finish down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "finish down" is not correct and not commonly used in written English.
It may be intended to convey the idea of completing something, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "Please finish down the report by the end of the day." (This would be better phrased as "Please finish the report by the end of the day.")

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"It finished up because everybody said it would finish down," Mr. Insana said.

The New Yorker

Declarer lost two spades, two diamonds and one club to finish down one.

The New York Times

The FTSE100 also fell in afternoon trading to finish down 56 points.

The Guardian - Business

She (they're all women) works on an entire garment from start to finish, down to the zippers, rivets and snaps.

The New York Times - Style

The London stock market suffered steep losses at the open, but recovered to finish down 199 points or minus 3.1%.

The Guardian - Business

"I watched the end of the first stage when I heard the bus knocked the finish down, but otherwise I just followed what the guys did from afar".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Shares finished down 7.61%.

The Guardian - Business

The stock finished down $3.50 at $48.

The New York Times

Hewlett-Packard finished down 12 at 108.

The New York Times

WorldCom, the telecommunications company, finished down 63 cents at $29.44.

The New York Times

March corn finished down 2 cents at $2.755 a bushel.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "finish down" in formal writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "complete", "conclude", or "finalize" to ensure clarity and correctness.

Common error

Do not confuse "finish down" with established phrasal verbs like "settle down" or "calm down". "Finish down" is not a standard phrasal verb and can confuse readers. Instead, use direct verbs for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "finish down" attempts to function as a phrasal verb, but it is not a recognized or grammatically sound construction. Its intended function is to denote the completion of an action or task. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is not correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "finish down" is grammatically incorrect and not recommended for use in either written or spoken English. While the intention might be to convey the completion of something, this phrase is non-standard and can lead to confusion. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's incorrectness. As a result, it is better to use more precise and widely accepted alternatives such as "complete", "conclude", or "finalize". Although some examples exist across various sources like News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business contexts, its usage is rare and doesn't justify its adoption. Remember that clear and accurate communication is paramount, and using correct grammar is essential to achieving that.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete

This alternative focuses on the action of bringing something to an end.

conclude

This option emphasizes the closing or termination of a process or event.

finalize

This term suggests making something fully complete and ready.

wrap up

This phrase implies bringing something to a satisfactory conclusion, often informally.

end

A simple term signifying the termination of something.

bring to a close

A more formal way of saying to end something.

put the finishing touches on

This indicates adding the final details to complete a task.

close out

Implies completing all aspects of something, often in business or project management.

sew up

This expression is to completely secure and finish something.

polish off

This suggests completing something quickly and efficiently, often a task or food.

FAQs

Is "finish down" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "finish down" is not correct and not commonly used in written English.

What does "finish down" mean?

The intended meaning is to complete or conclude something. However, it's better to use alternatives like "complete" or "wrap up".

What can I use instead of "finish down"?

Instead of "finish down", use alternatives like "complete", "conclude", or "finalize" to be more precise.

Is "finish down" acceptable in spoken English?

While it might be understood in some contexts, it's best to avoid using "finish down" even in spoken English. Choose clearer alternatives for better communication.