At the end of refers to the final part of something specific, while in the end means finally, after all. At the end is almost always followed by of: at the end of the film, the month, the street. In the end describes the result you reach after doubts or difficulties.
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at the end of + the lesson/month/street; in the end + clause (= finally, after some time)
- The meeting room is at the end of the corridor, next to the kitchen.
- We pay the rent at the end of every month.
- We argued about hotels for hours, but in the end we chose the cheapest one.
What changed
First versionIn the end of the lesson, the teacher gave us homework.
RevisionAt the end of the lesson, the teacher gave us homework.
A lesson is a period of time, so in can seem right, but for the last moment of a specific event English uses at the end of. In the end never takes of: it is a separate expression meaning finally.
In the end often shows that the result could have been different: I wasn't sure about the course, but in the end I loved it. At the end sometimes appears without of when the context makes it clear which end you mean: The best song is at the end.
Your turn
I couldn't choose between the two jobs for weeks, but ___ I accepted the offer from the smaller company.
Show the answer
in the end — The sentence describes the result of weeks of doubt: finally, I accepted. That is in the end. At the end refers to the final part of a specific period and usually needs of: at the end of the month.
Describe a decision you struggled with for a long time. Show the result with in the end and say when it was settled with at the end of.
I spent the whole summer comparing language schools, and in the end I signed up for an online course at the end of August.
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