English Reference

Phrasal verb

ended up

Definition

phrasal verb. to reach a place or situation that you did not plan or expect.

phrasal verb. to arrive at a final state, condition, or location, often as the result of a series of unplanned events. The verb is intransitive but frequently takes a prepositional phrase, an adjective, or a gerund as a complement.

Examples

“We got lost and ended up in a small village.”

“They started the night at a fancy gala but ended up eating pizza at a 24-hour diner.”

“Despite his initial ambitions in the field of medicine, he ended up pursuing a successful career in international law after a chance internship.”

Examples

simple

“We got lost and ended up in a small village.”

contextual

“They started the night at a fancy gala but ended up eating pizza at a 24-hour diner.”

complex

“Despite his initial ambitions in the field of medicine, he ended up pursuing a successful career in international law after a chance internship.”

Usage

often followed by an '-ing' verb or a preposition like 'in' or 'with'.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'finish' or 'result in'; 'ended up' emphasizes the unexpected nature of the final destination or situation.

Pitfall

We ended up to stay at home.

We ended up staying at home.

when followed by another verb, 'ended up' requires the gerund (-ing) form, not the infinitive.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

end + up (+ complement)

Synonyms

turned outwound upfinished

Antonyms

started outbegan

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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