toward the end

USAGE SUMMARY

"toward the end" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is close to the end of a timeline, a series of events, or a process. For example, "We began our journey toward the end of spring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Toward the end, Hatto joined the discussion.

The New Yorker

The pacing only flagged toward the end.

The New York Times - Arts

"Toward the end, I primed it.

The New Yorker

Toward the end, he's shouting".

The New York Times

Toward the end of "Shipwrecked!

The New York Times

The climax comes toward the end.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Check back toward the end of November.

The New York Times

He introduced it toward the end of 2009.

The New York Times - Food

Bala finished the book toward the end of 2002.

The New Yorker

I expect a ruling toward the end of this year.

The New Yorker

"We may see them toward the end of 2013".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "toward the end" with specific details or context to provide clarity, such as "toward the end of the fiscal year" or "toward the end of the project phase."

Common error

Avoid using "toward the end" without providing sufficient context. Saying "things improved toward the end" is less effective than specifying "things improved toward the end of the quarter after implementing the new strategy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "toward the end" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate when an action or state occurs in relation to the conclusion of a process, event, or period. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

28%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "toward the end" is a versatile and commonly used adverbial phrase that denotes a point nearing the conclusion of an event, process, or period. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and science. While generally neutral in register, providing specific context is key to avoiding vagueness. Considering alternatives like "near the finish" or "close to the ending" can add nuance, but "toward the end" remains a solid choice for clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near the finish

Focuses on the final stage or completion point.

close to the ending

Emphasizes the proximity to the end event.

approaching the finale

Highlights the anticipation of the final, often climactic, part.

as the conclusion nears

Formal and emphasizes the progression toward the final outcome.

in the final stretch

Idiomatic and refers to the last, often most challenging, part of a process.

getting to the last part

Simple and direct, focusing on reaching the final segment.

drawing to a close

Emphasizes the gradual termination of an event or period.

nearing completion

Highlights the progress toward being complete.

in the home stretch

Idiomatic and similar to 'in the final stretch', but perhaps slightly more informal.

at the tail end

Refers to the very last part, often implying a less significant portion.

FAQs

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

You can use "toward the end" to indicate a point in time or a stage in a process that is close to its conclusion. For example, "Toward the end of the movie, the plot twists became more frequent".

What are some alternatives to "toward the end"?

Alternatives include "near the finish", "close to the ending", or "approaching the finale", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "at the end" or "toward the end"?

"At the end" indicates the very final point, while "toward the end" suggests a period or stage nearing the conclusion but not necessarily the absolute last moment.

Can "toward the end" be used in contexts other than time?

Yes, while often used to describe time, "toward the end" can also describe the latter stages of a process, argument, or any sequence of events.