Half-done

USAGE SUMMARY

"Half-done" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is partially completed. Example: "The project is half-done and needs more work." Alternative expressions include "partially completed" and "incomplete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

His second goal increased their lead to 8-3 withethird quarterrter half-done.

The New York Times

They found it nearly impossible to leave a job half-done, to do the next day.

The New York Times - Health

"It's job half-done.

BBC

"In terms of the tie we've only got the job half-done.

BBC

But the job remains barely half-done.

The New York Times

But the researchers' work is only half-done.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

WELL begun; half done.

The Economist

"They're half done rebuilding Iraq".

The New Yorker

But her trip was only half done!

The New Yorker

But the trial is only half done.

The New York Times

NEVER leave a job half done.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "half-done" to clearly communicate that a task or project is partially completed, but requires further effort to reach full completion. It's most effective when the degree of completion is relevant to the context.

Common error

Avoid using "half-done" when you actually mean "half-hearted". "Half-done" refers to the state of completion, while "half-hearted" describes a lack of enthusiasm or effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "half-done" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that something is partially completed. Ludwig AI confirms this by showcasing how it describes the state of projects, tasks, or even physical objects, emphasizing their incomplete nature.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "half-done" serves as an adjective indicating partial completion. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usefulness across various contexts. While relatively rare, its meaning is clear, conveying that a task or project requires further work. It's best suited for neutral contexts, avoiding confusion with "half-hearted", which describes effort rather than completion. Related phrases include "partially completed" and "incomplete". Remember to use it when the degree of completion is relevant and to avoid using it to describe effort or enthusiasm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Partially completed

Focuses on the aspect of completion, indicating that only a portion has been finished.

Incomplete

Emphasizes the lack of full completion, suggesting that more work is needed.

Unfinished

Highlights the state of being not yet brought to an end or conclusion.

Part-done

A less common but direct synonym, directly mirroring the structure of "half-done".

Halfway through

Indicates progress to the midpoint but not beyond.

Ongoing

Implies that the process is still in progress, without specifying how much is left.

Still in progress

Similar to 'ongoing', but emphasizes the continued action.

Work in progress

Highlights the aspect of active development and incompleteness.

Under construction

More often used for physical projects, but can apply metaphorically.

In the middle of

Indicates a state of being neither at the beginning nor the end.

FAQs

How can I use "half-done" in a sentence?

You can use "half-done" to describe something that is partially completed. For example, "The project is "half-done" and needs more work."

What's a more formal way to say "half-done"?

A more formal alternative to "half-done" is "partially completed". This emphasizes the aspect of completion while maintaining a professional tone.

What is the difference between "half-done" and "unfinished"?

"Half-done" specifically implies that approximately 50% of the work is complete, while "unfinished" simply means that the work is not yet complete, without specifying the degree of completion.

Is it correct to use "half-done" to describe a person's effort?

While "half-done" primarily refers to the completion status of a task or project, it's more appropriate to use "half-hearted" to describe a person's lack of enthusiasm or effort. "Half-done" focuses on the state of completion, not the effort invested.