does not end well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not end well" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a situation or story concludes in an unfavorable or disappointing manner. Example: "The movie had a promising start, but unfortunately, it does not end well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It does not end well.

Independent

The incident does not end well.

The New Yorker

The film, Mr. Schnall said solemnly, "does not end well".

The New York Times

And in both cases, climbing does not end well".

The Guardian - Travel

It does not end well: he inspires a movement of disaffected black youth to martyr themselves.

The New Yorker

Bell's father does not approve of this man and the liaison does not end well.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

(It doesn't end well).

The New York Times - Arts

It doesn't end well,' " Williams said.

The New York Times - Sports

It doesn't end well between them.

The Guardian - Film

It doesn't end well for the MP.

Independent

And this time it doesn't end well.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "does not end well" to foreshadow a negative outcome, creating suspense or emphasizing the consequences of actions.

Common error

Avoid relying on "does not end well" too frequently in your writing; vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not end well" functions as a predicate within a sentence, typically following a subject to describe the outcome of an event, action, or situation. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability in English, with examples showing its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "does not end well" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a negative or unfavorable conclusion. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's most frequently found in News & Media contexts, serving to foreshadow or summarize unfortunate outcomes. While versatile, varying your phrasing can enhance writing. When using this phrase, consider its role in setting expectations and delivering concise judgments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ends badly

A more concise way of saying something concludes in a negative way, focusing on the quality of the ending.

turns out poorly

Emphasizes the result or outcome is undesirable or of low quality.

has an unfortunate conclusion

Highlights the regrettable nature of the ending, adding a tone of disappointment.

concludes unfavorably

A more formal way of stating that the ending is not positive or beneficial.

results in disaster

Indicates a catastrophic outcome, stronger than a simple bad ending.

doesn't go as planned

Suggests a deviation from the intended or expected outcome, leading to a negative result.

fails to achieve a positive resolution

Focuses on the lack of a successful or favorable outcome.

ends in disappointment

Highlights the feeling of letdown associated with the ending.

spirals downward

Implies a progressive decline leading to a negative conclusion.

crashes and burns

An idiomatic expression suggesting a complete and utter failure.

FAQs

How can I use "does not end well" in a sentence?

You can use "does not end well" to describe a situation, story, or event that concludes negatively. For example: "His attempt to climb the mountain "does not end well", resulting in a dangerous rescue mission."

What's a more formal alternative to "does not end well"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "concludes unfavorably", "ends with an unfortunate conclusion", or "fails to achieve a positive resolution".

When is it appropriate to use "does not end well"?

"Does not end well" is suitable when you want to briefly convey that something culminates in a negative or undesirable manner. It works well in summarizing plots or warning about potential outcomes.

What are some common synonyms for "does not end well"?

Common synonyms include "ends badly", "turns out poorly", or "results in disaster", depending on the degree of negativity you want to express.