Difference between 'in the end' and 'at the end'

Question

Which is correct: "In/at the end of the story all conflicts get resolved"?Could someone tell me the general rule for using "In/at the end"?Thanks.

GPY · Accepted Answer

Usually, and in your case, "at the end of ..." is preferable. Actually, I cannot think of any case where "in the end of" would be good, but there may be some special exceptions.

"in the end" (without "of") is a set expression roughly meaning "finally"; e.g. "In the end, I decided not to go".

CalifJim · Answer

fatimah0786In/at the end

in the end: in summary; finally; "when all is/was said and done"

In the end, we have no idea how well he will do.
In the end, only 500 apartments were completed.
In the end, freedom of speech prevailed.
In the end, the majority of the committee voted "yes".
In the end, it was a wise use of presidential power.
In the end, Matt listened to everyone's advice, then followed his own instincts.
In the end, it boils down to a tuna sandwich and cole slaw.
_________

at the end of (something): at the last or final part of (something). The 'something' can be an object (at the end of the diving board), time period (at the end of the day), event (at the end of the concert), or a section of text (at the end of the paragraph).

at the end of:
the game, the meeting, the trip, the ceremony, the season, the semester, the week, the month, October, the table, the pier, the book, the story, the chapter
______

at the end: when the of-phrase is omitted, it is implicit from context what the event is. I've included some guesses about what the context might have been for the sentences below.

At the end, the audience stood up and applauded. (end of a play, end of a concert)
At the end, he made a little speech. (end of a meeting, end of a ceremony)
At the end, they sang a song. (end of a meal)

CJ

Fatimah0786 · Answer

Thanks both of you.

Thanks a trillion CJ for the examples and the simple and easy explanation.

Difference between 'in the end' and 'at the end'

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