everything was finished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "everything was finished" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that all tasks or activities have been completed. Example: "After weeks of hard work, everything was finished, and we could finally relax."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Everything was finished, over with.

The New York Times

Everything was finished on Sept. 1.

The New York Times - Sports

Personally, he decided that everything was finished for him.

The New Yorker

Everything was finished with a top-to-toe perfection, with beautiful hammered gold earrings and cuffs, small clutches, black stockings and shoes with ankle ties.

The New York Times

After everything was finished, the tip of the colonoscope was left resting in the rectum for up to three minutes before being removed.

The New York Times

"We were in the living room – me, my wife and our eight children – they came in and at that moment we knew everything was finished for us".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Everything is finished.

The New York Times

He knows that everything is finished".

Independent

Finally, he said, "Everything is finished".

The New Yorker

"Everything is finished," wrote another resident.

The Guardian

If I get depressed — everything is finished".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "everything was finished" to clearly indicate that all necessary actions or tasks have been completed, providing a sense of closure.

Common error

Avoid using "everything was finished" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language might be preferred. Instead, consider using phrases like "all tasks were completed" or "the project was finalized" to convey a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "everything was finished" functions as a statement of completion. It indicates that all necessary actions or tasks have been brought to a conclusion. Ludwig confirms this usage aligns with standard English conventions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "everything was finished" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to express the completion of a task or project. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability in various contexts. While it appears most frequently in news and general writing, consider using more formal alternatives like "everything was completed" in academic or professional settings. Remember that "everything was finished" indicates a past state of completion. This review provides practical guidance for effectively using the phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everything was completed

Emphasizes the act of completing all tasks or processes.

everything was done

A more informal way to express that all tasks are completed.

all tasks were completed

Specifically refers to the completion of tasks.

the project was finalized

Focuses on the finalization of a specific project.

the work was concluded

Implies a formal end to a period of work.

everything came to an end

Highlights the cessation or termination of something.

the matter was settled

Suggests that a dispute or issue has been resolved.

the situation was resolved

Indicates that a problem or difficult situation has been successfully dealt with.

the deal was closed

Specifically used for finalizing a business agreement or deal.

it's all over

An informal expression indicating the end of something, often with a sense of relief or finality.

FAQs

How can I use "everything was finished" in a sentence?

You can use "everything was finished" to indicate that all tasks, processes, or activities have been completed. For example, "After months of preparation, "everything was finished", and we could finally launch the product."

What are some alternatives to saying "everything was finished"?

Some alternatives include "everything was completed", "everything was done", or "all tasks were completed", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "everything was finished"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. However, consider the tone and formality of your writing. In more formal contexts, "everything was completed" might be a better choice.

What's the difference between "everything was finished" and "everything is finished"?

"Everything was finished" refers to a past event or state of completion, while "everything is finished" indicates that something is currently complete. For example, "Yesterday, "everything was finished"" (past) versus "Now, "everything is finished"" (present).