end up apologizing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "end up apologizing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone ultimately finds themselves in a position of needing to apologize, often after a series of events or actions. Example: "After the heated argument, I didn't want to, but I ended up apologizing for my harsh words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I end up apologizing.

The New York Times

Too often, he said, "we have let others set the agenda, and then to some extent end up apologizing.

The New York Times

We stop and remonstrate and reason and usually they end up apologizing: They were only making sure — did we hear the report on state TV that three foreigners were arrested in Mohamed Mahmoud Street?

The New Yorker

The fascists killed Garcia Lorca The communists offered their own Rogue Dalton The Christians slaughtered the pagan poets The Muslims silence the publishers And they all end up apologizing But poets who partake of the fruit of truth From the word tree And spit out the seeds of power Will never be sorry.

The New York Times - Arts

The sign joins a long list of marketing materials companies end up apologizing for once they discover that many female consumers don't find them amusing.

Huffington Post

A good rule of thumb is to never, ever call anyone Hitler, since you'll end up apologizing and there are far more creative and specific ways to insult your enemies.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Whole Foods ended up apologizing, the oranges disappeared, and the world moved on.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Instead, Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero declared a state of alarm and forced the controllers back to work under military authority, and the controllers' union ended up apologizing for its actions.

The New York Times

But some recall the short-lived career of another multimillionaire Republican, Pierre A. Rinfret, whose 1990 gubernatorial bid was undercut by his tendency to make off-the-cuff remarks, some of which he ended up apologizing for later.

The New York Times

The final straw was when Danny tried to trick Mindy into getting pregnant again, by sneakily tracking her cycle on his calendar and then getting her drunk — and somehow she was the one who ended up apologizing for having privately gone on the pill.

The New Yorker

Whatever the case, last time out, Bono ended up apologizing for the whole thing in the most Bono way imaginable.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "end up apologizing" to describe a situation where someone initially resists apologizing but eventually does so due to circumstances or pressure.

Common error

While "end up apologizing" is acceptable in many situations, avoid it in very formal writing where a more direct and concise expression of apology is preferred. Consider alternatives like "issued an apology" or "expressed remorse".

Linguistic Context

Verb phrase. The phrase "end up apologizing" functions as a verb phrase indicating the eventual action of expressing regret or remorse. It suggests a process leading to the act of apologizing, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "end up apologizing" is a commonly used phrase that describes a situation where someone eventually expresses regret, often after initially resisting. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely used in news, media, and informal contexts. While generally acceptable, it may be less suitable for extremely formal writing where more direct expressions are preferred. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize the process leading to the apology, and be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the intended tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find oneself apologizing

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of having to apologize.

wind up saying sorry

Informal alternative, highlighting the act of expressing regret.

eventually offer an apology

Focuses on the offering of an apology after some time.

come to regret and apologize

Highlights the regret felt before apologizing.

be forced to apologize

Suggests external pressure leading to the apology.

have no choice but to apologize

Emphasizes the lack of alternatives to apologizing.

beg for forgiveness

Implies a more intense and emotional apology.

express remorse in the end

Focuses on the feeling of remorse as the final outcome.

ultimately seek forgiveness

Highlights the act of seeking forgiveness as the end result.

make amends after all

Suggests making reparations or corrections alongside the apology.

FAQs

How can I use "end up apologizing" in a sentence?

You can use "end up apologizing" to describe a situation where someone initially avoids or resists apologizing but is eventually compelled to do so. For example, "After the argument, he didn't want to, but he "ended up apologizing" for his behavior."

What's a more formal alternative to "end up apologizing"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "issued an apology", "expressed remorse", or "formally apologized" instead of the more casual "end up apologizing".

Is it correct to say "ended up to apologize" instead of "end up apologizing"?

No, the correct form is "end up apologizing". The phrase "end up" is followed by a gerund (a verb ending in -ing used as a noun), not an infinitive (to + verb).

What's the difference between "apologize" and "end up apologizing"?

"Apologize" is a direct action of expressing regret. "End up apologizing" implies a process or series of events that lead to the apology, often suggesting initial reluctance or unforeseen circumstances.