How to say “in the end” like a native speaker
The final outcome after a process, discussion or difficulty. Use “at the end” instead when locating something at a particular endpoint.
All phrases · Small talk
Hear “in the end” in real speech
Clip 1 · Tim Urban
Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator | Tim Urban | TED · 10:02
About this video
Tim Urban describes his habit of putting off college papers until the deadline approached. He uses those experiences to explore the conflict between immediate distractions and longer-term plans.
In context
And this entire situation, with the three characters -- this is the procrastinator's system.It's not pretty, but in the end, it works.
This is what I decided to write about on the blog a couple of years ago.
Clip 2 · Sir Ken Robinson
How to escape education's death valley | Sir Ken Robinson | TED · 7:27
About this video
Ken Robinson discusses education and the conditions that help learning grow. He contrasts curiosity with a culture of compliance in which teachers and children are encouraged to follow routines.
In context
stimulate, provoke, engage.You see, in the end, education is about learning.
If there's no learning going on, there's no education going on.
Clip 3 · Learn English with Bob the Canadian
Let's Learn English! Topic: Damage and Wear! 😎🚙🚪 (Lesson Only) · 19:07
About this video
Bob the Canadian teaches words for damage and wear. He starts with his old van going to a wrecking yard and uses other everyday examples, including office-chair wheels wearing down carpet.
In context
I was a little disappointed to see that, but I think it might be fixable.But in the end, I probably won't fix it because it's a used car.
So, dented, having an area pushed inward after being hit.
When to use “in the end”
- Describing a decision after discussion: “In the end, we chose the smaller flat.”
- Finishing a story about a search: “We found the missing key in the end.”
Common learner mistake
Use “at the end of the film” for its final part; “in the end” describes the eventual outcome.
Possible connected-speech patterns in “in the end”
“The” before a vowel may sound like “thee”, though usage varies. Link into “end” without a long break.
Related phrases
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A slow line to begin with: listen to how “don’t need to” runs together, then say it at the speaker’s pace.
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