as things turned out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as things turned out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the outcome of a situation, often implying that the result was unexpected or different from what was initially thought. Example: "I thought I would fail the exam, but as things turned out, I actually passed with flying colors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As things turned out, it wasn't.

The Guardian - Opinion

No, as things turned out, it wasn't".

The New York Times

As things turned out, I never saw any.

The New York Times - Arts

As things turned out, Huntsman did very little of this.

The New Yorker

As things turned out, umlauts were not required.

The Guardian

As things turned out, Puccini's gongs grew even more special over time.

The New York Times - Arts

As things turned out, we are facing, if not a feast, at least a decent meal.

The New Yorker

As things turned out, he needn't have worried, he told me.

The New Yorker

He did not make any and could not have afforded any, as things turned out.

The New York Times - Sports

As things turned out, the option wasn't open to his young student.

Independent

As things turned out, Mr. Koch lost the Democratic primary to David N.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as things turned out" to introduce an outcome that contrasts with initial expectations or plans. It adds a layer of narrative and surprise to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "as things turned out" when the outcome is predictable or a logical consequence of the situation. The phrase works best when highlighting an element of surprise or unexpectedness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as things turned out" functions as an adverbial phrase. It typically modifies a clause or sentence, providing information about the result or consequence of a situation, often implying an element of surprise or unexpectedness, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as things turned out" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce outcomes, often unexpected, adding narrative depth and a touch of surprise. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its widespread use across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it shines brightest when highlighting unforeseen results. Remember to use it when the actual outcome deviates from initial expectations, avoiding overuse in stating the obvious. Alternatives like "eventually" or "ultimately" can offer similar meanings, but lack the inherent element of surprise that "as things turned out" brings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it turned out that

A more formal and direct synonym with a slightly stronger emphasis.

in the end

Focuses on the final result, omitting the element of surprise or unexpectedness.

ultimately

Emphasizes the final consequence or result after a process or series of events.

eventually

Highlights the passage of time leading to the outcome, rather than the surprise.

as it happened

Implies a more coincidental or chance element to the outcome.

in retrospect

Reflects on the outcome from a point in the past, adding hindsight.

looking back

Similar to "in retrospect", but with a slightly less formal tone.

contrary to expectations

Explicitly emphasizes that the result was different from what was predicted.

against all odds

Highlights the improbability of the outcome, adding a dramatic element.

in an unexpected turn of events

Stresses the unforeseen nature of the outcome, adding a narrative flair.

FAQs

How can I use "as things turned out" in a sentence?

Use "as things turned out" to introduce a situation's outcome, especially if that outcome was unexpected. For example, "We planned to stay home, but "as things turned out", we went to the party and had a great time."

What's the difference between "as things turned out" and "in the end"?

"As things turned out" emphasizes an element of surprise or unexpectedness in the outcome, while "in the end" simply indicates the final result without necessarily implying any surprise.

Is "as things turned out" formal or informal?

"As things turned out" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal writing contexts. However, avoid it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language may be preferred.

What are some alternatives to "as things turned out"?

Some alternatives to "as things turned out" include "eventually", "ultimately", "it turned out that", or "as it happened", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.