Using Articles: "In the end" vs. "In an end"

[Elsidora]

Test No. incompl/elem-8 "Articles", question 2

In ......... end we decided not to go to the cinema but to watch television.

(a) the
(b) this
(c) an

Test No. incompl/elem-8 "Articles", answer 2

In the end we decided not to go to the cinema but to watch television.

Correct answer: (a) the

Your answer was: incorrect
In an end we decided not to go to the cinema but to watch television.
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why I have to use the in this question?

Elsidora

[Torsten]

Hello,

As you can see a film can have only one end - just 'the' end. In the end means 'finally', 'at last'.
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[Fooz]

[Josazapr]

Hello, I´m confused because, I was always told we should say "At the end" not "in the end". Woul you mind explaning me, why is this? Thanks for your help.
José Saúl.

[Alan]

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Hi Jose,

There are two expressions 'in the end' and 'at the end'. 'In the end' is a set expression that can stand alone and means 'finally' and it is in that sense that it's used in the test sentence. 'At the end' is a phrase that is usually followed by the preposition 'of' in connection with time and place as in: At the end of the day (when the day comes to an end = night time) At the end of the street (the last part of the street).

Alan
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