What differences are there between “at the end” and “in the end”?
Can we use both expressions "at the end" and "in the end" interchangeably?
For example, are the following sentences equivalent?
"I didn't want to take sides, but, in the end, I had to."
"I didn't want to take sides, but, at the end, I had to."
Which one is correct and why?
meaning word-choice differences prepositions
add a comment |
Can we use both expressions "at the end" and "in the end" interchangeably?
For example, are the following sentences equivalent?
"I didn't want to take sides, but, in the end, I had to."
"I didn't want to take sides, but, at the end, I had to."
Which one is correct and why?
meaning word-choice differences prepositions
1
I do not have the explanation, but what is worse in your examples is the beginning "I don't wanted". I would use, "I didn't want to take sides, but in the end I had to." "in the end" connotes a period of time over which an action took place whereas "at the end" is suggestive of a specific point (in time or space).
– Sylas Seabrook
Jan 2 '15 at 5:12
So, either is correct. I would add that "in the end" has a bit more finality to it, the end of everything, like "when all is said and done", whereas "at the end" can leave a reader wondering "at the end of WHAT?".
– Brian Hitchcock
Jan 2 '15 at 5:17
add a comment |
Can we use both expressions "at the end" and "in the end" interchangeably?
For example, are the following sentences equivalent?
"I didn't want to take sides, but, in the end, I had to."
"I didn't want to take sides, but, at the end, I had to."
Which one is correct and why?
meaning word-choice differences prepositions
Can we use both expressions "at the end" and "in the end" interchangeably?
For example, are the following sentences equivalent?
"I didn't want to take sides, but, in the end, I had to."
"I didn't want to take sides, but, at the end, I had to."
Which one is correct and why?
meaning word-choice differences prepositions
meaning word-choice differences prepositions
edited Dec 3 '17 at 18:45
sumelic
50.2k8119226
50.2k8119226
asked Jan 2 '15 at 4:36
jiojio
3302311
3302311
1
I do not have the explanation, but what is worse in your examples is the beginning "I don't wanted". I would use, "I didn't want to take sides, but in the end I had to." "in the end" connotes a period of time over which an action took place whereas "at the end" is suggestive of a specific point (in time or space).
– Sylas Seabrook
Jan 2 '15 at 5:12
So, either is correct. I would add that "in the end" has a bit more finality to it, the end of everything, like "when all is said and done", whereas "at the end" can leave a reader wondering "at the end of WHAT?".
– Brian Hitchcock
Jan 2 '15 at 5:17
add a comment |
1
I do not have the explanation, but what is worse in your examples is the beginning "I don't wanted". I would use, "I didn't want to take sides, but in the end I had to." "in the end" connotes a period of time over which an action took place whereas "at the end" is suggestive of a specific point (in time or space).
– Sylas Seabrook
Jan 2 '15 at 5:12
So, either is correct. I would add that "in the end" has a bit more finality to it, the end of everything, like "when all is said and done", whereas "at the end" can leave a reader wondering "at the end of WHAT?".
– Brian Hitchcock
Jan 2 '15 at 5:17
1
1
I do not have the explanation, but what is worse in your examples is the beginning "I don't wanted". I would use, "I didn't want to take sides, but in the end I had to." "in the end" connotes a period of time over which an action took place whereas "at the end" is suggestive of a specific point (in time or space).
– Sylas Seabrook
Jan 2 '15 at 5:12
I do not have the explanation, but what is worse in your examples is the beginning "I don't wanted". I would use, "I didn't want to take sides, but in the end I had to." "in the end" connotes a period of time over which an action took place whereas "at the end" is suggestive of a specific point (in time or space).
– Sylas Seabrook
Jan 2 '15 at 5:12
So, either is correct. I would add that "in the end" has a bit more finality to it, the end of everything, like "when all is said and done", whereas "at the end" can leave a reader wondering "at the end of WHAT?".
– Brian Hitchcock
Jan 2 '15 at 5:17
So, either is correct. I would add that "in the end" has a bit more finality to it, the end of everything, like "when all is said and done", whereas "at the end" can leave a reader wondering "at the end of WHAT?".
– Brian Hitchcock
Jan 2 '15 at 5:17
add a comment |
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
‘At the end’ can refer to the end of a physical location, like ‘at the end of our hallway’. It can also be used to represent the closing or near completion of something, like ‘at the end of the story’ or ‘at the end of the film’. And, it can also mean the end point of a period in time;
‘The score was nil nil at the end of the game.’
‘I am going to go away at the end of the month.’
‘In the end’ means ‘finally’.
‘We all wanted to go to different places, in the end, we agreed to go to the beach.’
‘We waited for the bus for 2 hours, in the end, we caught a taxi.’
add a comment |
From : http://www.learnersdictionary.com
In the end / at the end
Tuesday December 6th 2011
Question
In the end / at the end
Answer
Isaac, from Israel, asked about the difference between in the end and at the end, and when to use them.
In the end
In the end is used mostly as an idiom that means "finally," "after a long time," or, "when everything is considered." It is often followed by a comma. Here are some sentences with this idiom:
We worked hard, and in the end, we achieved our goal.
In the end, what really matters in a friendship is trust.
At the end
At the end is used in the idiom "at the end of the day." which means something similar to in the end (= when everything is considered). However, at the end is most commonly used more literally, as a prepositional phrase followed by of, to refer to the end of a specific noun. This noun can be a physical object, a period of time, an event, a place, or something more abstract, such as one's patience.
Here are some sentences with in the end + of:
At the end of his life, he had no regrets.
Put a period at the end of every sentence.
I pay the phone bill at the end of each month.
There is a brick building at the end of the driveway.
add a comment |
Even I used both and at times interchangeably. But at the end of the day one wants to be sure of certain answers because in the end accuracy is paramount.
are you a native speaker?
– 2xMax
Feb 10 at 7:34
add a comment |
In the end: a point in time (temporal) representing the final status of a situation, event, or some happening.
At the end: a point within physical space representing the position or situation of something; it may not have anything to do with finality.
New contributor
I'm not sure your definitions are true for all cases, e.g. "at the end of the game" is referring to the final status of a situation (in this case the game).
– KillingTime
12 hours ago
add a comment |
In the end is often used to signify that something has occurred after consideration of various options and a period of uncertainty. So, ...
We looked at several pianos. They all had attributes we liked but in the end it was the small size of the upright that we went for.
At the end is usually used simply to specify a moment in time. So, ...
At the end of the game players add up how much money they each have and the winner is the person with the least (!)
add a comment |
Your Answer
StackExchange.ready(function() {
var channelOptions = {
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "97"
};
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);
StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
createEditor();
});
}
else {
createEditor();
}
});
function createEditor() {
StackExchange.prepareEditor({
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: false,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: null,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader: {
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
},
noCode: true, onDemand: true,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
});
}
});
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fenglish.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f217987%2fwhat-differences-are-there-between-at-the-end-and-in-the-end%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
‘At the end’ can refer to the end of a physical location, like ‘at the end of our hallway’. It can also be used to represent the closing or near completion of something, like ‘at the end of the story’ or ‘at the end of the film’. And, it can also mean the end point of a period in time;
‘The score was nil nil at the end of the game.’
‘I am going to go away at the end of the month.’
‘In the end’ means ‘finally’.
‘We all wanted to go to different places, in the end, we agreed to go to the beach.’
‘We waited for the bus for 2 hours, in the end, we caught a taxi.’
add a comment |
‘At the end’ can refer to the end of a physical location, like ‘at the end of our hallway’. It can also be used to represent the closing or near completion of something, like ‘at the end of the story’ or ‘at the end of the film’. And, it can also mean the end point of a period in time;
‘The score was nil nil at the end of the game.’
‘I am going to go away at the end of the month.’
‘In the end’ means ‘finally’.
‘We all wanted to go to different places, in the end, we agreed to go to the beach.’
‘We waited for the bus for 2 hours, in the end, we caught a taxi.’
add a comment |
‘At the end’ can refer to the end of a physical location, like ‘at the end of our hallway’. It can also be used to represent the closing or near completion of something, like ‘at the end of the story’ or ‘at the end of the film’. And, it can also mean the end point of a period in time;
‘The score was nil nil at the end of the game.’
‘I am going to go away at the end of the month.’
‘In the end’ means ‘finally’.
‘We all wanted to go to different places, in the end, we agreed to go to the beach.’
‘We waited for the bus for 2 hours, in the end, we caught a taxi.’
‘At the end’ can refer to the end of a physical location, like ‘at the end of our hallway’. It can also be used to represent the closing or near completion of something, like ‘at the end of the story’ or ‘at the end of the film’. And, it can also mean the end point of a period in time;
‘The score was nil nil at the end of the game.’
‘I am going to go away at the end of the month.’
‘In the end’ means ‘finally’.
‘We all wanted to go to different places, in the end, we agreed to go to the beach.’
‘We waited for the bus for 2 hours, in the end, we caught a taxi.’
answered Jan 2 '15 at 11:05
jiojio
3302311
3302311
add a comment |
add a comment |
From : http://www.learnersdictionary.com
In the end / at the end
Tuesday December 6th 2011
Question
In the end / at the end
Answer
Isaac, from Israel, asked about the difference between in the end and at the end, and when to use them.
In the end
In the end is used mostly as an idiom that means "finally," "after a long time," or, "when everything is considered." It is often followed by a comma. Here are some sentences with this idiom:
We worked hard, and in the end, we achieved our goal.
In the end, what really matters in a friendship is trust.
At the end
At the end is used in the idiom "at the end of the day." which means something similar to in the end (= when everything is considered). However, at the end is most commonly used more literally, as a prepositional phrase followed by of, to refer to the end of a specific noun. This noun can be a physical object, a period of time, an event, a place, or something more abstract, such as one's patience.
Here are some sentences with in the end + of:
At the end of his life, he had no regrets.
Put a period at the end of every sentence.
I pay the phone bill at the end of each month.
There is a brick building at the end of the driveway.
add a comment |
From : http://www.learnersdictionary.com
In the end / at the end
Tuesday December 6th 2011
Question
In the end / at the end
Answer
Isaac, from Israel, asked about the difference between in the end and at the end, and when to use them.
In the end
In the end is used mostly as an idiom that means "finally," "after a long time," or, "when everything is considered." It is often followed by a comma. Here are some sentences with this idiom:
We worked hard, and in the end, we achieved our goal.
In the end, what really matters in a friendship is trust.
At the end
At the end is used in the idiom "at the end of the day." which means something similar to in the end (= when everything is considered). However, at the end is most commonly used more literally, as a prepositional phrase followed by of, to refer to the end of a specific noun. This noun can be a physical object, a period of time, an event, a place, or something more abstract, such as one's patience.
Here are some sentences with in the end + of:
At the end of his life, he had no regrets.
Put a period at the end of every sentence.
I pay the phone bill at the end of each month.
There is a brick building at the end of the driveway.
add a comment |
From : http://www.learnersdictionary.com
In the end / at the end
Tuesday December 6th 2011
Question
In the end / at the end
Answer
Isaac, from Israel, asked about the difference between in the end and at the end, and when to use them.
In the end
In the end is used mostly as an idiom that means "finally," "after a long time," or, "when everything is considered." It is often followed by a comma. Here are some sentences with this idiom:
We worked hard, and in the end, we achieved our goal.
In the end, what really matters in a friendship is trust.
At the end
At the end is used in the idiom "at the end of the day." which means something similar to in the end (= when everything is considered). However, at the end is most commonly used more literally, as a prepositional phrase followed by of, to refer to the end of a specific noun. This noun can be a physical object, a period of time, an event, a place, or something more abstract, such as one's patience.
Here are some sentences with in the end + of:
At the end of his life, he had no regrets.
Put a period at the end of every sentence.
I pay the phone bill at the end of each month.
There is a brick building at the end of the driveway.
From : http://www.learnersdictionary.com
In the end / at the end
Tuesday December 6th 2011
Question
In the end / at the end
Answer
Isaac, from Israel, asked about the difference between in the end and at the end, and when to use them.
In the end
In the end is used mostly as an idiom that means "finally," "after a long time," or, "when everything is considered." It is often followed by a comma. Here are some sentences with this idiom:
We worked hard, and in the end, we achieved our goal.
In the end, what really matters in a friendship is trust.
At the end
At the end is used in the idiom "at the end of the day." which means something similar to in the end (= when everything is considered). However, at the end is most commonly used more literally, as a prepositional phrase followed by of, to refer to the end of a specific noun. This noun can be a physical object, a period of time, an event, a place, or something more abstract, such as one's patience.
Here are some sentences with in the end + of:
At the end of his life, he had no regrets.
Put a period at the end of every sentence.
I pay the phone bill at the end of each month.
There is a brick building at the end of the driveway.
answered Jan 2 '15 at 14:11
SaeidSaeid
72272030
72272030
add a comment |
add a comment |
Even I used both and at times interchangeably. But at the end of the day one wants to be sure of certain answers because in the end accuracy is paramount.
are you a native speaker?
– 2xMax
Feb 10 at 7:34
add a comment |
Even I used both and at times interchangeably. But at the end of the day one wants to be sure of certain answers because in the end accuracy is paramount.
are you a native speaker?
– 2xMax
Feb 10 at 7:34
add a comment |
Even I used both and at times interchangeably. But at the end of the day one wants to be sure of certain answers because in the end accuracy is paramount.
Even I used both and at times interchangeably. But at the end of the day one wants to be sure of certain answers because in the end accuracy is paramount.
answered Jan 2 '15 at 10:57
manisha singhmanisha singh
1
1
are you a native speaker?
– 2xMax
Feb 10 at 7:34
add a comment |
are you a native speaker?
– 2xMax
Feb 10 at 7:34
are you a native speaker?
– 2xMax
Feb 10 at 7:34
are you a native speaker?
– 2xMax
Feb 10 at 7:34
add a comment |
In the end: a point in time (temporal) representing the final status of a situation, event, or some happening.
At the end: a point within physical space representing the position or situation of something; it may not have anything to do with finality.
New contributor
I'm not sure your definitions are true for all cases, e.g. "at the end of the game" is referring to the final status of a situation (in this case the game).
– KillingTime
12 hours ago
add a comment |
In the end: a point in time (temporal) representing the final status of a situation, event, or some happening.
At the end: a point within physical space representing the position or situation of something; it may not have anything to do with finality.
New contributor
I'm not sure your definitions are true for all cases, e.g. "at the end of the game" is referring to the final status of a situation (in this case the game).
– KillingTime
12 hours ago
add a comment |
In the end: a point in time (temporal) representing the final status of a situation, event, or some happening.
At the end: a point within physical space representing the position or situation of something; it may not have anything to do with finality.
New contributor
In the end: a point in time (temporal) representing the final status of a situation, event, or some happening.
At the end: a point within physical space representing the position or situation of something; it may not have anything to do with finality.
New contributor
New contributor
answered 13 hours ago
Sani Ali GarSani Ali Gar
1
1
New contributor
New contributor
I'm not sure your definitions are true for all cases, e.g. "at the end of the game" is referring to the final status of a situation (in this case the game).
– KillingTime
12 hours ago
add a comment |
I'm not sure your definitions are true for all cases, e.g. "at the end of the game" is referring to the final status of a situation (in this case the game).
– KillingTime
12 hours ago
I'm not sure your definitions are true for all cases, e.g. "at the end of the game" is referring to the final status of a situation (in this case the game).
– KillingTime
12 hours ago
I'm not sure your definitions are true for all cases, e.g. "at the end of the game" is referring to the final status of a situation (in this case the game).
– KillingTime
12 hours ago
add a comment |
In the end is often used to signify that something has occurred after consideration of various options and a period of uncertainty. So, ...
We looked at several pianos. They all had attributes we liked but in the end it was the small size of the upright that we went for.
At the end is usually used simply to specify a moment in time. So, ...
At the end of the game players add up how much money they each have and the winner is the person with the least (!)
add a comment |
In the end is often used to signify that something has occurred after consideration of various options and a period of uncertainty. So, ...
We looked at several pianos. They all had attributes we liked but in the end it was the small size of the upright that we went for.
At the end is usually used simply to specify a moment in time. So, ...
At the end of the game players add up how much money they each have and the winner is the person with the least (!)
add a comment |
In the end is often used to signify that something has occurred after consideration of various options and a period of uncertainty. So, ...
We looked at several pianos. They all had attributes we liked but in the end it was the small size of the upright that we went for.
At the end is usually used simply to specify a moment in time. So, ...
At the end of the game players add up how much money they each have and the winner is the person with the least (!)
In the end is often used to signify that something has occurred after consideration of various options and a period of uncertainty. So, ...
We looked at several pianos. They all had attributes we liked but in the end it was the small size of the upright that we went for.
At the end is usually used simply to specify a moment in time. So, ...
At the end of the game players add up how much money they each have and the winner is the person with the least (!)
answered 10 hours ago
DanDan
15.6k32561
15.6k32561
add a comment |
add a comment |
Thanks for contributing an answer to English Language & Usage Stack Exchange!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fenglish.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f217987%2fwhat-differences-are-there-between-at-the-end-and-in-the-end%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
1
I do not have the explanation, but what is worse in your examples is the beginning "I don't wanted". I would use, "I didn't want to take sides, but in the end I had to." "in the end" connotes a period of time over which an action took place whereas "at the end" is suggestive of a specific point (in time or space).
– Sylas Seabrook
Jan 2 '15 at 5:12
So, either is correct. I would add that "in the end" has a bit more finality to it, the end of everything, like "when all is said and done", whereas "at the end" can leave a reader wondering "at the end of WHAT?".
– Brian Hitchcock
Jan 2 '15 at 5:17