in the final moments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the final moments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a critical or decisive time just before an event concludes or a significant change occurs. Example: "In the final moments of the game, the team scored a last-minute goal that secured their victory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the final moments, heavy footsteps are audible offstage.

The Economist

Brienne Stairs scored again for Canada in the final moments.

The Guardian - Sport

Kenseth was the only driver with a shot to catch Hamlin in the final moments.

The New York Times - Sports

In the final moments, wearing an ostrich jacket, she takes center stage.

The New York Times - Arts

In the final moments, caught in the suddenly single Henry's triumphant bear hug, he was shattered.

Independent

Anthony and Stoudemire took turns dominating offensively, but neither took over in the final moments.

The New York Times - Sports

"A catch in the final moments, which was a spectacular catch, dashed our hopes once again".

The New York Times

In the final moments they dashed forward a number of steps before tumbling face down".

The New Yorker

No Republican spoke against the bill in the final moments before the concluding vote.

The New York Times

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — For Canada, it came down to a single play in the final moments.

The New York Times - Sports

And then back came the United States in the final moments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the final moments" to create suspense or highlight the importance of actions occurring near the end of a process or event. It adds dramatic weight when describing crucial plays in sports, plot twists in stories, or critical decisions in negotiations.

Common error

Avoid using "in the final moments" repeatedly within a short span of writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "in the closing stages" or "at the eleventh hour" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the final moments" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adverb, or clause. It specifies when an action or event occurs, indicating that it happens near the end. The examples from Ludwig show its wide use in describing sports events, dramatic scenes, and critical decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Sports

22%

Arts

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the final moments" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to emphasize the timing and significance of events occurring near the end of a process. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely found in news, sports, and artistic contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "at the eleventh hour" or "in the closing stages" for variety. While the register is generally neutral, tailored language may be preferable depending on the type of source.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the closing stages

Refers to the last part of an event, competition, or process, emphasizing the progression towards the end.

in the last seconds

Specifically refers to the very last few seconds of a timed event, emphasizing precision.

in the waning moments

Similar to "in the final moments" but more poetic emphasizing diminishing time.

in the nick of time

Indicates that something happened just in time to prevent a negative outcome, focusing on narrow escape.

at the eleventh hour

Refers to something happening very late, just before it's too late, emphasizing urgency.

in the endgame

Often used in strategic contexts, referring to the final phase of a plan or game where the outcome is determined.

as time ran out

Highlights the expiration of a time limit as a factor influencing events, emphasizing urgency and deadlines.

near the end

Describes the proximity to the conclusion of an event or period, indicating a general timeframe.

at the finish line

Focuses on the end point of a race or competition, often implying a sense of achievement or culmination.

at the tail end

Implies being at the very last part of something, suggesting a less significant or concluding portion.

FAQs

How can I use "in the final moments" in a sentence?

You can use "in the final moments" to describe events occurring near the end of a process or event. For example, "In the final moments of the game, he scored the winning goal."

What can I say instead of "in the final moments"?

You can use alternatives like "at the eleventh hour", "in the nick of time", or "in the closing stages" depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "in the final moments"?

While grammatically correct, "in the final moments" might be inappropriate if the context doesn't involve a sense of urgency, completion, or significance near the end of an event. For example, it would be odd to say "in the final moments of a movie" when describing a scene halfway through the film.

What is the difference between "in the final moments" and "in the last moments"?

The phrases "in the final moments" and "in the last moments" are largely interchangeable and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on stylistic preference. There is no major semantic difference.