before it is finished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before it is finished" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a point in time prior to the completion of a task or process. Example: "Please submit your feedback before it is finished so we can make any necessary adjustments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The Spectrum is set to double its size before it is finished; and the Irvine company is determined to keep a balance between business and housing.

The Economist

Its creator, New Zealand-born game designer, Dean Hall, has become the latest independent developer to release a new project before it is finished, allowing gamers to contribute toward its completion.

The Guardian - Tech

It will be more than $1 billion over budget before it is finished.

The Washington Post

He has allowed almost no one to see it before it is finished.

The New Yorker

A desperate enemy is also a dangerous enemy, and our work may become more difficult before it is finished.

The New York Times

It's OK, we all do this - show things in progress - but there are painters who would rather die than exhibit something before it is finished.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

By the 11th issue, as sales flagged, DC withdrew its Kirby mandate and the story ended, long before it was finished.

The New York Times - Books

No tv and no going outside before it was finished.

The New Yorker

Word started to spread about the tower before it was finished.

The New York Times - Arts

For all that, the novel has plenty of secrets to spill before it's finished.

The New York Times - Books

The project was completely leased even before it was finished in March, he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "before it is finished" to clearly indicate a deadline or point in time before something is fully completed. This provides clarity and sets expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "before it is finished" when you mean to describe the initial stages of a project. Ensure your sentence reflects that the subject is nearing completion, not just beginning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before it is finished" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an action in relation to the completion of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before it is finished" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that sets a temporal boundary, indicating an action should occur prior to the completion of something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is usable in various contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academia. When using the phrase, be mindful to indicate a state nearing completion, not initiation. Related phrases such as "prior to completion" or "before it's done" offer similar meanings, depending on the level of formality desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before it's done

More casual contraction of 'it is'.

before its completion

Similar meaning, emphasizes the completion as a noun.

before it is finalized

Replaces 'finished' with 'finalized', implying a formal end.

prior to completion

Formal alternative, focusing on the state of being completed.

before it concludes

Substitutes 'finished' with 'concludes', implying an ending.

before the end

General term indicating a point prior to the final stage.

while still in progress

Highlights the ongoing nature of the process.

ahead of schedule

Indicates progress faster than expected, implying unfinished state.

prematurely

Focuses on doing something too early, before the natural conclusion.

before it materializes

Focuses on something not yet tangible or realized.

FAQs

How can I use "before it is finished" in a sentence?

You can use "before it is finished" to set a deadline or condition that must be met before something is complete. For example, "Please review the document "before it is finished" so we can incorporate your feedback."

What can I say instead of "before it is finished"?

You can use alternatives like "prior to completion", "before its completion", or "before it's done" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "before it is completed" instead of "before it is finished"?

Yes, "before it is completed" is a grammatically correct and very similar alternative to ""before it is finished"". The choice depends on the desired level of formality.

What does "before it is finished" imply about the state of the subject?

It implies that the subject is currently in progress and nearing completion, but not yet in its final state. Action needs to be taken or conditions need to be satisfied while the subject is still malleable or incomplete.