end well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'end well' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an event or situation having a successful or satisfactory conclusion. For example, "Despite the difficulties we encountered along the way, I'm glad to see that this project was able to end well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This can't end well.

Independent

It didn't end well.

The New York Times

(It doesn't end well).

The New York Times - Arts

That did not end well.

The New York Times - Sports

This will not end well.

The New York Times

It does not end well.

Independent

That conversation won't end well.

The New Yorker

This cannot end well.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It will end well".

The Guardian

This won't end well.

The Guardian - Sport

It cannot end well.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "end well" to express a positive or satisfactory conclusion to an event, situation, or process. Ensure the context implies a generally favorable outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "end well" when describing a negative outcome or a situation that has deteriorated. Instead, consider phrases like "end badly" or "not end well" to accurately reflect the undesirable result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "end well" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating that something concludes in a satisfactory or positive manner. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase suggests a favorable outcome or resolution to a situation or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "end well" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a positive conclusion or outcome. As Ludwig examples show, it is most frequently used in news and media contexts to describe events that have reached a satisfactory resolution. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While versatile, it's important to avoid using it in negative contexts, where alternatives like "end badly" would be more appropriate. Related phrases such as "conclude favorably" or "turn out alright" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific situation. When writing, remember that "end well" focuses on the conclusion, not the process leading up to it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come to a good end

Stresses the positive nature of the final outcome.

finish successfully

Highlights the successful completion of a task or event.

conclude favorably

Focuses on the positive outcome of the conclusion.

resolve positively

Indicates a positive resolution to a problem or situation.

result in success

Highlights the successful result achieved.

turn out alright

Emphasizes the satisfactory nature of the result, often after uncertainty.

pan out well

Describes a situation that develops positively over time.

have a happy ending

Implies a joyful or satisfactory conclusion, often used in narratives.

prove fruitful

Indicates that efforts or actions led to a beneficial outcome.

go off without a hitch

Suggests a smooth and problem-free conclusion.

FAQs

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

You can use "end well" to describe situations with positive outcomes. For example, "Despite the initial challenges, the project managed to "end well"".

What are some alternatives to saying "end well"?

Alternatives include "conclude favorably", "turn out alright", or "finish successfully", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "ended well" instead of "end well"?

Yes, "ended well" is the past tense form of "end well" and is grammatically correct when referring to something that has already concluded positively. For example, "The story "ended well", with everyone living happily ever after".

What's the difference between "end well" and "go well"?

"End well" refers specifically to the conclusion of something being positive, while "go well" describes the process or progression of something. For example, "The meeting didn't "go well", but the negotiations "ended well"".