serious ending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious ending" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conclusion that carries significant weight or importance, often in a narrative or discussion context. Example: "The film had a serious ending that left the audience in deep thought about the characters' choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

'The Yeomen of the Guard (1888), their only joint work with a serious ending, concerns a pair of strolling players a jester and a singing girl who are caught up in a risky intrigue at the Tower of London during the 16th century.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Again Robbins applied cartoon methods to serious ends.

The New York Times - Arts

Suddenly all the people at the serious end of the paper turned into sports reporters.

Independent

Hilariously, given the deathly serious end result, he thought he was directing a comedy.

The Guardian - Books

He didn't speak to the local officers; he spoke to the serious end.

The Guardian

At the "serious" end of the market, the parallels are even more pronounced.

The Guardian

It is a fittingly serious end for a refreshingly grown up show.

The Guardian - Arts

But it may not help to prepare Reliance for a more serious end-game: unfettered global competition.

The Economist

So pressure of the sort he faces now, at the serious end of the season, does not bother him.

Independent

The ten most read items on the blog tended to come from the less serious end of the spectrum.

The Economist

It's a goofy gambit to serious ends, a very physical expression of his desire to do something remarkable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serious ending" to emphasize the profound or significant nature of a conclusion, particularly in narratives, discussions, or analyses where the outcome has substantial implications. For example, "The policy change had a serious ending for many small businesses."

Common error

Avoid using "serious ending" in informal settings where a lighter or more casual tone is appropriate. Opt for alternatives like "unfortunate outcome" or "bad result" to maintain a more relaxed atmosphere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious ending" functions as an adjective-noun phrase, where "serious" modifies the noun "ending". It describes the nature of the ending as being significant and potentially grave. As Ludwig AI says, it's usable in written English, conveying a conclusion that carries weight.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious ending" is a grammatically correct adjective-noun phrase used to denote a conclusion of considerable importance or gravity. Though relatively rare in occurrence, as confirmed by Ludwig, it is primarily found in news and media contexts. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of significance and potential negative consequences, suitable for formal and informal writing, depending on the surrounding tone. Alternatives include "grave conclusion" and "weighty conclusion". Be mindful of overuse in casual settings to maintain appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grave conclusion

Emphasizes the somber or weighty nature of the conclusion.

weighty conclusion

Highlights the significance and importance of the conclusion.

somber finale

Focuses on the dark or melancholic tone of the ending.

tragic conclusion

Indicates that the ending involves loss or suffering.

unhappy ending

A general term for a negative or unfavorable resolution.

bitter end

Suggests a painful or resentful conclusion.

downbeat ending

Emphasizes the pessimistic or disheartening nature of the resolution.

poignant conclusion

Highlights the emotionally moving aspect of the conclusion.

sober resolution

Conveys a sense of seriousness and thoughtfulness in the final outcome.

momentous close

Underscores the significant and historical nature of the final point.

FAQs

How can I use "serious ending" in a sentence?

You can use "serious ending" to describe a conclusion that has significant and often negative consequences. For example: "The economic crisis led to a "serious ending" for many families."

What are some alternatives to "serious ending"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "grave conclusion", "weighty conclusion", or "tragic conclusion".

Is it appropriate to use "serious ending" in formal writing?

Yes, "serious ending" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to emphasize the significance and potential negative consequences of a conclusion. However, ensure the tone matches the overall context.

What's the difference between "serious ending" and "unhappy ending"?

"Serious ending" emphasizes the gravity and significance of the outcome, while "unhappy ending" simply indicates that the conclusion is not pleasant or desirable. "Serious ending" often implies broader consequences.