始末だ - Grammar Discussion

Grammar Points
#1

Ends up, Finally, In the end, (Unfortunately) As a result, This is what happened, To come about, To wind up

Structure
Verb[る] + 始末だ
この始末だ

(A), (B) 始末だ is an expression that is used to show that the unfavorable (B) is the end result of the event or series of events caused by (A). It can be used to express a speaker’s disappointment or irritation. It is often used with expressions like あげく、結局、とうとう and so on for emphasis.

この始末だ is a set phrase indicating exasperation at the current state of affairs.

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#2

Can this ever be past tense? Or only the verb before it becomes past tense?

#3

This way to use 始末 expresses a (bad) final result. It can be in the present (始末だ) when talking about a situation that is still current, and it can be in the past (始末だった) when talking about a situation that existed in the past.

The part before 始末 is generally not in the past when used in the sense of this grammar point regardless of the time of the main clause.

1 Like
#4

Thanks, yeah, I think what confused me was this sentence:
" プロジェクトを期限内()に終()えることができなくて、上司()の逆鱗()に触()れてしまう_____"