to the very end

USAGE SUMMARY

'to the very end' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something was done all the way to the finish. For example, "He worked hard on his project to the very end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Honest and proud to the very end.

The New York Times - Sports

He obfuscated to the very end.

The New Yorker

He was hopeful to the very end".

The New York Times

Loyal to the very end.

The New Yorker

A futurist to the very end.

The New York Times

Beguiling and baffling to the very end.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A true fighter to the very end.

The New York Times

"He did that to the very end".

The New York Times - Arts

"I will hold my head high to the very end.

The New York Times - Sports

Always elegant and cheerful and brave to the very end.

The New York Times

They found ways to kill Jews to the very end.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to the very end" to convey a sense of unwavering commitment, persistence, or finality in your writing. For example, "She remained loyal to her principles to the very end".

Common error

Avoid using "to the very end" in overly sentimental or melodramatic situations, as it can sometimes sound cliché or insincere. Consider alternative phrases like "until the conclusion" or "throughout" for a more subtle effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to the very end" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use to emphasize the duration or extent of an action or state, indicating that something continued until its absolute termination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to the very end" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to emphasize the finality or persistence of an action or state, according to Ludwig AI. It functions as an adverbial phrase, adding emphasis to verbs and conveying a sense of unwavering commitment. While it's commonly found in neutral and formal contexts such as news articles, it's important to avoid overuse in overly sentimental situations. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "to the very end" to enhance the impact and clarity of their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

until the bitter end

Emphasizes a negative or difficult situation being endured until its absolute conclusion.

until the very last

Slightly reinforces the sense of finality and completion.

right to the last

Highlights continuation to the final moment or element.

up to the last minute

Focuses on activity or effort continuing until the latest possible time.

until the conclusion

Stresses reaching the terminal phase of an event or process.

until the finale

Emphasizes reaching the concluding performance or event.

through thick and thin

Indicates unwavering support or commitment regardless of circumstances.

until the last breath

Emphasizes perseverance until death or the cessation of life.

to the absolute limit

Indicates that something is done to the greatest extent possible.

all the way

A simpler, more general way of expressing commitment to completion.

FAQs

How can I use "to the very end" in a sentence?

You can use "to the very end" to emphasize the finality or persistence of an action or state. For instance, "He fought for his beliefs "to the very end"".

What are some alternatives to "to the very end"?

Alternatives include phrases like "until the bitter end", "right to the last", or "up to the last minute", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "to the very end" and "until the end"?

"To the very end" emphasizes a stronger sense of completion and finality compared to "until the end". "Until the end" simply indicates a point in time, while "to the very end" highlights unwavering commitment or persistence to the ultimate conclusion.

Can "to the very end" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "to the very end" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when conveying a sense of dedication, perseverance, or the ultimate conclusion of a process or event.