near the end of the road

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "near the end of the road" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a location that is close to the conclusion of a journey or metaphorically to indicate nearing the end of a process or situation. Example: "As we approached the small town, we realized we were near the end of the road, both literally and figuratively in our journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Here are the ill-assorted couple, one with a future, the other near the end of the road.

The Guardian - Opinion

This was special, we agreed; and now, late Sunday afternoon near the end of the road, we were also nearing the end of our weekend.

The New York Times - Arts

And Bolland points to the recovery in womenswear, saying sales in this crucial area have risen in the last quarter in like-for-like terms (a key measure of performance) 11.16am BST Chairman Robert Swannell insists that M&S's rebuilding job is near the end of the road: "Our period of heavy lifting in making the required improvements to the infrastructure of M&S is coming to an end...

The Guardian - Business

We have achieved something but are nowhere near the end of the road yet, and will continue to strive to improve".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

For Johnson, she is nearing the end of the road in a Terps uniform.

The New York Times

Venus in particular, writes Matt Cronin on Foxsports.com, seems to be nearing the end of the road.

The New York Times - Sports

Another facet of British life in decline, according to Amis, is the monarchy, which he suggests is "nearing the end of the road".

The Guardian - Books

Blippar, the U.K.-based AR startup that raised more than $130 million, may be nearing the end of the road.

TechCrunch

We're nearing the end of the road for free speech and freedom in general, folks.

Huffington Post

This comes on the heels of a big round of layoffs a couple of weeks ago, which hinted that the end of the road for Aereo may be near.

TechCrunch

The end of the road.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "near the end of the road" to describe situations where a process, project, or even a life stage is approaching its conclusion. This phrase carries a sense of finality and potential change.

Common error

Avoid using "near the end of the road" when you mean simple directional instructions. While it can literally mean approaching the physical end of a road, overuse in this context diminishes its figurative impact. Instead, opt for clearer, more direct language such as "almost at your destination."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "near the end of the road" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the state or condition of something approaching its conclusion. It often carries a metaphorical weight, suggesting a point of significant transition or completion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "near the end of the road" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something is approaching its conclusion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While the phrase can have literal meanings, it often operates as a metaphor for finality, transition, or change. This phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts and it's regarded as a neutral-register expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close to the finish line

Refers to the final stage of a race or project, emphasizing proximity to completion.

approaching the culmination

Highlights the impending final point or climax of an event or process.

nearing completion

Focuses on the act of almost being finished, with an emphasis on the process.

drawing to a close

Indicates that something is gradually coming to an end, often used for events or periods of time.

almost done

A more informal way of saying something is close to being finished.

reaching the final stretch

Emphasizes the last part of a journey or project, suggesting a final effort is needed.

on the verge of completion

Suggests imminence and the expectation of soon being finished.

in the home stretch

Similar to reaching the final stretch, this emphasizes the last leg of a process.

coming to fruition

Focuses on the realization or fulfillment of a plan or project.

at the tail end

Indicates being in the final part or segment of something.

FAQs

How can I use "near the end of the road" in a sentence?

You can use "near the end of the road" to describe a situation that is coming to a conclusion, such as "After years of hard work, he felt he was "near the end of the road" in his career."

What's a more formal alternative to "near the end of the road"?

A more formal alternative would be "approaching the culmination" or "nearing completion". These phrases offer a similar sense of finality but in a more elevated tone.

Is "near the end of the road" interchangeable with "at the end of the road"?

While similar, "near the end of the road" implies that the end is close but not yet reached, whereas "at the end of the road" suggests the conclusion has been reached. Consider your intended nuance when choosing between these phrases.

What can I say instead of "near the end of the road"?

You can use alternatives like "close to the finish line", "drawing to a close", or "nearing completion" depending on the context.