terminal point

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "terminal point" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a point of termination or a point at which something ends. For example, "The race ended at the terminal point near the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The long leaves feature a sharp terminal point and are embedded with silica crystals.

Britannica

It is the terminal point for several Staten Island bus lines and the Bayonne Bridge is nearby.

The New York Times

When the composition of one terminal point is fixed, a map can be drawn for the position of the other terminal point and this allows us to predict the multiplicity of the solution: single, double or triple.

Acta Materialia

Kisangani (formerly Stanleyville), the terminal point of navigation on the Congo River from Kinshasa, is the capital of Orientale province.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Here as in that case the intent seems plain—the dispute was to reach its last terminal point when the administrative finding was made.

Cornell University

We read the finality clause of Article 53 as doing no more than describing the terminal point for proceedings within the court-martial system.

Cornell University

But the fight against terrorism won't have a "clear terminal point," as President Obama said recently, and many of the detainees weren't captured on an obvious battlefield.

The New York Times

The question now is whether the fighting will prove to be a temporary setback in the drive to make peace or a terminal point in negotiations.

The New York Times

So the landmarks commission's pending attention to this work marks the terminal point of the unique character of West End Avenue.

The New York Times

Second, the repair of cartilage defects was a dynamic process, and our study was limited to the terminal point of repair.

Nature

At the time of flowering, the apical meristem (the terminal point of cell division) produces a flower bud, thus arresting the growth of the peduncle.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "terminal point", ensure the context clearly defines what is terminating or ending at that point. For example, specify the process, line, or area to which the terminal point applies.

Common error

Avoid using "terminal point" when referring to the beginning of a process or line. "Terminal point" strictly denotes the end, so use "starting point", "origin", or "initial point" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terminal point" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies the concluding location, stage, or value in a process, path, or sequence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terminal point" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that denotes the end of a process, path, or sequence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. The phrase appears most often in scientific and technical contexts, but is also found in news and encyclopedic sources. When writing, ensure the context clearly defines what is terminating at the specified point. Alternatives such as ""end point"" and "final destination" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid confusing it with related terms like "inflection point", which refers to a change in direction rather than an endpoint.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

end point

Replaces "terminal" with "end", emphasizing the finality of the point.

termination point

A more formal synonym, using a slightly different noun form of "terminate".

absolute end

Emphasizes that there is no other point after this one.

final destination

Highlights the destination aspect, suggesting a journey or process ending at the point.

last stop

Implies a sequence of stops or stages, with this being the final one.

finishing line

Evokes the image of a race or competition ending at a specific point.

ultimate limit

Focuses on the limit or boundary aspect, suggesting a point beyond which something cannot go.

outermost limit

Highlights the extreme or furthest extent of something.

culmination

Refers to the climax or final result of a process, suggesting a point of high achievement or completion.

boundary

Emphasizes the edge or limit of something.

FAQs

How to use "terminal point" in a sentence?

You can use "terminal point" to describe the end of a journey, a process, or a physical object. For example: "The bus route's "end point" is downtown", or "The experiment reached its "conclusion" at the terminal point".

What can I say instead of "terminal point"?

You can use alternatives like ""end point"", "final destination", or "termination point" depending on the context.

Is "terminal point" formal or informal?

"Terminal point" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more technical or scientific writing might favor it over simpler alternatives like "end".

What's the difference between "terminal point" and "inflection point"?

"Terminal point" refers to the end, whereas "inflection point" indicates a change in direction or trend. They are not interchangeable.