ending things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ending things" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to concluding a relationship or situation. Example: "After much thought, I decided it was time for ending things." Alternative expressions include "breaking up" and "terminating the relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Without giving away the ending, things go awry.

The New York Times

The third section, in the third person, gives us Paul after ending things with Susan.

The Guardian - Books

The idea of ending things on a high always seems like a wasted opportunity to me.

The Guardian

There's been a saga involving lead salesman Ashley Andrew Brookeendinging things with a girl after her dog took a shine to him.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I thought she was turning cold to him; perhaps she was ending things completely, and he was trying to win her back.

The New York Times - Arts

Crazy as it may sound, when I see couples ending things after twenty-two or twenty-three years, I can't help but feel a little sad for them.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

The city decided to end things.

The New York Times

After seven weeks, Pearl ended things.

The New Yorker

It sort of ended things".

The Guardian

I made the decision to end things.

The Guardian - Opinion

It ended things on a high note.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about delicate situations like relationship breakups, use "ending things" to soften the impact and avoid overly harsh language. It provides a neutral and less accusatory tone.

Common error

While "ending things" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise and professional terms such as "terminating", "concluding", or "ceasing" to maintain a higher level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ending things" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It often serves as the object of a verb or preposition, describing the act of concluding or terminating something. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples where the phrase signifies the termination of relationships, projects, or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ending things" is a versatile and commonly used expression that functions as a gerund phrase, most often used to describe the conclusion of a relationship, project, or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its high frequency in news and media indicates its widespread acceptance and understanding. While grammatically correct, it's important to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives like "terminating the agreement" or "ceasing operations" in professional settings. Using "ending things" offers a more subtle way to refer to difficult or sensitive situations, ensuring clarity without being overly harsh.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

breaking up

Specifically refers to ending a romantic relationship.

calling it quits

This is an informal and idiomatic way to describe ending a relationship or venture.

bringing it to a close

Indicates concluding something in a more general sense.

bringing to an end

A more formal and versatile alternative.

terminating matters

This is a more formal and less common way to say "ending things".

shutting down

Implies a more decisive and sometimes abrupt end.

dissolving the partnership

Implies a formal agreement or business arrangement that is being terminated.

finalizing the situation

Suggests a process of making something final.

ceasing operations

Refers to stopping a business or organizational activity.

discontinuing

Describes the cessation of a product, service or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "ending things" in a sentence?

You can use "ending things" to describe the conclusion of a relationship, project, or situation. For example, "After careful consideration, they decided on "ending things" amicably".

What's a more formal way to say "ending things"?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "terminating the agreement", "concluding the matter", or "ceasing operations" depending on the context.

Is "ending things" appropriate for professional writing?

While acceptable, "ending things" might be too informal for some professional contexts. Consider alternatives like "dissolving the partnership" or "discontinuing the service" for a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "ending things" and "breaking up"?

"Breaking up" specifically refers to ending a romantic relationship, while ""ending things"" is a more general phrase that can apply to various types of relationships, projects, or situations.