ends, ended, ending
to end up
phrasal verbE
To do something unplanned or unexpected
- 1We ended up watching a movie instead of going out.
- 2I ended up eating the whole cake by myself.
Imagine you are going on a road trip but you get lost and end up at a beautiful beach instead of your destination. This is an example of ending up somewhere unplanned or unexpected. It means you didn't plan to be there, but you are there anyway.
Be careful not to confuse "end up" with "end." "End up" is used for unexpected outcomes, while "end" is used for planned conclusions. Remember: "We ended up at the beach" (unexpected) vs. "We ended the trip at the beach" (planned).
at the animal care center
Unexpected Pet Adoption
Ronald
I just came to get some advice about my dog.
Sharon
And you ended up adopting a kitten too?
Ronald
Yeah, I couldn't resist when I saw her.
Sharon
That's how they get you!
at a leisure facility
Surprise Splash Adventure
Frank
I thought we were just going to relax by the pool today.
Ashley
Yeah, but we ended up trying all the water slides instead!
Frank
I didn't expect to have so much fun.
Ashley
Same here, it was a great surprise!
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