being able to finish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being able to finish" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the capability or ability to complete a task or activity. Example: "I take pride in being able to finish projects on time, even under pressure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

But it was disappointing not being able to finish".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's just about being more consistent and being able to finish the points.

The New York Times

(c) Being able to finish each other's sentences, at a minimum-security facility.

The New Yorker

It is about having a full breakfast and being able to finish reading the newspaper.

The New York Times

It's extremely frustrating for us, a team that prides itself on being able to finish games".

The New York Times

Being able to finish one task before switching to another is, however, not enough to enable effective task transitions.

Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Fields was able to finish in 1 03.033.

The New York Times

Thanks to him, I was able to finish.

University of California, Berkeley

I'd like to be able to finish that".

The New York Times - Sports

Will he even be able to finish the match?

The Guardian - Sport

But I was able to finish this story only last fall.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being able to finish", ensure the context clearly defines what task or activity is being completed. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "being able to finish" without a clear reference to the subject or task. Unclear antecedents can confuse the reader and weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being able to finish" functions primarily as a verbal phrase acting as a noun. It indicates the capacity or possibility of completing an action or task. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

18%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being able to finish" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the capability or potential for completing a task. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and general applicability. It's most commonly found in News & Media, Academia and Science. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear and specific to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "having the capacity to complete" or "being capable of ending" for subtle variations in meaning. Remember that "being able to finish" indicates a potential, whereas "having finished" signifies completion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having the capacity to complete

Focuses on the inherent capability to bring something to a conclusion.

being capable of ending

Emphasizes the potential to terminate or conclude a task or process.

being in a position to conclude

Highlights the situational readiness to finalize something.

having what it takes to accomplish

Focuses on possessing the necessary skills or resources for completion.

being equipped to finalize

Emphasizes being prepared or outfitted to bring something to its final form.

having the facility to wrap up

Highlights the ease or smoothness with which something can be concluded.

being empowered to bring to fruition

Stresses the authority or ability to make something a reality.

being permitted to consummate

Emphasizes the allowance or authorization to complete something, often in a formal sense.

being entitled to fulfill

Highlights the right or entitlement to bring something to completion.

having the chance to terminate

Focuses on the opportunity to end or conclude a task or process.

FAQs

How can I use "being able to finish" in a sentence?

You can use "being able to finish" to express the capability of completing a task, such as: "The biggest challenge we faced was "being able to finish" the project on time" or "It's just about being more consistent and "being able to finish" the points".

What are some alternatives to "being able to finish"?

Some alternatives include "having the capacity to complete", "being capable of ending", or "being in a position to conclude", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "being able to finish" or "being capable of finishing"?

Both "being able to finish" and "being capable of finishing" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context. "Being capable of finishing" might sound slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "being able to finish" and "having finished"?

"Being able to finish" refers to the ability or potential to complete something, while "having finished" indicates that the task has already been completed. For example, "Being able to finish the race was my goal" versus "Having finished the race, I felt a sense of accomplishment".