finish schooling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "finish schooling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the completion of one's education or formal studies, typically in a school or academic setting. Example: "After years of hard work, I am finally ready to finish schooling and graduate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I'm a woman who had a chronic illness from ages 14 to 24, which has made it hard for me to hold down jobs, finish schooling, or start a career.

The Guardian - Opinion

Skees (2017) reports on a Bangladeshi girl, Nila, born into poverty that 'might have followed in footsteps of her parents for a lifetime of arduous manual labour and chronic hunger', but with the help of free education including coding, has the confidence to dream of well-paying creative work: 'By the time I finish schooling … my mother will be old.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

But with so few permanent positions available and industry's preference to hire young scientists who are more trainable, (Germans, who typically do not finish schooling until their early 30s, are at a disadvantage in this regard), mid-level scientists are often left with little choice except to go abroad, says Müller.

Science Magazine

Similarly, post-conflict transitional justice processes must work to promote opportunities for adolescents to finish schooling while recognizing the importance of vocational training, as many young people are drawn into conflict for reasons of poverty and lack of social, economic and political opportunity.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I just want him to finish school".

The New Yorker

"We want to students to finish school.

The Guardian

I decided to stay in New York City to finish school.

The New York Times

"You finish school, Aaron," he told his son.

The New York Times

"Really, the first in my family to finish school".

Science Magazine

"You finish school.

Huffington Post

They finish school or university.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider if a more specific term like "graduate" or "complete education" might be more appropriate for clarity.

Common error

While "finish schooling" is grammatically correct, avoid using it in highly formal documents where terms like "complete education" or "graduate" are more conventional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "finish schooling" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the completion of formal education. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe the act of ending studies, often in the context of overcoming obstacles or achieving future goals. It is a straightforward way to express the idea of completing one's time in school.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "finish schooling" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the completion of formal education. Ludwig highlights that while usable, it is relatively rare. The phrase is primarily found in news, science, and formal business contexts. For more formal writing, alternatives such as "complete education" or "graduate" might be more suitable. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Keep in mind the level of formality required by the context when deciding whether to use "finish schooling" or a more polished alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete education

Focuses on the broader educational experience rather than just formal schooling.

graduate from school

Emphasizes the act of graduating and receiving a diploma or degree.

complete studies

Highlights the completion of a course of study or academic program.

end formal education

Implies the termination of structured learning in an institution.

conclude academic career

Refers to finishing all academic pursuits, possibly including higher education.

finalise education

British English term for completing one's education.

finish formal training

More specific, suggesting the end of structured training programs.

exit the education system

Focuses on leaving the formal educational structure entirely.

terminate academic pursuit

Formal and emphatic way of stating the end of one's academic involvement.

accomplish academic goals

Highlights the successful achievement of educational objectives.

FAQs

What does "finish schooling" mean?

The phrase "finish schooling" means to complete one's formal education, typically at a school or academic institution.

What can I say instead of "finish schooling"?

You can use alternatives like "complete education", "graduate from school", or "complete studies" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "finish schooling" or "complete education"?

"Complete education" is generally more formal and widely applicable, while "finish schooling" is more specific to completing a course of study at an institution.

How to use "finish schooling" in a sentence?

You might say, "Many students struggle to "finish schooling" due to financial constraints or personal challenges."