sweet ending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sweet ending" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a pleasant or satisfying conclusion to any type of situation. For example, "I was so happy to hear that they were able to come to an agreement; it was a sweet ending to an otherwise difficult situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

DANA SPIOTTA: Thanks for that sweet ending.

The New Yorker

No romantic meal is complete without a sweet ending.

The New York Times

Mango ice cream made a familiar sweet ending.

The New York Times

An Estonian lullaby and a Russian Nativity song make for a sweet ending.

The New York Times - Arts

How can there be a sweet ending for child, lollipop and caper alike?

The New York Times - Books

It's a sweet (but not too sweet) ending to a surfside meal.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"Starts sweet, ends bitter," was Mr. Ammerman's enthusiastic assessment.

The New York Times

Even the lemon sorbet was clean and clear, a sweet but not-too-sweet ending.

The New York Times

There is no sweeter ending for a child than one in which the adults admit they all got it wrong – probably because it's an all-too-rare occurrence.

The Guardian

Ten minutes later Albertini's through-pass found Iulian Filipescu keeping Inzaghi onside and another sweet finish ended the game as a contest.

The Guardian - Sport

The usual array of kebabs is the menu's backbone, the stuffed pastry and eggplant selections dominate the appetizers, and baklava and other honey-soaked sweets end the meal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sweet ending" to describe not only literal endings, such as desserts after a meal, but also metaphorical conclusions, like the resolution of a story or project.

Common error

Avoid using "sweet ending" in overly serious or tragic contexts, as it can sound inappropriately lighthearted. Opt for more somber or reflective language instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sweet ending" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "sweet" modifies the noun "ending". This is confirmed by Ludwig's analysis and the numerous examples provided, which showcase it describing the concluding part of an event, story, or meal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sweet ending" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a pleasant or satisfying conclusion. According to Ludwig, it's acceptable for general use, although might be considered less appropriate for highly formal contexts, where alternatives such as "favorable conclusion" may be preferred. The phrase is frequently found in news and media, and its metaphorical use extends beyond literal endings like desserts to encompass any positive resolution. While its meaning is consistently applied, writers should be mindful of using it in overly serious scenarios where a more somber tone is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

happy ending

Focuses on the joyful and positive aspect of the conclusion.

delightful conclusion

Replaces 'sweet' with 'delightful', emphasizing the pleasant nature of the ending.

satisfying finale

Uses 'satisfying' and 'finale' to highlight the fulfilling and conclusive aspect.

pleasant culmination

Substitutes 'sweet' with 'pleasant' and 'ending' with 'culmination', suggesting a pleasing final point.

agreeable resolution

Emphasizes the pleasing and resolved nature of the ending.

charming finish

Replaces 'sweet' with 'charming', focusing on the attractiveness of the conclusion.

gratifying outcome

Highlights the rewarding result of the ending.

enjoyable close

Uses 'enjoyable' and 'close' to denote a pleasant and final part.

favorable conclusion

Stresses the positive and advantageous nature of the ending.

welcome resolution

Highlights the appreciated and settled nature of the ending.

FAQs

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

You can use "sweet ending" to describe a pleasant conclusion to a story, meal, or event. For example, "The movie had a unexpectedly "sweet ending" that left everyone satisfied".

What are some alternatives to "sweet ending"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "happy ending", "satisfying finale", or "pleasant culmination".

Is "sweet ending" appropriate for formal writing?

While "sweet ending" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "favorable conclusion" or "agreeable resolution" to maintain a professional tone.

Can "sweet ending" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "sweet ending" can be used metaphorically to describe any positive or satisfying conclusion, such as the resolution of a conflict or the successful completion of a project. For instance, "After months of negotiations, the deal reached a "welcome resolution", a "sweet ending" for all parties involved".