# end in sth

CEFR A1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/end-in-sth
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

To finish in a certain way or have a particular result.

For teachers: To conclude with a specific outcome or in a particular state; the object of the preposition 'in' specifies the result.

## Examples

- The game often ends in a draw.
- Their long argument finally ended in tears.
- Despite early optimism, the ambitious project ended in failure, leaving the company with significant financial losses.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The argument ended tears." but "The argument ended in tears." — The preposition 'in' is required to connect the verb 'end' to the resulting state or outcome.

## Usage notes

- The object is usually an abstract noun describing the result, such as 'failure', 'success', or 'disaster'.
- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'result in' (a near-synonym but more formal) and 'lead to' (which focuses more on the causal chain than the final state).

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.