ends up like this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ends up like this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a final outcome or result that is unexpected or different from what was anticipated. Example: "After all the planning and hard work, the project ends up like this, with so many unresolved issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Not every day at WOTC ends up like this, but plenty do.

Vice

Every year I attempt to make a gingerbread house and every year it ends up like this: pic.twitter.com/bgsSjrKwZh.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

If you end up liking this type of music, and come out wanting to download the songs after you're done with the album.

WikiHow

If your special someone ends up liking you, you want this person to fall for who you really are, not someone you pretended to be.

WikiHow

There is some risk that this ends up like the abortive uprisings in Hungary in 1956, in Czechoslovakia in 1968, or in southern Iraq in 1991.

The New York Times

How did she end up like this?

The Guardian

"I don't want you to end up like this.

The New York Times

It was never meant to have ended up like this.

The Guardian

Those games are going to end up like this".

The New York Times - Sports

'I never thought we'd end up like this.

The Guardian - Money

"Boy, I hope we never end up like this".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ends up like this", ensure the context clearly indicates what "this" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "ends up like this" without a clear antecedent. Readers need to understand what "this" refers to, or the phrase becomes vague and confusing.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial phrase modifying a verb. The phrase "ends up like this" describes the manner in which something concludes or results. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in expressing surprise, disappointment, or resignation regarding an outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ends up like this" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe an outcome or situation, often unexpected or undesirable. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's common in news and media, reflecting a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Alternatives include "turns out this way" or "results in this situation". When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what "this" refers to. Avoiding ambiguity helps maintain clear communication. "Ends up like this" effectively conveys a sense of finality and is versatile in expressing a range of emotions from surprise to resignation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turns out this way

Focuses on the result or outcome, emphasizing the manner in which something concludes.

results in this situation

Highlights the final state or circumstance that occurs because of previous events.

culminates in this fashion

Suggests a high point or final stage in a process or series of events.

finishes in this state

Focuses on the final condition or appearance of something at the end.

evolves into this outcome

Emphasizes the gradual development or transformation leading to a specific result.

becomes like this

Indicates a transformation or change into a particular state or condition.

devolves into this mess

Suggests a negative progression or decline resulting in a disorganized or problematic state.

winds up in this predicament

Highlights an unforeseen or challenging situation as the final result.

materializes in this form

Emphasizes the concrete or tangible manifestation of something in a specific shape or appearance.

manifests in this manner

Emphasizes the way something appears or becomes evident.

FAQs

How can I use "ends up like this" in a sentence?

The phrase "ends up like this" is typically used to describe an outcome or situation, often unexpected or undesirable. For example, "I never thought the project would "end up like this" after all our hard work."

What are some alternatives to saying "ends up like this"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "turns out this way", "results in this situation", or "becomes like this".

Is it correct to say "ended up like this" instead of "ends up like this"?

Yes, "ended up like this" is the past tense form of the phrase. Use "ended up like this" when referring to a completed event or past situation, while "ends up like this" is more appropriate for general statements or future possibilities.

What's the difference between "ends up like this" and "ends up this way"?

While both phrases are similar, "ends up like this" often implies a comparison to something specific or a visual reference. "Ends up this way" is more general and simply describes the final state without a direct comparison. The choice between the two depends on the specific context.