§ What Does 'To End' Mean?
- DEFINITION
- The verb 'to end' means to stop something or to bring something to a finish. It can also mean to come to a stop or finish by itself. It's a very common verb in English and is used in a wide variety of situations.
When you 'end' something, you are concluding it. This can be an action, an event, a period of time, or even a relationship. Think of it as reaching the final point or the conclusion of something.
The movie will end at 10 p.m.
Please end your conversation now.
§ When Do People Use 'To End'?
People use 'to end' in many different contexts. Here are some common situations:
- To talk about the conclusion of events or activities: This is one of the most frequent uses. From a work meeting to a party, 'to end' signifies when something is no longer happening.
The concert will end with a fireworks display.
We decided to end our vacation early.
- To describe the finish of a period of time: When a day, a month, or a year finishes, you can use 'to end'.
The summer will end soon.
His contract is set to end next month.
- To refer to the termination of a situation or relationship: Sometimes, things like friendships, arguments, or problems come to a stop.
They decided to end their argument.
The company had to end the project due to lack of funding.
- To indicate the final part or edge of something: Less commonly, 'to end' can also refer to where something physically stops, like a road or a piece of land.
The path seemed to end at the river.
Understanding 'to end' at an A2 CEFR level means recognizing its core meaning of stopping or finishing. As you learn more English, you'll encounter it in many different sentence structures and contexts, but its basic meaning remains constant. It's a fundamental verb for expressing the conclusion of actions, events, and periods of time in everyday conversations.
How Formal Is It?
"The company decided to terminate the contract."
"The movie will end in about five minutes."
"Let's wrap up this meeting and go get some lunch."
"Please stop playing with your food."
"I'm going to cut off this conversation now, I've got to go."
Grammar to Know
Present Simple Tense: Use 'to end' to describe habitual actions or general truths. For third person singular subjects (he, she, it), add '-s' to the verb: 'ends'.
The movie ends at 9 PM every night.
Past Simple Tense: Use 'to end' to describe actions that were completed in the past. Add '-ed' to the verb: 'ended'.
The meeting ended abruptly yesterday.
Present Continuous Tense: Use 'to end' with 'is/are ending' to describe an action happening now or around now. This is less common for 'to end' but can be used for ongoing processes.
The play is ending soon, so we should find our seats.
Future Simple Tense: Use 'will end' to describe actions that will happen in the future.
The concert will end with a grand finale.
Gerund after Prepositions: When 'to end' follows a preposition, it takes the gerund form: 'ending'.
After ending the call, she started working on the report.
Examples by Level
The movie will end at 9 PM.
La película terminará a las 9 PM.
Let's end the meeting now.
Terminemos la reunión ahora.
The school year ends in June.
El año escolar termina en junio.
She wants to end the game.
Ella quiere terminar el juego.
When does your work day end?
¿Cuándo termina tu jornada laboral?
The rain didn't end all day.
La lluvia no terminó en todo el día.
Please end your sentences with a period.
Por favor, termina tus oraciones con un punto.
We need to end this discussion.
Necesitamos terminar esta discusión.
The meeting is scheduled to end at 5 PM.
La reunión está programada para terminar a las 5 PM.
Using 'to end' with a scheduled event.
We decided to end the project early due to budget constraints.
Decidimos terminar el proyecto antes de tiempo debido a restricciones presupuestarias.
Using 'to end' when making a decision to stop something.
The movie ended with a surprising plot twist.
La película terminó con un giro inesperado en la trama.
Using 'to end' to describe how something concludes.
I hope this cold weather will end soon.
Espero que este clima frío termine pronto.
Using 'to end' to express a desire for something to stop.
They tried to end the argument peacefully.
Intentaron terminar la discusión pacíficamente.
Using 'to end' with an attempt to stop a conflict.
The concert will end with a grand fireworks display.
El concierto terminará con un gran espectáculo de fuegos artificiales.
Using 'to end' to describe the culmination of an event.
She managed to end her speech on a positive note.
Logró terminar su discurso con una nota positiva.
Using 'to end' to describe how someone concludes an action.
Let's try to end the day with some good news.
Intentemos terminar el día con buenas noticias.
Using 'to end' to suggest concluding a period of time in a particular way.
The company decided to end its unprofitable division, resulting in several layoffs.
La empresa decidió cerrar su división no rentable, lo que provocó varios despidos.
Using 'end' to mean 'terminate a business or operation'.
Negotiations between the two parties are expected to end by the end of the week.
Se espera que las negociaciones entre ambas partes terminen a finales de esta semana.
Using 'end' to mean 'conclude a formal process'.
She chose to end her long-term relationship after realizing they wanted different things.
Ella decidió poner fin a su relación a largo plazo después de darse cuenta de que querían cosas diferentes.
Using 'end' in the context of a personal relationship.
The heavy rain caused the outdoor concert to end abruptly.
La fuerte lluvia hizo que el concierto al aire libre terminara abruptamente.
Using 'end' to describe an unexpected cessation.
Scientists are working to end the spread of misinformation about climate change.
Los científicos están trabajando para poner fin a la propagación de desinformación sobre el cambio climático.
Using 'end' to mean 'stop the continuation of something negative'.
To end the debate, the moderator suggested taking a vote.
Para poner fin al debate, el moderador sugirió hacer una votación.
Using 'end' to mean 'bring a discussion or argument to a close'.
The film ends with a surprising plot twist that leaves the audience in suspense.
La película termina con un giro sorprendente en la trama que deja a la audiencia en suspenso.
Using 'end' to describe how a story or film concludes.
Many hope that increased public awareness will eventually end discrimination in the workplace.
Muchos esperan que una mayor conciencia pública finalmente ponga fin a la discriminación en el lugar de trabajo.
Using 'end' to express a desire for something to cease permanently.
Idioms & Expressions
"To call it a day"
To stop working on something for the rest of the day.
Well, it's 5 PM. I'm going to call it a day.
neutral"To wind down"
To relax after a period of activity; to gradually bring an activity to an end.
After a long week, I like to wind down with a good book.
neutral"To wrap up"
To complete or finish something.
Let's try to wrap up this meeting within the next ten minutes.
neutral"To put an end to something"
To cause something to stop completely.
The new policies aim to put an end to the widespread corruption.
formal"To draw to a close"
To gradually come to an end.
The concert was drawing to a close, and the audience began to applaud.
formal"To bring something to a halt"
To stop something suddenly.
The unexpected storm brought all flights to a halt.
neutral"To be over and done with"
To be completely finished, often with a sense of relief.
I'll be glad when this project is over and done with.
informal"To wash one's hands of something"
To stop being involved in something or responsible for it.
After all the arguments, he decided to wash his hands of the whole affair.
neutral"To close the book on something"
To consider something finished or settled.
It's time to close the book on this chapter and move forward.
neutral"To call time"
To decide that a period of time has ended.
The referee called time on the match.
neutralWord Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'to end' can be used for both. For example, 'The movie will end at 9 PM' (event) or 'I need to end this project soon' (object/task).
They are very similar! Often, they can be used interchangeably. 'To finish' sometimes implies completing something, while 'to end' can simply mean to stop. For example, you 'finish' a book when you read the last page, but a meeting 'ends' when it's over, whether everything was discussed or not.
Yes, absolutely. You can say 'They decided to end their relationship' or 'The conversation ended abruptly.'
Not quite! 'To end up' means to eventually reach a certain place, state, or situation, often unexpectedly. For example, 'We ended up at a different restaurant.' 'To end' simply means to stop or finish.
Some common phrases include: 'to end a call,' 'to end a chapter,' 'to end a debate,' 'to end a war,' 'to end in failure,' or 'to end on a high note.'
Yes, it can! As a noun, 'end' refers to the final part of something, like 'the end of the book' or 'the weekend is coming to an end.' The verb form is 'to end'.
The past tense of 'to end' is 'ended.' For example, 'The party ended late last night' or 'She ended her speech with a thank you.'
Not directly in the sense of 'to stop doing something.' You would typically say 'to stop [verb]-ing.' For example, 'I ended up going home' (using 'end up'), but not 'I ended to go home.' You can, however, use it with a prepositional phrase, like 'to end up in a different place.'
The most common opposite is 'to begin' or 'to start.' For example, 'The show will begin at 7 PM and end at 9 PM.'
Yes, absolutely! For example, 'The rain finally ended' (the rain itself stopped). Or, 'The meeting ended at noon' (the meeting itself concluded).
Test Yourself 78 questions
The movie will ___ soon.
To 'end' means to stop or finish. The movie will finish soon.
Can you help me ___ this game?
To 'end' means to stop or finish. You can help to stop playing the game.
The class will ___ at 3 PM.
To 'end' means to stop or finish. The class will finish at 3 PM.
I need to ___ my work before dinner.
To 'end' means to stop or finish. You need to finish your work.
The rain will ___ soon, I hope.
To 'end' means to stop or finish. The rain will stop soon.
Let's ___ this conversation now.
To 'end' means to stop or finish. Let's finish this conversation.
This sentence describes when the movie will stop.
This is a request to stop the game.
This sentence indicates that the rain will stop tonight.
The movie will ___ at 9 PM.
To 'end' means to stop or finish.
What is another word for 'to finish'?
'To end' is a synonym for 'to finish'.
We need to ___ our meeting soon.
To 'end' a meeting means to stop it.
If something ends, it continues.
To end means to stop, not to continue.
The word 'end' means the same as 'finish'.
'End' and 'finish' are synonyms.
A game can end with a winner.
A game concludes or stops when it ends, often with a winner.
What time does the movie finish?
What should you stop doing?
When will the lesson finish?
Read this aloud:
When does the class end?
Focus: end
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Read this aloud:
Can you please end the meeting?
Focus: end the meeting
You said:
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Read this aloud:
I want to end this game.
Focus: end this
You said:
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Write a short sentence about something you need to finish today.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I need to finish my homework today.
Imagine you are talking about a movie. Write a sentence saying the movie ended well.
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Sample answer
The movie ended very well.
Complete the sentence: 'I want to end the day by...'
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Sample answer
I want to end the day by reading a book.
What did the teacher say it was time to do?
Read this passage:
The class started at 9:00 AM. We learned many new things. The teacher said, 'It's time to end the lesson.' So, we packed our bags.
What did the teacher say it was time to do?
The passage states: 'The teacher said, 'It's time to end the lesson.'
The passage states: 'The teacher said, 'It's time to end the lesson.'
Why did they decide to end their walk?
Read this passage:
My friend and I went for a walk in the park. It was a beautiful day. After an hour, we decided to end our walk and go home for lunch.
Why did they decide to end their walk?
The passage says they decided to end their walk and 'go home for lunch,' which implies they were hungry.
The passage says they decided to end their walk and 'go home for lunch,' which implies they were hungry.
How did the soccer game end?
Read this passage:
The soccer game was very exciting. Both teams played well. The game did not end with a winner; it was a tie.
How did the soccer game end?
The passage clearly states: 'The game did not end with a winner; it was a tie.'
The passage clearly states: 'The game did not end with a winner; it was a tie.'
The concert will ___ with a spectacular fireworks display.
The word 'end' means to stop or finish, which fits the context of a concert concluding.
Can you please ___ the meeting at 3 PM so I can attend another appointment?
To 'end' a meeting means to bring it to a close, which is appropriate for the sentence.
The long journey will finally ___ when we reach our destination tomorrow.
The word 'end' signifies the completion of the journey.
We need to ___ this discussion and move on to the next topic.
To 'end' a discussion means to conclude it.
The movie will ___ with a surprising twist that no one expects.
The word 'end' indicates how the movie will conclude.
Please try to ___ your work before the deadline.
To 'end' your work means to finish it.
The meeting will ____ at 5 PM, so please plan your day accordingly.
'To end' means to stop or finish. In this context, the meeting will stop at 5 PM.
What is another way to say 'to end an argument'?
'To conclude' is a synonym for 'to end' when referring to bringing something to a close.
If you want to stop watching a movie, you can say you want to ____ it.
'To end' a movie means to stop watching it, bringing it to a finish.
When you 'end' a phone call, you are just getting started.
To 'end' a phone call means to finish it, not to start it.
The phrase 'to end a chapter' means to finish a section of a book.
'To end a chapter' means to conclude or finish that particular section.
If a season is about to 'end', it means it is going to continue for a long time.
If a season is about to 'end', it means it is approaching its conclusion or finish.
Write a short paragraph about something you had to finish recently. Use the word 'end' in your paragraph.
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Sample answer
This week, I finally managed to end my research project. It took a lot of effort, but I'm glad it's completed. Now I can relax a little.
Describe a time when you saw a movie or read a book with a surprising end.
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Sample answer
I recently watched a thriller with a very surprising end. I thought I knew what was going to happen, but the director completely changed my expectations in the last few minutes of the film.
Imagine you are planning a trip. Write a sentence using 'end' to describe when your trip will finish.
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Sample answer
Our road trip will end in two weeks, right after we visit the Grand Canyon.
What are the students looking forward to?
Read this passage:
The school year is coming to an end, and students are excited about the summer holidays. They have worked hard all year, and now they can finally relax and enjoy their free time. Many are planning trips or activities with friends and family.
What are the students looking forward to?
The passage states, 'The school year is coming to an end, and students are excited about the summer holidays.'
The passage states, 'The school year is coming to an end, and students are excited about the summer holidays.'
What was the result of the committee's meeting?
Read this passage:
After hours of discussion, the committee decided to end the meeting without reaching a final decision. They agreed to reconvene next week to continue their talks and hopefully find a solution to the problem.
What was the result of the committee's meeting?
The passage says, 'the committee decided to end the meeting without reaching a final decision.'
The passage says, 'the committee decided to end the meeting without reaching a final decision.'
Why did the concert end early?
Read this passage:
The heavy rain caused the outdoor concert to end early. Many fans were disappointed, but the organizers promised a refund or tickets to another event. Despite the unfortunate weather, everyone was safe and able to leave calmly.
Why did the concert end early?
The passage states, 'The heavy rain caused the outdoor concert to end early.'
The passage states, 'The heavy rain caused the outdoor concert to end early.'
This sentence correctly orders the words to form a coherent statement about when the meeting will finish.
This sentence correctly orders the words to form a question about the movie's finishing time.
This sentence correctly orders the words to express the necessity of stopping the discussion.
Listen for the decision about the debate's duration.
Pay attention to when the project needs to be completed.
What is the final part of her journey?
Read this aloud:
The negotiations are expected to end amicably.
Focus: end, amicably
You said:
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Read this aloud:
It's time to end the speculation and announce the winner.
Focus: end, speculation, announce
You said:
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Read this aloud:
They vowed to end the conflict through peaceful means.
Focus: vowed, end, conflict, peaceful
You said:
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The company decided to ___ its long-standing partnership with the struggling supplier, citing irreconcilable differences.
To 'end' in this context means to terminate or bring to a close a relationship or agreement.
Despite numerous attempts to mediate, the protracted negotiations ultimately ___ in a stalemate, leaving both parties frustrated.
To 'end in a stalemate' means to conclude without a resolution, reaching an impasse.
The incessant downpour seemed as if it would never ___, causing widespread flooding and disrupting daily life.
To 'end' here refers to the cessation or stopping of an ongoing event.
The dictator's tyrannical rule was finally brought to an ___ by a popular uprising and international intervention.
To 'bring to an end' is an idiom meaning to stop or terminate something.
The detective vowed to pursue every lead until the criminal enterprise was completely ___ and its masterminds apprehended.
To be 'ended' in this sense means to be completely dismantled or destroyed.
The controversial policy is expected to ___ with the change in government, as the new administration has promised its repeal.
To 'end with' indicates that something will conclude or cease when a specific event or condition occurs.
Listen for the reason the discussion was stopped.
Pay attention to why the project stopped.
Consider what caused the monarch's rule to finish.
Read this aloud:
It's imperative to bring this protracted debate to an end swiftly.
Focus: imperative, protracted, swiftly
You said:
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Read this aloud:
The CEO announced a strategic decision to end production of the unprofitable product line.
Focus: strategic, announced, unprofitable
You said:
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Read this aloud:
We need to end this cycle of indecision and move forward with a definitive plan.
Focus: indecision, definitive, forward
You said:
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Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) discussing the ethical implications of using advanced AI to automate jobs, focusing on the potential societal impact when these jobs 'end' for humans.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The relentless march of automation, propelled by advanced AI, raises profound ethical questions regarding the future of human employment. As more jobs 'end' due to machines' superior efficiency, we must grapple with the societal impact of widespread unemployment and the potential for increased inequality. A crucial challenge lies in devising strategies to manage this transition equitably, perhaps through retraining programs or universal basic income, to prevent social upheaval.
Compose an email to a colleague, formally announcing that a long-running project will 'end' next month. Include details about the handover process and express gratitude for their contributions.
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Sample answer
Subject: Conclusion of the 'Aurora' Project Dear [Colleague's Name], I am writing to formally announce that the 'Aurora' project will officially 'end' next month, specifically on [Date]. We are immensely proud of the progress we've made, and this success is largely attributable to your dedicated efforts. We will be circulating a detailed handover plan next week to ensure a smooth transition. Thank you once again for your invaluable contributions to this endeavor.
Describe a scenario where a difficult negotiation finally comes to an 'end', detailing the compromises made by each party and the ultimate resolution.
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Sample answer
After weeks of intense deliberation, the protracted negotiation over the new trade agreement finally came to an 'end'. Both nations had to make significant compromises; Country A agreed to reduce its agricultural subsidies, while Country B conceded on intellectual property rights. The ultimate resolution, though not entirely satisfactory to either party, represented a carefully balanced accord that averted a potential trade war and laid the groundwork for future cooperation.
According to the passage, what was necessary for the golden age to begin?
Read this passage:
The ancient prophecy foretold that a golden age would begin only when the reign of the tyrannical king was brought to an 'end'. Many attempted to challenge his dominion, but none succeeded in their quest to depose him. It seemed his oppressive rule was destined to continue indefinitely, casting a long shadow over the land and its people. However, a small band of rebels, fueled by unwavering hope, meticulously planned their final, audacious strike.
According to the passage, what was necessary for the golden age to begin?
The passage explicitly states that 'a golden age would begin only when the reign of the tyrannical king was brought to an 'end'.
The passage explicitly states that 'a golden age would begin only when the reign of the tyrannical king was brought to an 'end'.
What is implied about the scientific debate regarding the origins of the universe?
Read this passage:
The ongoing scientific debate about the origins of the universe continues to fascinate researchers globally. While various theories have been proposed, definitive evidence remains elusive, leading to a vibrant and often contentious discourse. It is unlikely that this fundamental inquiry will 'end' anytime soon, as each new discovery often raises more questions than it answers, pushing the boundaries of human understanding further.
What is implied about the scientific debate regarding the origins of the universe?
The passage states that 'It is unlikely that this fundamental inquiry will 'end' anytime soon,' implying its continuation.
The passage states that 'It is unlikely that this fundamental inquiry will 'end' anytime soon,' implying its continuation.
What did the CEO advocate for to address the competitive market?
Read this passage:
The CEO's impassioned speech aimed to rally support for the company's new strategic direction. He emphasized that the era of complacency must 'end' if they were to navigate the increasingly competitive market. He outlined a bold vision for innovation and adaptability, stressing the importance of every employee embracing change to ensure long-term success.
What did the CEO advocate for to address the competitive market?
The CEO stated that 'the era of complacency must 'end'' and outlined 'a bold vision for innovation and adaptability'.
The CEO stated that 'the era of complacency must 'end'' and outlined 'a bold vision for innovation and adaptability'.
/ 78 correct
Perfect score!
Example
The movie will end in five minutes.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More general words
a lot of
A2A large amount or number of; plenty of.
about
A1On the subject of; concerning something.
above
A2In a higher place than something or someone.
accident
A2An unfortunate event causing damage or injury.
action
A2The process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim.
after
A2Following in time or place; later than.
afterward
A2At a later or subsequent time.
again
A2Another time; once more.
aged
B1Of a specified age.
alive
A2Living, not dead.
