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end up

A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To finally be in a place or situation, especially when you didn't plan it that way.

Literal meaning: To reach your end in an upward position — partially transparent.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To eventually arrive in a place or situation, often one that was not intended or expected.

"We took the wrong turning and ended up in completely the wrong town."

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral

To eventually do something or be in a particular condition after a series of events.

"He dropped out of university but ended up running his own successful business."

"I had no idea that I was going to end up in politics."

— Michelle Obama, Becoming (2018)
Grammar: inseparable
3 A2 neutral

To be left with a particular outcome or result after a process or chain of events.

"After all the deductions, we ended up paying more tax than we expected."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

One of the most essential and frequently used phrasal verbs in English. Used by all ages in both British and American English. Often implies an unexpected or unplanned final situation. Almost always followed by a noun phrase, adjective, or '-ing' verb: 'ended up in hospital,' 'ended up sleeping on the floor.'

Commonly used with

hospital alone homeless regretting winning broke

Forms

Base
end up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ends up
he/she/it
Past simple
ended up
yesterday
Past participle
ended up
have + pp
-ing form
ending up
continuous

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