up to the finish line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "up to the finish line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the progress or effort made towards completing a task or reaching a goal, often in a competitive context. Example: "The team worked tirelessly, pushing themselves up to the finish line of the project before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Shortly afterward, Mitch Seavey pulled up to the finish line and hugged Boppa and Janine.

The New Yorker

"Again!" Pilar shouted before the coaster car had even pulled up to the finish line.

The New York Times - Travel

He vowed to keep working "up to the finish line", and told his staff so.

The Guardian

In fact, when the press bus finally pulled up to the finish line, about the same time that Wakiihuri did, some of the reporters were just as relieved.

The New York Times - Sports

Truly, triply fantastic: that's about the only way to describe the way the 99th Congress is coming up to the finish line.

The New York Times

There was even a long, steep ramp coming up to the finish line - the perfect place to try to shoe-it past a gasping rival.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Put another way, this leaves Obama with 74 votes to pick up to cross the finish line, whereas Romney will need 114.

Huffington Post

In Athens, huge fans have been set up at the finish line of the equestrian events to cool the horses.

The New York Times - Sports

The runners in the double stade, of course, lined up at the finish line of the single stade, using the starting blocks there in order to end at the customary finishing line.

The New Yorker

And that bomb did indeed blow up at the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

The New York Times

Mere moments later came a grinning granny-bike dawdler, pulling up at the finish line slowly, but as fresh as a daisy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "up to the finish line" to convey the idea of continuous effort until the very end of a task, project, or competition. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing persistence and determination.

Common error

Avoid using "up to the finish line" in contexts where there isn't an element of competition or a clearly defined end goal. It's more appropriate for situations involving races, projects with deadlines, or endeavors requiring sustained effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "up to the finish line" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the extent or duration of an action, emphasizing persistence until the very end. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "up to the finish line" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe sustained effort until the end of a task or competition. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and usability. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, emphasizing persistence and determination. While alternatives like "in the home stretch" or "almost there" exist, this phrase carries a unique emphasis on continuous effort. Remember to use it appropriately in contexts where a clear endpoint and a competitive element are present.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost there

A simple and direct way to say that the goal is very close, suitable for encouraging someone.

in the home stretch

An idiom specifically referring to the final part of a race or endeavor, similar in tone but more informal.

coming down the final stretch

Similar to 'in the home stretch', but perhaps slightly more evocative of a physical race.

close to completion

Emphasizes the state of being nearly finished, suitable for projects or tasks.

nearing the end

A more general way to express that something is close to its conclusion, without the competitive implication.

approaching the culmination

Focuses on the final point or climax, suggesting a more formal or significant ending.

reaching the final stage

Focuses on the process of arriving at the last phase, often used in formal contexts.

drawing to a close

Suggests a gradual ending, often used for events or periods of time.

on the verge of success

Highlights the potential for a positive outcome, adding an element of anticipation.

at the eleventh hour

Indicates something is happening very late or just before a deadline.

FAQs

How can I use "up to the finish line" in a sentence?

You can use "up to the finish line" to describe continuous effort until the end of a task, for example: "The team worked tirelessly, pushing themselves "up to the finish line" to complete the project on time."

What's a good alternative to "up to the finish line"?

Alternatives include "in the home stretch", "nearing the end", or "close to completion", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "up to the finish line"?

It's best used when describing efforts toward a specific goal or deadline, particularly in competitive situations or projects requiring sustained effort. Avoid using it in vague or non-goal-oriented contexts.

What does "up to the finish line" imply?

It implies a sustained effort, often against challenges, until a specific endpoint is reached. It suggests a sense of determination and persistence in overcoming obstacles to achieve a goal.