What does the phrasal verb “end up” mean?

What are the definitions of “end up”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Become or do something unplanned.

  We couldn't get tickets for Egypt so we ENDED UP going to Turkey instead.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “end up”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb end up is to find oneself in a situation or place that was not planned or expected. It often refers to the final result or outcome of a series of events or actions.

What are the different verb forms of “end up”?

Root Verb	end up
Third Person Singular Present	ends up
Present Participle	ending up
Simple Past	ended up
Past Participle	ended up

Example

If you don't study, you might end up failing the exam.

Example

She always ends up arriving late to the meetings.

Example

He is ending up in a different city every week because of his job.

Example

They ended up watching a movie instead of going to the party.

Example

We ended up staying at home due to the bad weather.

What kind of phrasal verb is “end up”?

📝

Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“end up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

I ended up at the wrong address.

Example

She ended up getting lost in the city.

📝

Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“end up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

I ended up at the wrong address.

Example

She ended up getting lost in the city.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “end up”?

End up doing something

To eventually do something, often as a result of a series of choices or actions.

Example

I didn't want to go out, but my friends convinced me, so I ended up going to the party.

End up somewhere

To eventually arrive at a particular place, often unexpectedly or unintentionally.

Example

We took a wrong turn and ended up in a different town.

End up with something

To eventually have something, often as a result of a series of choices or actions.

Example

After trying many different hobbies, she ended up with a passion for painting.

Good things to know

Does “end up” have an informal or formal tone?

End up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as presentations or written documents.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “end up”?

Synonyms

• arrive
• conclude
• result in
• lead to
• turn out
• wind up
• finish
• land up

Antonyms

• begin
• start
• commence
• initiate
• launch
• embark