ends, ended, ending
to end up
phrasal verbE
To reach a final state or situation, often unexpectedly
- 1After getting lost, we ended up at a beautiful beach.
- 2She studied law but ended up becoming a writer.
Imagine you are driving to a party, but you get lost and end up at the beach instead. You didn't plan to go there, but that's where you ended up. To end up means to arrive at a place or situation without planning or expecting it.
Be careful not to confuse "end up" with "end with." "End up" is used when talking about a final unexpected situation, while "end with" is used to describe the last part of something planned.
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at a medical appointment
Unexpected Diagnosis
Cynthia
I thought it was just a minor cold.
John
Yeah, but you ended up needing antibiotics.
Cynthia
I didn't expect it to be this serious.
John
It's good you came in when you did.
at a flower shop
Surprising Choices
Sandra
I came in to buy roses, but I ended up choosing lilies instead.
John
Lilies are a great choice! They last longer too.
Sandra
Yeah, I didn't expect to change my mind so quickly.
John
It's funny how that happens sometimes.
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Similar to "to end up":
- 1conclude
- 2result
