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Angliholic Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

For hours (end) on end

Greg has been studying for hours on end, and needs to rest.

Hi,

Is there an "end" understood before "on end" so that it means "continually?" Thanks.
  

Top answer

Obviously, there must be an end to his reading. I think that the meaning is "seemingly with no end".

— Philip

  • Obviously, there must be an end to his reading.
  • I think that the meaning is "seemingly with no end".
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5 Answers
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Obviously, there must be an end to his reading. I think that the meaning is "seemingly with no end".
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"hours on end" is just a melodramatic way of saying a long time.
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jemaasjr"hours on end" is just a melodramatic way of saying a long time.

Melodramtic is exactly the word I was looking for when all I could come up with was hyperbole. Thanks!

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jemaasjr"hours on end" is just a melodramatic way of saying a long time.

Thanks, jemaasjr and Philip.

But why does "on end" mean "continually?" What does it mean litterally?

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Hour after hour. Each hour is connected to the end of the hour before it. It's a stretch, but that's it.
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