signal the end

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "signal the end" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is coming to a conclusion or that a particular event or phase is finishing. Example: "The final whistle will signal the end of the match, and the players will shake hands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Why do ads signal the end of debate?

The Guardian

Does this signal the end of the Young Turks?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It may also signal the end of the PCTs.

The Guardian

Grexit, say some, will signal the end of the eurozone.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yahoo's decision doesn't — and shouldn't — signal the end of telecommuting.

The New Yorker

Let's hope this time they signal the end.

The New York Times

Does this signal the end of Cool Britannia?

The Economist

That would almost certainly signal the end of the Good Friday agreement.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Transition does not signal the end of our commitment to Afghanistan or its security," he said.

The New York Times

But do these knickers really signal the end of leaks, stains and tampon tax?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Will Google Chrome signal the end of Firefox's "geek" domination?

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "signal the end" to clearly indicate the conclusion of an event, period, or activity. It's effective when you want to convey a sense of finality or transition.

Common error

Avoid using "signal the end" when referring to a temporary pause or a situation that is expected to resume. This phrase implies a definitive conclusion, not a brief interruption.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "signal the end" functions as a verbal phrase, often acting as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of indicating or signifying the conclusion of something. Ludwig examples support this function by showcasing its use in various contexts, indicating the conclusion of events or periods.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "signal the end" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that clearly indicates the conclusion or termination of an event, period, or activity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, primarily appearing in news, business, and general informational sources. While versatile, it's best used when referring to definitive conclusions rather than temporary pauses. Alternatives like "mark the end" or "indicate the termination" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. When writing with "signal the end", consider the context to ensure you are accurately conveying a sense of finality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

denote the close

Focuses on signifying or representing the end in a clear and direct manner.

indicate the termination

Highlights the formal ending or conclusion of an event or process.

represent the completion

Focuses on the act of symbolizing that something is fully and successfully finished.

mark the cessation

Emphasizes the stopping of something, focusing on the act of marking or acknowledging it.

announce the ceasing

Stresses the act of publicly declaring the end of something.

herald the finish

Implies a celebratory or significant announcement of the end.

presage the ending

Highlights the predictive aspect of the end, suggesting it is foretold.

portend the conclusion

Suggests a prediction or foreshadowing of the end, often with a sense of anticipation.

augur the termination

Similar to 'portend' or 'presage', but with a more formal or literary tone.

foreshadow the demise

Implies a negative or unfortunate end that is being hinted at in advance.

FAQs

How can I use "signal the end" in a sentence?

You can use "signal the end" to indicate the conclusion of something. For example, "The referee's whistle "signals the end" of the game" or "The company's announcement "signals the end" of the project".

What are some alternatives to "signal the end"?

Alternatives include "mark the end", "indicate the termination", or "denote the close", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "signal the end" in formal writing?

Yes, "signal the end" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports and professional documents where a clear and direct indication of conclusion is needed. The examples shown by Ludwig can confirm it.

What's the difference between "signal the end" and "mark the end"?

"Signal the end" implies a more active indication or announcement of the conclusion, while "mark the end" simply denotes that the conclusion has been reached. The former is a trigger, the latter is a record.