ends like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ends like that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the conclusion or final part of something, often in a narrative or discussion context. Example: "The story was captivating, but I was disappointed with how it ends like that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I suppose that Juan Pablo could end up feeling the same about this year if it ends like that for him.

The Guardian - Sport

All I remember is that crazy last line: 'And, when it was all over, the King and his courtiers roared with laughter.' What the hell kind of story ends like that?" By then we'd finished our coffee.

The New Yorker

It ends like that on purpose.

Vice

Jesus Christ, I'm sorry, man.' It literally ends like that, if you let it.

Huffington Post

I hope, if it ends like that for me, I don't end up dying in the street with a thousand eyes above my face, asking how I am, whom to call, or worst of all saying that everything is fine.

Vice

The non-random distributions of motif sequences among dinucleotide and trinucleotide SSRs of carrot included a higher than expected incidence of (AT n repeats in genomic DNA (BAC ends), like that of several plant species including soybean, Arabidopsis and rice [ 22], but unlike the (AC n predominant motif among dinucleotides in humans [ 25].

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

That's not my destination, to end like that.

The New York Times - Sports

Nobody wants to see Rivera end like that.

The New York Times - Sports

Shame it all had to end like that.

Independent

Agonising crescendos just don't end like that.

The Guardian - Travel

But it's impossible to rationalize an ending like that.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ends like that" to describe a scenario or narrative's conclusion, particularly when expressing surprise, disappointment, or a sense of finality about the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "ends like that" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "concludes in this manner" or "terminates with this result" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ends like that" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb, typically 'end', 'finish', or 'conclude', to describe the manner in which something concludes. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ends like that" serves as an adverbial phrase used to express an evaluation of a conclusion. It often carries a sense of disappointment or surprise, appearing most frequently in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct, it is better suited for neutral to informal settings, advising against its overuse in formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is commonly used and acceptable, though more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comes to an end that way

Alternative that specifies the action of ending.

finishes in that way

Alternative using 'finishes' instead of 'ends', highlighting the process coming to a stop.

concludes in that fashion

Formal alternative, emphasizing the manner of conclusion.

culminates in that manner

Focuses on the final, decisive point or event.

plays out in that fashion

Highlights the unfolding or progression of events.

wraps up in that style

Emphasizes the manner of completion or presentation.

results in that outcome

Highlights the consequence or effect of a process.

is resolved in that form

Emphasizes the state of resolution or solution.

is settled in that style

Focuses on how something is decided or agreed upon.

terminates in that guise

Formal and somewhat uncommon alternative emphasizing the final appearance or form.

FAQs

How can I use "ends like that" in a sentence?

You can use "ends like that" to describe an unexpected or undesirable conclusion. For example, "It's a shame the game had to "end like that" after such a strong start."

What's a more formal way to say "ends like that"?

In formal contexts, you could replace "ends like that" with phrases like "concludes in that manner" or "terminates in such a way" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "ends like that"?

Yes, "ends like that" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English to describe how something concludes.

What does "ends like that" imply about the situation?

"Ends like that" typically implies a sense of disappointment, surprise, or abruptness regarding the final outcome of a situation or story.