finish a task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "finish a task" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when discussing completing a task or job. Example: "I need to finish a task before the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Rather it was costs like inventory and how long it took workers to finish a task.

The New York Times

They might fail to finish a task that they thought would be done in three years.

The New York Times

"You can't ask these people to finish a task without first sweetening the deal.

The New York Times - Style

Almost nothing is more disruptive than an unplanned call when you're trying to finish a task.

Harvard Business Review

Many were delighted to find out how quickly they could finish a task when working on it so intently.

University of California, Berkeley

For all of Smith's tough-but-fair coaching, Woodson never quit, never refused to finish a task.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Treat yourself to a coffee break, or a quick chat with a co-worker once you've finished a task.

Harvard Business Review

He said that he tried to set an example, once finishing a task that normally took an hour in twelve minutes.

The New Yorker

From my admittedly geeky perspective, I'm not repelled by these glitches, they didn't lose my data or prevent me from finishing a task.

The Guardian - Tech

Focus on the hardest tasks, set and stick to deadlines and split larger tasks into smaller ones to make the hurdle of starting process easier; the Ziegarnik Effect is a compulsion for finishing a task once we have started.

The Guardian - Tech

Whenever the gilder finished a task he took a moment to himself before allowing anyone else to see the piece, be they his own apprentices or the person who had commissioned the work.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity in project management or personal productivity, use "finish a task" to denote the definitive end of a specific action. This phrase helps in setting clear expectations and measuring progress.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions when describing task completion (e.g., "The task was finished by me"). Instead, use active voice ("I finished the task") for clearer and more direct communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "finish a task" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the completion of an action. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It is frequently employed to describe the culmination of effort on a specific undertaking, as demonstrated in many examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "finish a task" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the completion of an action or assignment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, with a neutral register. When writing, it’s best practice to use active voice and avoid passive constructions. Related phrases include "complete a task" and "accomplish a task", offering slight variations in formality and emphasis. The phrase is frequently found in news, media, and general informational content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get a task done

Very informal and direct.

complete an assignment

Focuses specifically on academic or work-related assignments.

accomplish a goal

Focuses on achieving a specific objective.

conclude a project

Implies a larger, more complex undertaking.

wrap up a job

More informal, suggesting a casual work environment.

see a task through

Emphasizes perseverance and completion despite challenges.

finalize a process

Emphasizes the completion of a series of steps.

execute a duty

More formal, indicating a sense of obligation.

discharge a responsibility

Suggests fulfilling a commitment or obligation.

bring a task to fruition

Highlights the successful outcome or result.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "finish a task"?

You can use alternatives like "complete a task", "accomplish a task", or "get a task done" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "finish a task" or "complete a task"?

Both "finish a task" and "complete a task" are acceptable. "Complete a task" may sound slightly more formal, but the choice often depends on personal preference and context.

How do I use "finish a task" in a sentence?

You can use "finish a task" in various contexts, such as "I need to finish a task before the meeting" or "Finishing a task on time is crucial for project success".

What's the difference between "finish a task" and "start a task"?

"Finish a task" means to bring a task to completion, while "start a task" means to begin working on it. They represent opposite ends of the task lifecycle.