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B1 adjective #32 most common 14 min read

finished

Top 32

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips finished in 30 Seconds

Explanation finished in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'finished' is one of the first words you learn to describe completing a simple task. It is mostly used in the phrase 'I am finished' or 'Are you finished?' You use it at school when you finish your work, or at home when you finish your dinner. It is a very helpful word because it tells people that you are ready for the next thing. You might also see it in simple books to show that a story has reached the end. It is usually used with 'with' when you talk about an object, like 'I am finished with my milk.' At this level, don't worry about the grammar too much; just remember that it means 'done' or 'no more.' It is a very positive word because it often means you have done a good job and can now rest or play. You will hear your teacher say it a lot to check if the class is ready to move on to a new lesson. It is a short, easy word to remember and use every day.

For A2 learners, 'finished' becomes more useful as you start to talk about your daily routines and past experiences. You can use it to describe the state of things around you, like a 'finished drawing' or a 'finished sandwich.' You will also start to use it with time expressions, such as 'I will be finished in ten minutes.' This helps you manage your time and communicate your plans to others. You might notice that 'finished' looks like the past tense of 'finish,' and that's because it comes from that verb. At this level, you should try to use 'finished with' more often to talk about tools or activities. For example, 'Are you finished with the computer?' is a great way to be polite. You also learn that 'finished' can describe a movie or a game being over. It is a very common word in simple conversations, and using it correctly helps you sound more organized and clear when you speak about your day-to-day life.

At the B1 level, you should understand that 'finished' is an adjective that describes a state of completion. You can use it in more complex sentences to describe not just tasks, but also more abstract things like projects, seasons, or even relationships. You will start to see the difference between 'I have finished' (the action) and 'I am finished' (the state). B1 learners should also be aware of common collocations like 'finished product' or 'finished work.' You might use it to describe a renovated part of a house, like a 'finished basement.' At this level, you are expected to use 'finished' in professional contexts, such as telling a boss that a report is finished. You should also be comfortable using adverbs like 'nearly,' 'almost,' or 'completely' with 'finished' to give more detail. For example, 'The project is almost finished, but we need one more day.' This shows a higher level of control over the language and allows you to provide more accurate information in both speaking and writing.

B2 learners should be able to use 'finished' with nuance and understand its more metaphorical meanings. You might hear it used to describe a person's career or reputation, as in 'If he fails this test, he's finished.' This shows an understanding of the word's weight and how it can imply a total loss of success. You should also be able to distinguish 'finished' from more formal synonyms like 'concluded,' 'finalized,' or 'terminated.' At this level, you can use 'finished' to describe the quality of an object's surface, like 'a finished wood surface' or 'a finished look.' You should also be aware of the idiomatic uses, such as 'finished with' meaning 'done dealing with' someone or something in an emotional sense. Your writing should reflect this by choosing 'finished' when it is the most appropriate word for the context, and using it to create clear, professional, and descriptive sentences. You are also expected to handle the pronunciation of the '-ed' ending as a /t/ sound consistently and correctly in your speech.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of 'finished' and its role in various registers of English. You can use it to discuss complex topics like the 'finished state' of a philosophical argument or the 'finished quality' of a high-end product. You understand the subtle differences between 'finished,' 'complete,' and 'exhaustive.' You can use 'finished' in a variety of grammatical structures, including as a post-positive adjective or in complex passive constructions. C1 learners should also be familiar with the word's use in literature and high-level journalism, where it might be used to describe the end of an era or the finality of a historical event. You can use it to express irony or sarcasm, such as 'Well, that's me finished!' when something small goes wrong. Your mastery of the word includes knowing when *not* to use it, opting instead for more precise terms like 'consummated,' 'discharged,' or 'executed' when the context demands it. You also understand the cultural implications of the word in different English-speaking regions.

For C2 learners, 'finished' is a tool for precise and evocative expression. You can use it to explore the philosophical implications of finality and completion. You might use it in academic writing to describe the 'finished form' of a theory or in creative writing to describe the 'finished soul' of a character. You have a complete grasp of its etymological roots and how they influence its modern usage. You can effortlessly switch between its literal and metaphorical meanings, using it to add depth and color to your language. C2 learners can also analyze the use of 'finished' in various dialects and historical periods of English. You understand how the word interacts with other parts of speech to create complex meanings and how it can be used to set the tone of a piece of writing or a speech. At this level, 'finished' is not just a word for completion; it is a versatile element of your extensive vocabulary that you use with absolute confidence and sophistication in any possible context, from the most casual conversation to the most formal academic discourse.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

finished in 30 Seconds

Finished is an adjective that indicates something is done, completed, or has reached its natural conclusion in a process or time period.
It is commonly used with the verb 'to be' (e.g., 'I am finished') and often followed by the preposition 'with' for objects.
The word can describe physical tasks, temporal events, polished products, or even a person's state of exhaustion or failure.
While similar to 'done,' 'finished' is often preferred in formal contexts for people completing tasks and for describing high-quality final states.

The word 'finished' serves as a cornerstone of the English language, primarily functioning as an adjective to denote the state of completion. When we say something is finished, we are indicating that a process has reached its natural or intended conclusion. This can apply to a vast array of scenarios, from the mundane act of eating a meal to the complex finalization of a multi-year architectural project. The essence of 'finished' lies in the cessation of activity and the attainment of a final state where no further work is required or expected.

Task Completion: This is the most common usage, where a specific assignment, chore, or duty has been executed in its entirety. For example, a student might exclaim that their essay is finished, meaning every paragraph is written and the bibliography is complete.

Once the paint was dry, the artist stepped back and declared the masterpiece finished.

Beyond simple tasks, 'finished' describes the end of temporal events. A movie is finished when the credits roll; a season is finished when the final game is played. In these contexts, it signifies the passage of time and the closing of a chapter. It carries a sense of finality that 'ended' might lack, often implying that the natural progression has been fulfilled. In social contexts, being 'finished' with someone can imply a more emotional or relational end, suggesting that a connection has been severed or a patience has been exhausted.

Polished State: In manufacturing and craftsmanship, 'finished' refers to the surface quality or the final appearance of a product. A 'finished basement' is one that is fully renovated and habitable, as opposed to an unfinished one with exposed beams and concrete floors.

The finished product was shipped to customers across the globe.

In the realm of sports and competition, 'finished' describes the ranking or position achieved at the end of a race. A runner who 'finished first' has not only completed the race but has done so ahead of all others. This usage bridges the gap between the act of completing and the quality of the result. Furthermore, in a more negative or slang-heavy context, saying someone is 'finished' can mean they have lost their reputation, power, or ability to continue in a certain field or career, often due to a scandal or a major failure.

Relational Finality: When used in personal relationships, it often signals a point of no return. 'I am finished with this argument' suggests a refusal to engage further, marking a definitive boundary.

After three hours of intense negotiation, the deal was finally finished.

The wood had a beautifully finished surface that glowed in the sunlight.

To summarize, 'finished' is a versatile adjective that moves from the literal completion of a physical object to the abstract conclusion of a life phase or a social interaction. Its usage is pervasive across all registers of English, making it an essential word for learners to master in order to express the concept of 'the end' with clarity and nuance. Whether you are talking about a finished book, a finished career, or a finished basement, the core idea remains the same: the journey has reached its destination, and the work is complete.

Are you finished with that newspaper?

Using 'finished' correctly requires an understanding of its role as an adjective and its relationship with verbs. Most commonly, it follows the verb 'to be' or 'to feel'. For instance, 'I am finished' or 'The project is finished.' In these cases, it describes the subject's state. It is important to distinguish this from the past participle of the verb 'to finish,' though they look identical. As an adjective, it focuses on the state of completion rather than the action of completing.

Subjective Completion: When a person says 'I am finished,' they are the subject, and 'finished' describes their current status regarding a task. This is often followed by the preposition 'with'. Example: 'I am finished with my dinner.'

She won't be finished until at least six o'clock.

Another frequent pattern involves placing 'finished' before a noun to describe its quality or state. A 'finished report' is one that is ready for submission. A 'finished basement' is one that has been renovated. This attributive use is very common in technical and professional writing where the status of an object needs to be clearly defined. It helps the reader understand that no further modifications are expected for that specific item.

The 'Finished With' Pattern: This pattern is essential for daily conversation. It indicates that the speaker no longer needs or is no longer using something. 'Are you finished with the salt?' is a polite way to ask if you can take it.

The finished manuscript was over five hundred pages long.

We also use 'finished' to describe people who are no longer successful or who have reached the end of their usefulness in a particular role. 'He is a finished man' is a heavy, dramatic statement suggesting a total loss of power or social standing. This is a more metaphorical use of the word, extending the idea of completion to the conclusion of a person's relevance or career. It is often used in political commentary or sports journalism.

Adverbial Modification: 'Finished' can be modified by adverbs like 'nearly,' 'almost,' 'completely,' or 'finally.' These adverbs provide more detail about the degree of completion. 'The work is nearly finished' suggests a small amount remains.

I'm almost finished with the cleaning, so we can leave soon.

By the time the police arrived, the robbery was already finished.

In summary, the word 'finished' acts as a versatile tool for describing the end of actions, the state of objects, and the status of individuals. By mastering its placement after linking verbs and before nouns, and by understanding its common prepositional pairings, you can communicate the concept of completion with high precision. Whether you are reporting on a project's status or asking for the bill at a restaurant, 'finished' is your go-to adjective for signaling that the end has been reached.

The finished product looked exactly like the prototype.

The word 'finished' is ubiquitous in daily life, echoing through various environments from the home to the high-stakes boardroom. In a domestic setting, you will hear it most frequently at the dinner table or during chores. Parents often ask children, 'Are you finished with your vegetables?' or 'Is your homework finished?' In these contexts, it serves as a check on progress and a transition to the next activity. It is a word of management and routine, marking the boundaries of daily tasks.

The Workplace: In offices, 'finished' is a key status indicator. Managers ask for 'finished drafts,' and teams celebrate 'finished projects.' It is the language of deadlines and deliverables. Hearing 'It's finished' often brings a sense of relief and accomplishment to a stressed team.

The CEO announced that the merger was finished after months of talk.

In the service industry, particularly in restaurants, 'finished' is part of the professional lexicon. A waiter might approach a table and ask, 'Are you still working on that, or are you finished?' This polite inquiry determines whether a plate can be cleared. Here, 'finished' is a functional word that facilitates the flow of service. Similarly, in retail, a clerk might ask if you are 'finished browsing,' which is a subtle way of asking if you are ready to make a purchase or need further assistance.

Sports and Media: Commentators use 'finished' to describe the end of a career or a game. 'His career is finished' is a common refrain when an aging athlete suffers a major injury. In news, a 'finished investigation' implies that all facts have been gathered and a conclusion has been reached.

The marathon runner finished the race in record time.

In creative fields like art, music, and writing, 'finished' is a word of significant weight. For an artist, deciding when a painting is 'finished' is a deeply personal and often difficult decision. You will hear creators discuss their 'finished works' versus their 'sketches' or 'demos.' In this realm, 'finished' implies a level of polish and readiness for public consumption. It distinguishes the process from the final product, the private effort from the public statement.

Construction and DIY: Homeowners and contractors use 'finished' to describe the state of a building. A 'finished attic' is a valuable asset, meaning it has walls, flooring, and heating. In DIY circles, 'the finish' refers to the final coat of varnish or paint applied to a project.

Is the finished basement included in the total square footage?

The meeting was finished by noon, allowing everyone to go to lunch.

Ultimately, 'finished' is a word that marks the transition from 'doing' to 'done.' It is heard in the quiet moments of personal satisfaction and the loud announcements of public achievement. Whether it is the end of a meal, a career, or a construction project, 'finished' provides the definitive period at the end of the sentence of activity. It is a word that everyone, regardless of their walk of life, uses and understands as the universal signal for completion.

The teacher asked if everyone was finished with the exam.

One of the most frequent errors English learners make with 'finished' is confusing it with the verb form 'finish' or the alternative adjective 'done.' While 'I am finished' and 'I have finished' often mean the same thing in casual speech, they represent different grammatical structures. 'I am finished' uses 'finished' as an adjective to describe the subject's state, while 'I have finished' uses the present perfect tense of the verb. Using 'I finished' (simple past) when you mean you are currently in a state of completion can sometimes lead to minor confusion about the timing of the action.

Finished vs. Done: A classic prescriptive rule states that 'people are finished, but meat is done.' While modern English has largely ignored this, using 'done' to describe a person can sometimes sound overly informal or slightly incorrect in academic or professional settings. 'Finished' is always the safer, more precise choice for tasks.

Incorrect: I am finish with my work. (Should be 'finished')

Another common mistake involves the preposition that follows 'finished.' Learners often use 'of' or 'from' instead of 'with.' For example, saying 'I am finished of my book' is incorrect. The standard idiomatic expression is 'finished with.' This prepositional choice is crucial for sounding natural. Similarly, using 'finished' without a preposition when one is needed can make a sentence feel incomplete. 'I am finished the book' is common in some dialects but is generally considered non-standard in formal English.

Overusing 'Finished': Sometimes learners use 'finished' when 'ended' or 'over' would be more appropriate. 'The movie is finished' is okay, but 'The movie is over' is often more natural. 'Finished' implies a process of completion, while 'over' simply refers to the end of a time period.

Correct: Are you finished with the computer?

Misunderstanding the nuance of 'finished' as an adjective for people is another pitfall. As mentioned earlier, 'He is finished' can be a very strong statement about someone's failure. A learner might accidentally use this when they simply mean the person has completed a task. For example, saying 'The boss is finished' when you mean 'The boss has completed the meeting' could lead to a significant misunderstanding about the boss's job security!

Spelling and Pronunciation: The '-ed' ending in 'finished' is pronounced as a /t/ sound. Learners often try to pronounce it as /ed/ or /id/, which can make the word hard to recognize for native speakers. Additionally, forgetting the 'ed' in writing ('finish' instead of 'finished') is a common grammatical slip.

Incorrect: The finish project was a success. (Should be 'finished')

Correct: He felt finished after the long day of hiking.

In conclusion, while 'finished' is a common word, its correct usage involves careful attention to prepositions, context, and grammatical role. By avoiding the confusion with 'done,' ensuring the '-ed' is present in both writing and pronunciation, and being mindful of the metaphorical weight the word can carry, you can use 'finished' effectively and accurately in any situation.

Is your finished work ready for review?

While 'finished' is a versatile and widely used adjective, English offers many synonyms and alternatives that can provide more specific meaning or fit different registers. Understanding these alternatives allows for more precise communication. For example, 'completed' is often used in more formal or technical contexts, such as 'a completed application' or 'a completed study.' It implies that all necessary parts or requirements have been fulfilled, often according to a specific set of criteria.

Finished vs. Completed: 'Finished' is more general and common in speech. 'Completed' sounds more official and is often used for forms, projects, and requirements. You finish a meal, but you complete a degree.

The completed form must be submitted by Friday.

Another common alternative is 'done.' As discussed, 'done' is very common in informal speech. It is quick and efficient. However, 'concluded' is a much more formal alternative, often used for meetings, trials, or formal agreements. 'The meeting has concluded' sounds more professional than 'The meeting is finished.' Similarly, 'terminated' is used in legal or technical contexts to mean something has been brought to an end, often abruptly or officially.

Finished vs. Concluded: 'Concluded' is used for formal events or logical arguments. It suggests a formal ending or a final decision. 'Finished' is more about the act of reaching the end of a task.

The concluded negotiations resulted in a new treaty.

In creative or construction contexts, 'finalized' is a great alternative. It suggests that the last few details have been settled and the thing is now ready. 'We have finalized the plans' means the plans are not just finished, but they are officially approved and won't change. 'Over' and 'through' are also used as adjectives in informal speech. 'I'm through with this' or 'The game is over' are common ways to express completion or finality without using 'finished.'

Finished vs. Finalized: 'Finalized' implies a sense of official approval or the settling of last-minute details. 'Finished' is more about the work itself being done.

The finalized design was sent to the printer.

Are you through with the bathroom?

To wrap up, while 'finished' is a perfectly good word for most situations, being aware of 'completed,' 'concluded,' 'finalized,' 'done,' and 'over' will help you tailor your language to the specific context. Whether you need the formality of 'concluded' or the casualness of 'done,' choosing the right word for completion will make your English sound more natural and sophisticated. Each alternative carries its own shade of meaning, enriching your ability to describe the end of things.

The finished article was much better than the first draft.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'finish' and 'fine' share the same Latin root 'finis', meaning end or boundary. This is why a 'fine' (a penalty) is the end of a legal matter.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈfɪn.ɪʃt/

US /ˈfɪn.ɪʃt/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: FIN-ished.

Rhymes With

diminished replenished unfinished furnished burnished astonished admonished banished

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'ed' as a separate syllable (fin-ish-ed).
Using a 'd' sound instead of a 't' sound at the end.
Making the 'i' sounds too long like 'ee'.
Forgetting to pronounce the 'sh' clearly.
Putting the stress on the second syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Very common word, easy to recognize in text.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct spelling of the '-ed' ending.

Speaking 3/5

The '-ed' as a 't' sound can be tricky for some.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, usually easy to hear in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

end stop do work ready

Learn Next

complete conclude finalize terminate exhausted

Advanced

consummated discharged executed accomplished perfected

Grammar to Know

Adjective vs. Passive Voice

The work is finished (Adjective) vs. The work was finished by him (Passive).

Prepositional Phrases

Always use 'with' after 'finished' when referring to an object (Finished with the book).

Pronunciation of -ed

The -ed in finished is a /t/ sound because it follows an unvoiced 'sh' sound.

Stative Verbs

'Finished' often follows stative verbs like 'be', 'feel', or 'seem'.

Attributive Use

'Finished' can be used before a noun to describe its state (A finished basement).

Examples by Level

I am finished with my homework.

J'ai fini mes devoirs.

Uses 'am finished' to describe a state.

Are you finished with your apple?

As-tu fini ta pomme ?

Question form with 'finished with'.

The game is finished now.

Le jeu est fini maintenant.

Describes the end of an event.

She is finished with her drawing.

Elle a fini son dessin.

Subject + is + finished + with.

Is the movie finished?

Le film est-il fini ?

Simple question about completion.

I am almost finished!

J'ai presque fini !

Uses 'almost' to modify 'finished'.

We are finished with the milk.

Nous avons fini le lait.

Plural subject 'we'.

The teacher said, 'Finished!'

Le professeur a dit : 'Fini !'

Used as an exclamation.

I'll be finished in five minutes.

J'aurai fini dans cinq minutes.

Future tense with 'will be finished'.

Is your room finished yet?

Ta chambre est-elle déjà finie ?

Uses 'yet' in a question.

The finished cake looked delicious.

Le gâteau fini avait l'air délicieux.

Adjective before a noun.

He wasn't finished with the newspaper.

Il n'avait pas fini le journal.

Negative form 'wasn't finished'.

They were finished by noon.

Ils avaient fini à midi.

Past state with 'were finished'.

I am finally finished with this book.

J'ai enfin fini ce livre.

Uses 'finally' for emphasis.

Are you finished using the bathroom?

As-tu fini d'utiliser la salle de bain ?

Finished + gerund phrase.

The finished project was on the table.

Le projet fini était sur la table.

Attributive use of 'finished'.

The finished product was high quality.

Le produit fini était de haute qualité.

Common collocation 'finished product'.

I'm nearly finished with the report.

J'ai presque fini le rapport.

Uses 'nearly' as a modifier.

Is the basement finished or unfinished?

Le sous-sol est-il fini ou non fini ?

Contrasting 'finished' and 'unfinished'.

She felt finished after the marathon.

Elle se sentait épuisée après le marathon.

Describes a state of exhaustion.

The meeting is finished, you can go.

La réunion est finie, vous pouvez partir.

Linking verb 'is' + adjective 'finished'.

I won't be finished until late tonight.

Je n'aurai pas fini avant tard ce soir.

Future negative with 'until'.

The finished wood had a nice shine.

Le bois fini avait un bel éclat.

Describes the surface treatment.

Are we finished with this discussion?

En avons-nous fini avec cette discussion ?

Abstract use for a conversation.

The finished manuscript was sent to the editor.

Le manuscrit terminé a été envoyé à l'éditeur.

Formal context for creative work.

If he loses this game, his career is finished.

S'il perd ce match, sa carrière est finie.

Metaphorical use for failure/end of success.

The artist wasn't sure if the painting was finished.

L'artiste n'était pas sûr si la peinture était finie.

Subjective completion in art.

The finished basement added value to the house.

Le sous-sol aménagé a ajouté de la valeur à la maison.

Real estate/construction terminology.

I'm completely finished with his excuses.

J'en ai complètement fini avec ses excuses.

Emotional finality with 'completely'.

The finished article was quite different from the draft.

L'article fini était assez différent du brouillon.

Comparing states of work.

Are you finished with the equipment?

Avez-vous fini avec l'équipement ?

Polite inquiry in a shared space.

The project was declared finished by the board.

Le projet a été déclaré terminé par le conseil d'administration.

Formal declaration of completion.

The finished piece exhibited remarkable craftsmanship.

La pièce finie faisait preuve d'un savoir-faire remarquable.

High-level descriptive adjective.

Once the deal is finished, we can celebrate.

Une fois l'accord conclu, nous pourrons fêter ça.

Using 'finished' for a complex negotiation.

He is a finished man in the world of politics.

C'est un homme fini dans le monde de la politique.

Idiomatic use for total loss of reputation.

The finished look of the room was minimalist.

L'aspect final de la pièce était minimaliste.

Describing aesthetic style.

I am finished with trying to please everyone.

J'en ai fini d'essayer de plaire à tout le monde.

Abstract relational/personal boundary.

The finished study provided conclusive evidence.

L'étude terminée a fourni des preuves concluantes.

Academic context for completion.

Is the investigation finished, or are there more leads?

L'enquête est-elle terminée ou y a-t-il d'autres pistes ?

Context of law and order.

The finished product exceeded all expectations.

Le produit fini a dépassé toutes les attentes.

Business/marketing context.

The finished symphony was a testament to his genius.

La symphonie achevée était un témoignage de son génie.

Elevated context for artistic achievement.

In his mind, the argument was already finished.

Dans son esprit, l'argumentation était déjà close.

Internalized sense of completion.

The finished quality of the prose was breathtaking.

La qualité achevée de la prose était à couper le souffle.

Describing literary excellence.

She spoke with the air of someone who was finished with the world.

Elle parlait avec l'air de quelqu'un qui en avait fini avec le monde.

Philosophical/existential finality.

The finished design was a perfect blend of form and function.

La conception finale était un mélange parfait de forme et de fonction.

Architectural/design critique.

By the time the sun rose, the battle was finished.

Au lever du soleil, la bataille était terminée.

Historical/narrative finality.

The finished report was a masterpiece of data analysis.

Le rapport final était un chef-d'œuvre d'analyse de données.

Professional/technical excellence.

Are you quite finished with your dramatic performance?

Avez-vous tout à fait fini votre performance dramatique ?

Sarcastic/ironic use of 'finished'.

Common Collocations

finished product

finished basement

nearly finished

almost finished

completely finished

finished work

finished look

finished goods

finished first

finally finished

Common Phrases

Are you finished?

— Asking if someone has completed a task or is done with an object.

Are you finished with that pen?

I'm finished.

— Stating that one has completed a task or is exhausted.

I'm finished for the day.

Finished with...

— No longer needing or using something.

I'm finished with my meal.

All finished!

— A casual way to say everything is done.

All finished with the cleaning!

Nearly finished.

— Almost at the end of a task.

I'm nearly finished with the report.

Not quite finished.

— Still having a small amount of work to do.

The painting is not quite finished.

Finished product.

— The final version of something after all work is done.

We need to see the finished product.

Finished business.

— Matters that have been resolved.

We have some finished business to discuss.

A finished man.

— Someone whose career or reputation is over.

After the scandal, he was a finished man.

Finished surface.

— A surface that has been treated or polished.

The finished surface of the table was smooth.

Often Confused With

finished vs finish

'Finish' is the verb (action), while 'finished' is the adjective (state).

finished vs done

'Done' is more informal and often used for food or simple tasks.

finished vs ended

'Ended' usually refers to time or events, while 'finished' refers to tasks.

Idioms & Expressions

"Done and dusted"

— Completely finished and successful.

The deal is done and dusted.

informal

"A finished article"

— Someone or something that is fully developed or perfected.

The young player is not yet the finished article.

neutral

"Finished for good"

— Ended permanently.

The factory is finished for good.

neutral

"To be finished with someone"

— To no longer want to have a relationship or deal with someone.

I'm finished with him after what he did.

informal

"Wash one's hands of"

— To be finished with a responsibility or situation.

I'm washing my hands of this project; I'm finished.

neutral

"The end of the road"

— The point where something is finished or cannot continue.

We've reached the end of the road; the project is finished.

neutral

"Call it a day"

— To decide that you are finished working for the day.

Let's call it a day; we're finished.

informal

"Stick a fork in it"

— Slang for saying something is completely finished (often referring to food).

Stick a fork in it, this project is finished.

slang

"Fait accompli"

— Something that is already finished and cannot be changed.

The decision was a fait accompli.

formal

"Cross the finish line"

— To finally complete a long or difficult task.

We finally crossed the finish line and the project is finished.

neutral

Easily Confused

finished vs complete

Both mean done.

Complete implies all parts are there; finished implies the work is over.

The set is complete; the work is finished.

finished vs over

Both mean the end.

Over is for time/events; finished is for tasks/processes.

The game is over; I am finished playing.

finished vs through

Both mean done with something.

Through is more informal and often implies being tired of something.

I'm through with this job.

finished vs final

Both relate to the end.

Final is the last in a series; finished is the state of being done.

This is the final step; now I am finished.

finished vs concluded

Both mean ended.

Concluded is formal and often used for logic or meetings.

The meeting concluded at 5 PM.

Sentence Patterns

I am finished.

Are you finished?

I am finished with [noun].

I am finished with my lunch.

The [noun] is finished.

The cake is finished.

I will be finished in [time].

I will be finished in an hour.

The finished [noun] is [adjective].

The finished product is great.

I am almost/nearly finished.

I am almost finished with the report.

To be finished with [abstract noun].

I am finished with his constant complaining.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

I am finish my work. → I am finished with my work.
You must use the adjective form 'finished' and the preposition 'with'.
The movie is finished at 9 PM. → The movie finishes at 9 PM / The movie is over at 9 PM.
Use the verb 'finishes' for a scheduled end time, or 'over' for the state.
I am finished of the book. → I am finished with the book.
The correct preposition is 'with', not 'of'.
He is a finish man. → He is a finished man.
You need the adjective form 'finished' to describe the person.
I'm finished the report. → I've finished the report / I'm finished with the report.
In formal English, you need either the auxiliary 'have' or the preposition 'with'.

Tips

Use 'with' for objects

Always remember to use the preposition 'with' when you are finished using an object. For example, 'Are you finished with the hammer?'

The 'T' sound

The 'ed' in 'finished' sounds like a 't'. Practice saying 'finisht' to sound more like a native speaker.

Finished vs. Completed

Use 'completed' for official forms and 'finished' for everyday tasks like homework or dinner.

Finished for people

Be careful saying 'He is finished' as it can mean his career is over. Use 'He has finished' if you just mean he completed a task.

Adverb modifiers

Use 'nearly' or 'almost' with 'finished' to show that you are close to the end but not quite there yet.

Finished basement

In real estate, a 'finished' room is one that is ready to live in, with walls, flooring, and lights.

Done and dusted

If you want to sound very British and informal, use 'done and dusted' to mean something is completely finished.

Restaurant etiquette

Waiters will often ask 'Are you finished?' before taking your plate. You can say 'Yes, I'm finished' or 'Not quite yet'.

Avoid repetition

If you use 'finished' too much in a paragraph, try using 'completed', 'done', or 'over' to make your writing more interesting.

Check the context

When you hear 'I'm finished,' check if the person is talking about a task or if they look very tired (exhausted).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Finnish' person crossing the 'finish' line. They are 'finished' with the race!

Visual Association

Imagine a giant red 'STOP' sign or a checkered flag at the end of a race track.

Word Web

Done End Complete Final Polished Exhausted Terminated Concluded

Challenge

Try to use 'finished' in three different ways today: for a task, for an object, and for how you feel.

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle English 'finisshen', which comes from the Old French 'feniss-', the present participle stem of 'fenir' (to finish).

Original meaning: To bring to an end, to terminate, or to complete.

Indo-European (Latin 'finire' meaning to limit or end).

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'He is finished' about a person, as it can be very insulting or negative.

In the US and UK, 'I'm finished' is very common, but 'I'm done' is often used more informally.

The movie 'The Finisher' The phrase 'It is finished' (Biblical) The 'Finish Line' in sports

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Restaurant

Are you finished with that?
I'm finished, thank you.
Is everyone finished?
We're all finished here.

At School

I'm finished with the test.
Is your homework finished?
Wait until everyone is finished.
The lesson is finished.

At the Office

The report is finished.
When will it be finished?
I need the finished draft.
We are nearly finished.

Home Improvement

The basement is finished.
The finished wood looks great.
Is the painting finished?
We need a finished look.

Personal Feelings

I'm finished with him.
I feel finished after that run.
I'm finished with these lies.
He's finished as a leader.

Conversation Starters

"Are you finished with your current project at work?"

"How do you feel when you've finally finished a long book?"

"Is your home fully finished, or are you still doing renovations?"

"Are you finished with your holiday shopping yet?"

"What is the most difficult thing you have ever finished?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you finished something difficult and how it made you feel.

What is one project you haven't finished yet? Why?

Describe the 'finished' version of your dream life.

How do you know when a creative project is truly finished?

Write about a relationship or phase of your life that is now finished.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Both are correct. 'I am finished' uses 'finished' as an adjective to describe your state. 'I have finished' uses it as a verb in the present perfect tense. In casual speech, they are interchangeable.

In standard formal English, you should say 'I am finished with the book.' Some dialects omit the 'with,' but it is better to include it for clarity.

They are very similar. 'Finished' is slightly more formal and is usually used for people completing tasks. 'Done' is more informal and is often used to describe food that is cooked.

It is pronounced with two syllables: FIN-isht. The 'ed' at the end sounds like a 't'.

Yes, but be careful. 'I am finished' means you are done with a task. 'He is finished' can mean his career or reputation is over, which is very negative.

It is a basement that has not been renovated. It usually has concrete walls and floors and is used for storage rather than living space.

It can be both. In 'I finished the work,' it is a verb. In 'The work is finished,' it is an adjective.

It refers to the final version of a product that is ready to be sold or used, after all manufacturing steps are complete.

No, the correct preposition is 'with.' You should say 'I'm finished with this.'

It is a casual way of saying that everything is completely done. It is often used with children or for simple chores.