tail end

USAGE SUMMARY

"tail end" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an idiom meaning "the end of a period of time; the last part of a process." For example, "We are in the tail end of the summer season now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The plane was shattered against a mountainside with the tail end virtually disintegrated.

Huffington Post

"The leader at the tail end".

The New Yorker

"I caught the tail end of it.

The New York Times - Sports

released" clause appears at the tail end of paragraph (1).

Cornell University

I'm the tail end of the baby boomer generation.

University of California, Berkeley

"But we're at the tail end of it".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

formed the tail-end of Krantz's stock.

Nature

I love the tail-end of Strictly.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But this was on the tail-end of the 50s.

The Guardian

I think this lad, he was the tail-end Charlie.

The Guardian

"I'm at the tail-end of the process.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tail end" to refer to a time period, ensure the context makes it clear you're discussing the final portion, such as "the tail end of the year".

Common error

Don't use "tail end" in contexts where a more precise term for a physical end (e.g., "rear", "stern") is more appropriate. Reserve "tail end" for situations where the sense of finality or conclusion is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tail end" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes the final part of something, whether it is a period of time, an event, or a physical object. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tail end" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote the concluding part of something, be it a period, event, or object. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is correct and widespread. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal settings. When writing, remember that while "tail end" can refer to a physical rear, it is most effective when indicating the final phase or concluding aspect. Alternatives like "final part" or "end stage" can offer similar meanings in different contexts. While grammatically sound, it's essential to ensure the context aligns with the phrase's inherent sense of finality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final part

Focuses on the concluding aspect, omitting the spatial connotation.

end part

A more general term that can refer to either the temporal or spatial end.

rear section

Specifically refers to the back portion of a physical object or space.

last stage

Emphasizes the final phase in a process or event.

closing segment

Highlights the concluding part of a defined period or event.

end phase

Synonymous with final stage, it specifies the ending period.

latter portion

Indicates a part towards the end, but less definitive than "tail end".

back end

A more technical term, often used in computing or business contexts.

fag end

An informal term that shares the same meaning, considered less appropriate for formal situations.

tag end

Informal term similar to fag end with the same meaning

FAQs

How can I use "tail end" in a sentence?

You can use "tail end" to describe the final part of something, like "We caught the "tail end" of the summer vacation" or "He joined the project at the "tail end" of its development".

What's a more formal synonym for "tail end"?

While "tail end" is generally acceptable, in more formal contexts you might consider using phrases like "final stage", "concluding phase", or "latter part".

Is it correct to use "tail end" to describe a person's buttocks?

While technically one definition includes that usage, it is generally considered informal and potentially vulgar. It's best to use more neutral terms like "rear", "back", or "buttocks" in formal settings.

What's the difference between "tail end" and "rear end"?

"Rear end" typically refers to the physical back of something, like a car or an animal. "Tail end" can also refer to the physical back, but it more commonly describes the final part of a period of time or a process. You would say "the car's "rear end" was damaged", but "we arrived at the "tail end" of the party".