At the end or In the end

Question

I hope you can help me. What are the rules for using "at the end" and/or "in the end"?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Generally, at the end is a location; in the end is normally used for finality or completeness.

Avangi · Answer

To me, "at the end" is literal while "in the end" is figuative - at least, by comparison. "At the end" would be used to talk about some thing which actually has an end: the end of the road/journey/story/rope. There may be figurative expressions using "at" but they're usually based on something with a real end: "at the end of the day" = "in the final analysis."

"In the end" = "when all's said and done." At the end of the movie the hero dies. In the end of the movie everything works out for the best and good triumphs over evil. In the end, I hope you find happiness.

Tie a knot in the end of the rope. This works because knots are tied in things. (Tie a knot in the end [portion] of the rope.) Tie a knot at the end of the rope (not in the middle.)

This is how I use the expressions. Someone else may be able to help you with some rules.

- A.

At the end or In the end

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions