"the end of their friendship" vs "the ending of their friendship"

Question

"the end of their friendship" vs "the ending of their friendship"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'The end of their friendship' is more commonly used and considered more natural in English. On the other hand, 'the ending of their friendship' is also grammatically correct but less commonly used.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024

This phrase is used to refer to the point at which a friendship comes to an end or ceases to exist.

Examples:

She knew it was the end of their friendship when he stopped returning her calls.
The end of their friendship was a sad but necessary step for both of them.

Alternatives:

the conclusion of their friendship
the termination of their friendship
the demise of their friendship
the dissolution of their friendship
the break-up of their friendship

This phrase is also used to refer to the point at which a friendship comes to an end or ceases to exist, but it is less common than 'the end of their friendship.'

Examples:

She couldn't bear to witness the ending of their friendship.
The ending of their friendship was inevitable given the circumstances.

Alternatives:

the conclusion of their friendship
the termination of their friendship
the demise of their friendship
the dissolution of their friendship
the break-up of their friendship

Answer 1

the end of their friendship

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

the ending of their friendship

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

"the end of their friendship" vs "the ending of their friendship"

the end of their friendship

the ending of their friendship

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