finish the course

USAGE SUMMARY

"finish the course" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you are referring to someone completing something, like a class, program, or training. For example, "John is determined to finish the course, even if it means staying up late to review the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's important to finish the course".

The New York Times - Sports

Six of the 45 skiers did not finish the course.

The New York Times - Sports

Traditional wisdom is that failing to finish the course allows some bacteria to survive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And despite her dire predictions, we did manage to finish the course.

The New York Times

If we kept this up, she lectured, we would never finish the course.

The New York Times

I enjoy the brief glory of being the first Hasher to finish the course.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Usually rowers have to finish the course to be allowed to race again in the repechage.

The Guardian - Sport

The course is identical, but you'll receive a certificate of completion when you finish the course.

University of California, Berkeley

"Suddenly, you finish the course and realise it is not the case, no doubt because of the crisis in Brazil.

The Guardian

11.43am GMT Conditions are clearly troublesome here, as a surprising number of skiers are failing to finish the course.

The Guardian - Sport

Failure to abide by this policy could negatively impact your ability to receive an Incomplete and finish the course.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic settings, highlight the benefits of "finish the course" to gain a certificate or complete a program successfully.

Common error

Avoid prematurely stopping a prescribed treatment or program. Failing to "finish the course" can lead to negative consequences, such as recurring infections or incomplete skill development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "finish the course" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of completing a specific program of study, medical treatment, or any defined set of activities. Ludwig shows that this phrase is commonly used in various contexts to indicate completion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

22%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "finish the course" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that signifies the completion of a structured program, treatment, or series of actions. Ludwig confirms that its usage is common in various fields, particularly in news, academia, and general discussions. The phrase can be used to advise, inform, or stress the importance of completing a specific set of tasks. While its register is generally neutral, it may become more formal in scholarly contexts. To enhance clarity and precision in writing, consider related phrases like "complete the program" or "conclude the training". Always ensure to tailor your choice to the specific context to maintain effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete the program

Replaces "course" with "program", emphasizing a structured set of activities.

complete the treatment

Substitutes "course" with "treatment", applicable in medical contexts.

conclude the training

Uses "conclude" instead of "finish" and "training" instead of "course", focusing on skill development.

end the study

Replaces "course" with "study", implying an academic investigation.

fulfill the requirements

Focuses on meeting specific criteria rather than just completing something.

satisfy the requirements

Implies meeting the necessary standards of a program or course.

wrap up the curriculum

Uses a different verb and noun to suggest completing a set of studies.

finalize the module

Refers to completing a specific segment within a larger program.

see the course through

Implies perseverance and dedication to complete the course.

get through the curriculum

Suggests overcoming challenges to complete the course.

FAQs

What does it mean to "finish the course" of antibiotics?

To "finish the course" of antibiotics means taking all the medication prescribed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better before it's finished. This is crucial to fully eliminate the bacteria and prevent antibiotic resistance.

What are some alternatives to saying "finish the course"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "complete the program", "conclude the training", or "satisfy the requirements".

Is it always necessary to "finish the course" of a treatment?

In many medical scenarios, especially with antibiotics, it's generally recommended to "finish the course" as prescribed by your healthcare provider. However, it's always best to consult with your doctor for personalized advice based on your specific condition.

What happens if I don't "finish the course" of my studies?

If you don't "finish the course" of your studies, you might not receive a degree or certificate, and you could miss out on essential knowledge and skills needed for your career. It can also impact your eligibility for certain jobs or further education.