives such as ""concluded prematurely"" or ""finished ahead of schedule"" can be used based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stopped sooner

This option is simpler and more direct, focusing on the time aspect of the ending.

concluded prematurely

This alternative emphasizes the unexpected and potentially undesirable nature of the early ending.

cut short

Emphasizes that something was stopped abruptly, possibly against its natural course.

finished ahead of schedule

This option highlights efficiency and planning, suggesting the early finish was a positive outcome.

ceased before expected

Highlights the contrast between the actual ending and the anticipated duration.

terminated prematurely

This is a more formal and abrupt way to express something ending earlier, often used in official or technical contexts.

completed in advance

This suggests that a task or project was finished earlier than anticipated.

wrapped up before time

This is an informal alternative, suggesting a casual or relaxed setting.

came to an early close

This is a more poetic or descriptive way of saying something ended earlier.

adjourned sooner than planned

This is often used in formal meetings or legal settings, indicating an early recess.

FAQs

How can I use "ended earlier" in a sentence?

You can use "ended earlier" to indicate that something concluded before its expected or scheduled time. For example: "The meeting "ended earlier" than planned due to the speaker's illness."

What are some alternatives to "ended earlier"?

Some alternatives include "concluded prematurely", "finished ahead of schedule", or "stopped sooner", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "ended earlier than expected"?

Yes, "ended earlier than expected" is grammatically correct and commonly used to emphasize that something finished before the anticipated time.

What's the difference between "ended earlier" and "finished early"?

"Ended earlier" implies a comparison to a planned or expected end time, while "finished early" simply means it ended before a typical or usual time. The choice depends on the specific context you're describing.