finalize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'finalize' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of completing something or making a decision about something. For example: We will finalize the plans for our vacation next week.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a November trip to Beijing, he urged other world leaders to finalize the agreement, calling it a "high priority" that would strengthen American leadership in the Asia-Pacific region and lead to growth, investment and job prospects for more workers.

The Guardian - Business

"We have checked off all the boxes, and the reason I have continued to do this the way I have is because I want to finalize all the pieces and present that in a complete way to the MLS".

The Guardian - Sport

The "grand coalition" government of the MPRP and DP survived to adopt budgets and development plans, as well as finalize arrangements for celebrating the 800th anniversary of the Mongolian state in August 2006.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Selling merchandise has typically been a very labour-intensive activity, with sales associates needed to assist customers with their selections and then finalize transactions at the cash register.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His stated goals were to withdraw more Israeli troops and settlers from the West Bank and finalize Israel's borders by 2010.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Farhadi continued to explore domestic turmoil in Le Passé (2013; The Past), which centres on an Iranian man who travels from Tehrān to Paris in order to finalize his divorce so his estranged French wife can remarry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This COP session represented the last major chance to finalize negotiations for prolonging the Kyoto Protocol, and the agreement was extended until 2020.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Renault, which has been an engine supplier to other teams in recent seasons, said in a statement that the principal contracts for the takeover were signed Thursday and it planned to finalize "the terms of the acquisition of Lotus F1 Team in the shortest timeframe possible".

Independent

Mr Obama's order is seen as a preliminary step to set energy goals ahead of a crucial meeting is Paris this December in which world leaders will come together to finalize a treaty combating climate change.

Independent

In a joint statement released on Friday, the couple said: "We have thoughtfully and consensually decided to finalize our almost 20-year marriage in a loving and friendly manner honouring and respecting each other, our family and friends and the beautiful time we have spent together".

Independent

They said U.S., NATO and Afghan officials are trying to finalize a date for a change-of-command ceremony in Kabul, but they expected Allen to stay in the job several more weeks.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "finalize" when you want to emphasize that something is being completed with a sense of formality or decisiveness. It suggests that all necessary steps have been taken and the matter is now settled.

Common error

Avoid using "finalize" in very informal settings where simpler words like "finish" or "complete" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your language sound unnecessarily formal.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "finalize" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object and denotes the action of making something final or complete. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from agreements to plans.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "finalize" is a transitive verb used to indicate the completion and official closure of a process or agreement. Ludwig's analysis, backed by numerous examples, confirms its frequent use in news and media, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts. While generally correct and widely accepted, as per Ludwig AI, it’s best to avoid overusing "finalize" in informal settings. Alternative phrases such as "complete" or "conclude" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Remember that American English spells it "finalize", while British English uses "finalise".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete

Emphasizes bringing something to an end, similar to "finalize" but can apply to broader contexts.

conclude

Suggests bringing a process or activity to a formal end, akin to "finalize" in more structured settings.

settle

Highlights reaching a final decision or agreement, much like "finalize" in negotiations or disputes.

wrap up

Indicates finishing something, often informally, sharing the sense of completion with "finalize".

seal the deal

Focuses on the conclusive action that confirms an agreement, resembling "finalize" in business contexts.

put the finishing touches on

Implies making the last adjustments to something, similar to "finalize" when perfecting details.

make definitive

Highlights making something certain and unchangeable, akin to "finalize" in securing outcomes.

bring to fruition

Emphasizes achieving a desired result or outcome, resembling "finalize" in project completion.

nail down

Suggests confirming details or decisions, mirroring "finalize" in ensuring clarity and certainty.

firm up

Implies strengthening or solidifying something, similar to "finalize" in reinforcing agreements or plans.

FAQs

How to use "finalize" in a sentence?

You can use "finalize" to indicate the completion of a process or agreement. For example, "We need to "finalize the contract" before the end of the week" or "The team will "finalize the details" of the project tomorrow".

What can I say instead of "finalize"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "complete", "conclude", "settle", or "finish". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "finalize" or "finalise"?

"Finalize" is the standard spelling in American English, while "finalise" is the standard spelling in British English. Both are correct, but use the spelling appropriate for your audience.

What's the difference between "finalize" and "complete"?

"Finalize" often implies a formal or official closure, whereas "complete" is a more general term for finishing something. You might "finalize a legal document" but simply "complete a task".