how things will end

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how things will end" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the outcome or conclusion of a situation or event. Example: "As we approach the final stages of the project, I'm curious about how things will end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Do she know how things will end up, as stand-alone poems, video works, installations?

The Guardian - Arts

Mr. Torricelli says it's impossible to predict how things will end.

The New York Times

No one knows how things will end in the busted love affair between Manhattan and the wandering bankers of UBS.

The New York Times

When Terry says glumly that he knows how things will end, it's hard to disagree with him.

The New York Times

In Mitchell S. Jackson's powerful debut novel, "The Residue Years," we know how things will end for Champ Thomas and his mother, Grace, before we know how they get there.

The New York Times - Books

Irvin, Rice and Reed have had spectacular professional lives, yet all three are now wondering how things will end, in some cases struggling physically, and in others, getting little interest from teams because of their ages.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

This isn't a prediction of how I think things will end up, but I do think that we live in a society where the gap between those who have and those who have not is getting wider.

The Guardian

But things will end happily.

The New York Times

Nobody but the cast and crew has even a scintilla of an idea of how things will actually end, but that hasn't stopped people from speculating, including us.

Independent

Mao Zedong is the best model for all of this, but Xi Jinping is no Mao, and how things will actually end up is anyone's guess.

Huffington Post

"It is difficult to say how this whole thing will end," he added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "how things will end", ensure the context clearly establishes what "things" refers to. This prevents ambiguity and ensures your meaning is clear.

Common error

Avoid using "how things will end" when you want to indicate a speculative prediction. It's better to use this phrase when events are already in motion and a conclusion is foreseeable, rather than when forecasting entirely uncertain events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how things will end" functions as a clause, typically introducing a question or statement about the eventual outcome or conclusion of a situation. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Books

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Sport

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how things will end" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to inquire about or speculate on the outcome of a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its structure is correct and can be found in diverse sources, including news, media, and literature. The phrase serves primarily to express curiosity or concern about future developments, making it a versatile tool in both formal and informal communication. Keep in mind that it is best used when a conclusion is somewhat foreseeable, and avoid assuming predetermined outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how matters will end

Replaces "things" with "matters", slightly more formal.

how things will conclude

Substitutes "end" with "conclude", suggesting a more formal or definitive resolution.

how this is going to end

Adds emphasis to the immediacy and certainty of an impending conclusion.

how things will unfold

Focuses on the process and development leading to the end, rather than the end itself.

how things will work out

Implies a resolution, often with a positive connotation.

the end result

A shorter and more direct way of referring to the final outcome.

how the situation will resolve itself

Highlights a process of resolution without external intervention.

the ultimate outcome

Focuses solely on the final result, omitting the process.

what the final result will be

Emphasizes the final result in a more explanatory manner.

the culmination of events

Focuses on the final event as a climax or concluding point.

FAQs

What does "how things will end" mean?

The phrase "how things will end" refers to the eventual outcome or conclusion of a particular situation, process, or series of events. It implies a curiosity or concern about what the final result will be.

How can I use "how things will end" in a sentence?

You can use "how things will end" to express uncertainty or anticipation about the conclusion of a situation. For example: "With the negotiations stalled, no one knows "how things will end"."

What are some alternatives to "how things will end"?

Alternatives include "the final outcome", "the end result", or "what the future holds" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "how things will end up" the same as "how things will end"?

Yes, "how things will end up" and "how things will end" are largely interchangeable. The addition of "up" emphasizes the final state or condition resulting from a process, but the core meaning remains the same.