final spurt

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "final spurt" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe a last burst of effort before the completion of a task or activity. For example: "With only a few minutes left, the runner put in a final spurt to finish the race in first place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It paused in its acceleration, as if taking a big breath before the final spurt.

The New York Times

“Making that final spurt, the last effort in a race.

The New York Times - Books

It was anyone's game until that final spurt as Boise State stayed with the Bearcats on their home court.

The New York Times - Sports

Analysts are not quite sure whether the agreement between Heinz and Del Monte represents the final spurt of the old cycle or a glimmer of a new one.

The New York Times

After trailing at halftime, 25-24, and then through most of the second half, Rutgers made its final spurt on a 3-pointer by Tasha Pointer.

The New York Times - Sports

Behrajan gave a final spurt and....was suddenly pipped by a neck on the post by the 14-1 shothethe grey What's Up Boys.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Harvard faded, but Columbia had one last spurt, and on the final stroke regained the lead.

The New York Times - Sports

Puberty includes a final growth spurt, after which girls mostly stop growing.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it was his final scoring spurt in the fourth that put Toronto over the top.

The New York Times - Sports

I lost a third of my body weight at sleepaway camp thanks to a mixture of anorexia and one final growth spurt, and devastated my sister by becoming less of a furbie, and threatening to upstage her as "the hot one".

Huffington Post

Pygmies grow up just like other modern humans until they become teenagers, when they fail to undergo a final adolescent growth spurt.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "final spurt" to describe a concentrated burst of energy or effort towards the end of a task, project, or race. For example, a runner might use a "final spurt" to win a race, or a team might make a "final spurt" to complete a project before a deadline.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on a "final spurt" to compensate for poor planning or lack of consistent effort throughout a project. While a burst of energy can be helpful, it shouldn't be a substitute for sustained work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "final spurt" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used to describe a culminating burst of activity or effort. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in various contexts, such as sports and business, confirming its role in signifying a concentrated, end-stage exertion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "final spurt" is a valid and useful expression in the English language, as confirmed by Ludwig. It typically denotes a concentrated burst of energy or effort towards the end of a task or activity. While not overly formal, it maintains a neutral register suitable for news, general writing, and even some scientific contexts. Remember to use it to describe that decisive push near completion and avoid relying on it as a substitute for consistent planning and effort throughout the entire process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final sprint

Focuses specifically on a burst of speed at the end, typically in a race or competition.

final surge

Similar to spurt but implies a more gradual increase in effort.

final push

Emphasizes the effort required to complete something, implying an obstacle to overcome.

last-ditch effort

Suggests a desperate attempt to achieve something before it's too late.

closing stretch

Refers to the final part of an activity or race, implying a sustained effort.

final leg

Highlights the last part of a journey or process.

last lap

Specifically refers to the final circuit in a race or competition.

end game

Implies a strategy or plan to achieve a final objective.

final act

Emphasizes the concluding part of a performance or event.

eleventh hour

Highlights the timing of an action, close to a deadline or critical moment.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "final spurt" in a sentence?

Use "final spurt" to describe a sudden, concentrated effort near the end of a task. For instance, "The company experienced a "growth spurt" in the final quarter of the year", or "The athlete used a "final sprint" to win the race".

What are some alternatives to using "final spurt" in writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "final push", "final surge", or "last-ditch effort" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "final spurt" appropriate for formal writing?

While "final spurt" is generally acceptable, consider the formality of your writing. In highly formal contexts, a more precise or technical term might be preferable. However, it's suitable for most news and general writing.

What's the difference between a "final spurt" and a "growth spurt"?

A "final spurt" refers to a burst of energy or effort at the end of a process, while a "growth spurt" describes a period of rapid growth, often in a biological context or economic context.