end badly

USAGE SUMMARY

"end badly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to imply that something will not end positively or without consequences. For example, you could say: "I fear this deal may end badly for us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So perhaps this horse tale is destined to end badly.

The New York Times - Sports

It'd only end badly".

The New Yorker

All relationships end badly.

The New Yorker

These stories usually end badly.

The New York Times

Not all wars end badly.

The New Yorker

Things end badly.

The New York Times - Food

(This will end badly).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This war, like Vietnam, will end badly.

The New York Times

But not all protest movements end badly.

The Economist

It could only end badly, bloodily.

The New Yorker

You know it will end badly.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "end badly" to succinctly convey that a situation will likely have negative consequences, especially when warning against a particular course of action. For example, "Investing without research could "end badly".

Common error

While "end badly" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced or precise language, such as "result in adverse outcomes" or "culminate in failure", for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "end badly" functions as a predicate expressing a negative outcome or consequence. It is commonly used to warn against actions or predict unfavorable results, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "end badly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey that a situation is expected to result in negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is widely accepted and understood. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves as a warning or prediction of undesirable outcomes. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal settings, opting instead for more precise and sophisticated alternatives. Keep in mind the context to determine the best phrasing to use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn out poorly

Focuses on the outcome being undesirable or of low quality.

go wrong

Emphasizes a deviation from the intended or desired course.

have a bad ending

Directly highlights the negative quality of the conclusion.

come to a sticky end

Suggests a troublesome or unpleasant final situation.

result in disaster

Implies a catastrophic or highly damaging outcome.

lead to ruin

Highlights the destructive consequences of a particular path or action.

finish in failure

Specifically points to the lack of success as the final result.

devolve into chaos

Emphasizes a descent into disorder and confusion as the conclusion.

crash and burn

Conveys a sense of spectacular and complete failure.

prove disastrous

Focuses on the quality of being ruinous.

FAQs

How can I use "end badly" in a sentence?

You can use "end badly" to describe situations or actions that are likely to have negative consequences. For example, "Ignoring safety protocols could "end badly" for everyone involved."

What are some alternatives to "end badly"?

Alternatives include "turn out poorly", "go wrong", or "result in disaster", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "end badly"?

Yes, "end badly" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. It is used to indicate that something will have a negative or undesirable outcome.

What's the difference between "end badly" and "end poorly"?

"End badly" generally refers to more significant or severe negative consequences, while "end poorly" suggests a less severe, but still undesirable, outcome. The choice depends on the degree of negativity you wish to convey.