I finished that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I finished that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you have completed a specific task or item that was previously mentioned. Example: "After hours of hard work, I finally finished that report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

When I finished that, suddenly Sharon got this gig on the show "The Talk".

The New York Times

When I finished that job I pretty much didn't go to the gym for I don't know how many months.

Independent

And when I finished that movie, I showed it in Toronto.

The Guardian - Film

By the time I finished that element of it had gone.

The Guardian

I finished that novel, or so I thought, at the end of 1979.

The Guardian - Books

"I had a glimmer that we had something special when I finished that little Play-Doh model," he said.

The New York Times

"After Shawn Chambers scored with about six minutes to go to just about clinch the cup," he said, "I finished that game with tears coming down my face".

The New York Times - Sports

When I finished that piece, I felt like I had cleared away the misconceptions in my own mind, but I still didn't really understand the killers, or what drove them to do this.

The New Yorker

A: Let us defer to JIM CAVIEZEL, who, at the premiere for his new movie, "BOBBY JONES, Stroke of Genius," pretty much summed up the experience of playing Jesus: "I went to sleep for 18 hours straight when I finished that movie, then I woke up for 8 and I went back to sleep for 15 hours.

The New York Times

"But it's obviously disappointing, very disappointing actually, the way I finished that second set off".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Last year, there's no way I finish that race — I'm off the course," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I finished that" to clearly and directly communicate the completion of a previously mentioned task or activity. This phrase is suitable for both casual and professional settings.

Common error

While "I finished that" is perfectly acceptable, consider using stronger verbs like 'completed', 'concluded', or 'finalized' in formal writing to add more precision and impact to your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I finished that" primarily functions as a declarative statement. It indicates the speaker's completion of a specific task, project, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical structure and wide applicability across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I finished that" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the completion of a task or activity. According to Ludwig AI, its neutral register makes it suitable for a variety of contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain professional settings. The phrase is frequently used in news and media, indicating its widespread acceptance and understanding. When using the phrase, it is essential to consider the context and choose the most appropriate alternative if a more formal or nuanced expression is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I completed that

Emphasizes the action of bringing something to an end, often implying thoroughness.

I accomplished that

Focuses on the successful completion of a challenging or significant task.

I wrapped that up

Suggests a neat and tidy conclusion to a task or project, often used informally.

I achieved that

Emphasizes the attainment of a goal or objective through effort and skill.

I finalized that

Highlights the act of making something complete and ready for its intended purpose.

I saw that through

Implies perseverance and commitment to completing something despite difficulties.

I concluded that

Implies reaching a decision or judgment after a period of thought or activity.

I executed that

Suggests carrying out a plan or task, often with precision and effectiveness.

I brought that to a close

A more formal way of expressing completion, often used in official contexts.

I put the finishing touches on that

Specifically refers to the last few actions to perfect something.

FAQs

How can I use "I finished that" in a sentence?

Use "I finished that" to indicate the completion of a task, project, or activity. For example, you might say, "I finished that report yesterday" or "I finished that book and found it very interesting".

What can I say instead of "I finished that"?

You can use alternatives like "I completed that", "I wrapped that up", or "I concluded that" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I finished that" or "I have finished that"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "I finished that" (simple past tense) implies a completed action at a specific time in the past. "I have finished that" (present perfect tense) emphasizes the result of the completed action, which is relevant to the present.

What's the difference between "I finished that" and "I am finished with that"?

"I finished that" means you completed a specific task or item. "I am finished with that" implies you are done with something and don't want to deal with it anymore, possibly expressing frustration or disinterest.