in the final stretch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the final stretch" is a correct and common phrase used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the last phase of a period of time or a process of some kind. For example, "We are in the final stretch of the school year, only a few weeks left until summer break."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

What has this race come to in the final stretch?

The New York Times

The horses, sweaty from two hours of chugging uphill, struggled in the final stretch.

The New York Times - Travel

In the final stretch, Blame, a homebred chestnut colt in the lead.

The New Yorker

Then Maier, starting 26th, tied him, fading in the final stretch.

The New York Times - Sports

After leading most of the race, she faded in the final stretch and finished fourth.

The New York Times - Sports

"Everybody will have enough money to communicate with the electorate in the final stretch".

The New York Times

Fatally overstretched, Welcome to New York runs itself into a morose impasse in the final stretch.

The Guardian - Film

We're in the final stretch of the Led Zeppelin reissues programme now.

The Guardian - Music

The election battle could certainly heat up in the final stretch.

The New York Times

That means that he was in the final stretch and he was being prepared for the death chamber.

The Guardian

THAILAND is in the final stretch of a nail-biting election campaign, with only three days to go.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the final stretch" to add a sense of urgency or excitement when discussing the last phase of a project, campaign, or any endeavor nearing completion. It's particularly effective in contexts where momentum and focus are crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "in the final stretch" when describing situations that are far from completion. Ensure that the subject is genuinely nearing its end, or the phrase will sound misplaced and create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the final stretch" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the concluding stage of an activity or process. Ludwig demonstrates this through examples in varied contexts, highlighting its adaptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in the final stretch" is a very common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to denote the concluding phase of an activity or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the sense of nearing completion, often with an implication of urgency. While versatile, it's most frequently found in News & Media and Sports contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject is indeed nearing its end to avoid miscommunication. Consider alternatives like "in the home stretch" or "nearing completion" for slight variations in meaning or formality. The phrase is widely accepted and understood, making it a valuable addition to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the home stretch

Emphasizes the proximity to the end, similar to a race's final straightaway.

in the last leg

Refers to the concluding part of a journey or project.

close to the finish line

Uses a metaphor to suggest nearing the end of a task or goal.

nearing completion

Highlights the fact that something is almost finished.

in the end game

Suggests a strategic final phase, often used in business or politics.

in the concluding phase

More formal, emphasizing the final stage of a process.

approaching the deadline

Focuses on the time constraint of a final period.

drawing to a close

Implies a gradual ending, often used for events or periods of time.

in the critical stage

Highlights the importance of the final period.

at the eleventh hour

Emphasizes that something is happening very late or just before a deadline.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the final stretch" to describe the last phase of a project, competition, or any endeavor nearing completion. For example: "The team is "in the final stretch" of the project, working hard to meet the deadline."

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

You can use alternatives like "in the home stretch", "nearing completion", or "close to the finish line" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "in the final stretch" in formal writing?

While "in the final stretch" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or news-related contexts. In highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "in the concluding phase".

What's the difference between "in the final stretch" and "at the eleventh hour"?

"In the final stretch" refers to the last part of a process, implying steady progress towards completion. "At the eleventh hour", on the other hand, indicates something happening very late, often just before a deadline, implying a last-minute effort.