how things turned out

USAGE SUMMARY

"how things turned out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that happened in the past, to indicate the conclusion or result. For example, "Looking back at the previous year, I am amazed at how things turned out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's just how things turned out.

The New York Times

That wasn't how things turned out.

The Guardian - Tech

Do you regret how things turned out?

The Guardian

He's upset with how things turned out".

The New York Times - Sports

This, of course, is not exactly how things turned out.

The New York Times

Once again, this was not how things turned out.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm just saddened by how things turned out," he says.

The Washington Post

"But that's not how things turned out," Dr. MacPherson said.

The New York Times - Science

I'm glad to see how things turned out.

The New York Times

Here's how things turned out for the best.

The New York Times - Arts

OBVIOUSLY, that wasn't how things turned out for the women of Gilgo Beach.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "how things turned out", consider whether you want to emphasize the process or the final result. For example, you can use the phrase when reflecting on a past event and its consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "how things turned out" when discussing ongoing situations. The phrase is best suited for reflecting on events that have reached a conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how things turned out" functions as a clause or phrase that refers to the eventual or final result of a situation or event. It often introduces a reflection or assessment of what ultimately happened. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how things turned out" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to reflect on the final outcome of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage. It's prevalent in news and media contexts, serving to evaluate or assess past events. While versatile, it's best suited for completed events and might be too informal for strictly academic or scientific writing. Consider alternatives like "the final result" for more formal settings. Remember to avoid using the phrase for ongoing situations to ensure clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the end result

Highlights the conclusive state or condition.

what happened in the end

More direct and simple, focusing on the events that transpired.

the ultimate outcome

Emphasizes the end result, often suggesting a long or complex process.

the way it ended up

Emphasizes the state at the end, using more colloquial language.

how it all ended

Implies an awareness of a complete narrative or story.

the final result

Focuses on the end outcome without necessarily implying a process.

the eventual consequence

Highlights the consequences or effects after a period of time.

the conclusion of the matter

Suggests a formal or serious situation that has reached its end.

the final chapter

Uses a metaphorical expression to describe the conclusion of a series of events.

the upshot of it all

Indicates the final and usually unexpected result.

FAQs

How can I use "how things turned out" in a sentence?

You can use "how things turned out" to reflect on the outcome of a past event. For example, "Despite the initial challenges, I'm pleased with "how things turned out"".

What's a more formal way to say "how things turned out"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases such as "the final result", "the ultimate outcome", or "the eventual consequence" as alternatives to "how things turned out".

Which is correct, "how things turned out" or "how things turn out"?

"How things turned out" refers to a completed event in the past. "How things turn out" refers to a future or hypothetical outcome.

What can I say instead of "how things turned out" to emphasize surprise?

To emphasize surprise, you might use phrases like "the upshot of it all" or "what happened in the end" to express the unexpected nature of "how things turned out".