finishing line

USAGE SUMMARY

'finishing line' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe the final point in a competition, race, or other challenge. For example: "The athletes ran to the finishing line, and the winner was declared moments later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can see the finishing line.

Independent

Is Romney close to the finishing line?

The Guardian - Opinion

Bolt got his revenge once they crossed the finishing line.

Independent

Many big projects struggle to get to the finishing line.

The Economist

Life and biography reached the finishing line together.

The Guardian - Books

But with the finishing line in sight, Henman slipped up.

The Guardian - Sport

Crossing the finishing line, Ainslie punched the air.

The Guardian - Sport

There are no rests and there is no finishing line.

The Guardian - Books

Jonny tends to vomit at the finishing line.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I never made it to the finishing line.

The Guardian

You can't just stop dead at the finishing line.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "finishing line" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly relates to a process with a defined endpoint, such as a project or negotiation. This helps maintain clarity and avoids misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "finishing line" when describing ongoing or cyclical processes that lack a definitive conclusion. For example, saying "the company is nearing the finishing line of innovation" is inappropriate because innovation is continuous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "finishing line" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig points out, it represents the end point of a race or competition, whether literal or metaphorical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "finishing line" is a common and versatile noun phrase used to denote the end point of a race or any endeavor. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It commonly appears in news, sports, and metaphorical contexts. When using it metaphorically, consider the implications of a defined end. Alternative expressions include "end point" and "final stage", although "home stretch" captures the urgency of approaching completion. Remember to avoid using "finishing line" for processes that don't have a defined final step.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

end point

Focuses on the termination rather than the competitive aspect.

final stage

Emphasizes the concluding phase of a process.

last lap

Specifically used in racing contexts to denote the final circuit.

home stretch

Idiomatic expression for the final part of a race or task.

end of the road

Highlights the conclusion of a journey or path.

final destination

Emphasizes the ultimate goal of a journey or endeavor.

ultimate goal

Highlights the desired outcome.

final frontier

Suggests the last challenge to overcome.

point of completion

Focuses on completing a task or project.

moment of truth

Highlights the critical point where the outcome is decided.

FAQs

How can I use "finishing line" in a sentence?

The phrase "finishing line" typically refers to the end of a race or competition, but can also be used metaphorically to describe the end of a project or challenging situation. For example, "After months of hard work, we're finally approaching the finishing line of this project".

What's the difference between "finish line" and "finishing line"?

"Finishing line" is an alternative form of "finish line". Both terms are equally correct and interchangeable.

What are some synonyms for "finishing line"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "finishing line" include "end point", "final stage", or "home stretch".

When is it appropriate to use "finishing line" metaphorically?

Use "finishing line" metaphorically when you want to emphasize that a task, project, or effort is nearing its completion. Ensure that the context implies a clear end point, similar to a race. For example, reaching the "ultimate goal".