ends up destroying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ends up destroying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something ultimately leads to destruction or negative consequences after a series of events. Example: "Despite his good intentions, his actions end up destroying the trust he had built with his colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The cell then tries to rid itself of the damage and ends up destroying itself.

The New York Times

Vowing to destroy Sentain, Galoup ends up destroying his own career.

The New York Times

Sarah is an arrogant fury who ends up destroying her family.

The New York Times - Books

It always ends up destroying the institutions that are vulnerable, unless you deal with it".

The Guardian

For example, a company sourcing credits from a hydro plant that turns out to have been involved in some kind of corruption or ends up destroying local fishing runs a reputational risk irrespective of the quality of carbon accounting.

The Economist

He likens the plans for schools that run all aspects of children's and families' lives to the sort of corporate merger that sees cross-cutting synergies and holistic opportunities but ends up destroying value.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It would be an irony if something intended to preserve lives ended up destroying them.

The Economist

The spiralling overvaluation of the site had ended up destroying what little value there was.

The New Yorker

I end up destroying people's relationships.

Vice

Hobson gets off more easily than Alec Guinness's Colonel Nicholson in "River Kwai," who ends up destroyed, like his most meticulous creation.

The New York Times

A family ends up destroyed.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ends up destroying", ensure the context clearly indicates a process or series of events that lead to the destructive outcome. This adds depth and causality to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "ends up destroying" to describe instantaneous events. The phrase implies a gradual process leading to destruction, not an immediate action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ends up destroying" functions as a verb phrase indicating a consequence or result of an action or series of events. It suggests a process leading to a destructive outcome, rather than an immediate action. According to Ludwig AI, this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ends up destroying" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe situations where a process leads to a destructive outcome. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in news and media contexts but also appears in formal and business writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context indicates a process rather than an immediate action. Alternatives like "ultimately ruins" or "eventually devastates" can be used for variety. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively communicate cause and consequence in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ultimately ruins

Focuses on the final negative outcome, using 'ruins' to emphasize the damage.

eventually devastates

Highlights the severe and widespread impact of the destruction.

winds up demolishing

Emphasizes complete destruction, using 'demolishing' to suggest a forceful dismantling.

concludes in wreckage

Shifts the focus to the resulting state of ruin after a process.

results in annihilation

Stresses the complete obliteration caused by the action.

terminates in collapse

Highlights the final breakdown or failure.

culminates in obliteration

Emphasizes the final and total erasure.

finishes by wrecking

Uses 'wrecking' to describe the act of causing significant damage.

leads to decimation

Focuses on the severe reduction or destruction of something.

degenerates into destruction

Highlights a process of decline leading to a destructive end.

FAQs

How can I use "ends up destroying" in a sentence?

Use "ends up destroying" to describe a situation where a series of actions or events ultimately leads to a destructive outcome. For example: "His ambition "ends up destroying" his relationships."

What are some alternatives to "ends up destroying"?

You can use alternatives like "ultimately ruins", "eventually devastates", or "winds up demolishing" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "ends up destroying" and "ended up destroying"?

"Ends up destroying" refers to a process that is currently or generally happening, while "ended up destroying" refers to a process that has already concluded in the past.

When is it inappropriate to use "ends up destroying"?

It is less appropriate when describing a single, immediate action. The phrase is best used when illustrating a gradual process with a destructive outcome.