a finished chapter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a finished chapter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a completed section of a story, book, or metaphorically to indicate the end of a particular phase in life or a situation. Example: "After years of hard work, I finally feel like I've closed a finished chapter and can move on to new opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That meant that I needed to have a finished chapter by the end of the day, so I needed to write shorter chapters in order to do that.

The Guardian

Then, one evening, in what he remembers as "a pure act of stupidity, selfishness, and juvenile behavior," he brought a finished chapter to Warren at home, interrupting his dinner, and asked him to read it on the spot.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I'm barely any way into it at all, having just finished chapter one – climaxing with a boss battle against a mech-riding L'Cie – but having never played the PSP original of 2011, here are some first impressions.

Vice

Stephanie Sandleben, a yoga instructor with tattoos on each shoulder, just finished Chapter 19 of Tina Brown's biography of Diana, Princess of Wales.

The New York Times

But when I finished Chapter 8 of my book, I handed it to my wife to edit, and I said, "Jayne, I don't think I can call myself a liberal anymore".

The New York Times - Magazine

I know writers who will say, "Oh, I just finished Chapter 10, now I'm going to go back and write the beginning".

Huffington Post

Most important in this series (Boxes 25-26) are the notebooks and folders that contain LLES's finished chapters for "A Mirror for France". Her written work reveals the serious attention given to an imposing project.

Johns Hopkins University

Fearful of error, I sent finished chapters to the world's most meticulous Mahler-checker.

The Guardian - Books

The finished chapters she put in individual manila envelopes, sometimes with grocery lists scrawled on them, and stored in a closet.

The New York Times - Books

Though Halpern had completed all but the final two chapters, even the finished chapters required the filling in of some details.

Princeton University

But it is a literary dungeon where the instruments of torture are a rickety writing desk and a vintage video games console, on which Flynn rewards herself with sessions of Galaga and Pac-Man as treats for having finished chapters.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "completed" or "concluded" if you want to vary your writing and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "a finished chapter" to describe situations that are merely paused or have the potential to resume. This phrase implies a definitive end, so ensure it accurately reflects the state of the situation you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a finished chapter" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As shown by Ludwig AI, it can refer literally to a completed section of a book or metaphorically to the conclusion of a phase in life. The presence of the indefinite article "a" indicates a singular instance or event.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a finished chapter" is a noun phrase that denotes completion and closure, whether literally or metaphorically. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used to describe the end of a period or phase. While examples are limited, the phrase is commonly found in neutral contexts such as news, academic writing, and personal narratives. For alternative wordings, consider using phrases like "a completed chapter" or "the end of an era". Remember to use this phrase when you want to convey a sense of definitive ending.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a completed chapter

Replaces 'finished' with 'completed', emphasizing the action of bringing something to a close.

an ended chapter

Uses 'ended' to convey the sense of termination of a section or phase.

a concluded chapter

Substitutes 'finished' with 'concluded', suggesting a formal ending or resolution.

the chapter's end

Changes the structure to focus on the 'end' of the chapter rather than the state of being finished.

the chapter is done

Expresses the same idea using a more direct and informal tone.

chapter closure

Uses a more concise, noun-based expression to indicate the end of a chapter.

the final chapter

Emphasizes that this is the last chapter, concluding a series or story.

a closed chapter

Uses 'closed' to suggest that the chapter is not only finished but also sealed off.

chapter completion

Focuses on the act of finishing the chapter, highlighting the achievement.

a finalized chapter

Emphasizes the finality and completion of the chapter, suggesting no further changes will be made.

FAQs

What does "a finished chapter" mean in a figurative sense?

Figuratively, "a finished chapter" refers to the end of a significant period or phase in someone's life, a relationship, or a project, implying closure and a transition to something new.

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

You can use "a finished chapter" in sentences like: "After years of working on the project, it felt like I'd finally reached "a finished chapter"." or "Moving to a new city felt like closing "a finished chapter" in my life."

What are some alternatives to "a finished chapter"?

Alternatives to "a finished chapter" include phrases like "a completed chapter", "an ended chapter", or simply the "end of an era", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "finished chapter" or should I always use "a finished chapter"?

While "finished chapter" is understandable, using "a finished chapter" is generally more grammatically correct and common. The article "a" provides better clarity, especially when used in a figurative sense.