finish up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "finish up" is correct and is used in written English.
You can use it when you are near the end of an activity, task, or conversation. Example sentence: Let's finish up this assignment before we head out for lunch.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Finish up with bent knees.

The New York Times

Otherwise let's finish up".

The New York Times

"Finish up this one.

The New Yorker

I'll finish up here.

The New Yorker

Two compendiums to finish up with.

Independent

(It will finish up in Bilbao, Spain).

The New York Times

"I'd wait for Harriet to finish up.

The New Yorker

If that means we finish up in court, we will finish up in court".

Independent

We'll finish up this business later".

The New York Times - Books

Finish up with the oddly named Portugal.

The New Yorker

Where will the Reds finish up?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. "Finish up" is suitable for both formal and informal situations, but more formal alternatives like "conclude" may be preferable in certain professional settings.

Common error

Don't use "finish up" if the task is far from completion. It implies nearing the end, so using it too early can be misleading. For instance, avoid saying "Let's finish up this project" when you've barely started.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "finish up" primarily functions as a verb of completion, indicating the finalization or wrapping up of an activity or task. As Ludwig AI explains, this usage aligns with its definition of completing the last details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

33%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "finish up" is a common and versatile way to indicate the completion of a task or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability in written English. As demonstrated by the examples provided by Ludwig, it is most frequently used in news and media, as well as in wiki content. While "finish up" is suitable for both formal and informal situations, it's important to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives when necessary. Common errors include using "finish up" prematurely, before the task is actually nearing completion. Alternatives such as "complete", "wrap up", and "conclude" offer subtle variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wrap up

This phrase is nearly identical in meaning and usage, but it can be less formal.

get done

This phrase indicates that something is completed or accomplished.

polish off

This alternative often implies completing something quickly and efficiently.

complete

This alternative suggests bringing something to a fully realized state.

finalize

This phrase suggests making something official or definitive at the end.

conclude

This alternative suggests a more formal way of ending something.

bring to a close

This alternative is a more formal way of saying to end something.

put the finishing touches on

This phrase emphasizes the final details being added to complete a task.

settle

This alternative implies a resolution or conclusion to something.

tie up loose ends

This phrase refers specifically to addressing any remaining details or issues.

FAQs

How can I use "finish up" in a sentence?

You can use "finish up" to indicate the completion of a task or activity that is nearing its end. For example, "I need to "finish up" this report before leaving the office".

What are some alternatives to "finish up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "complete", "wrap up", or "conclude" instead of "finish up".

Is it appropriate to use "finish up" in a formal setting?

Yes, "finish up" is generally acceptable in formal settings, though more formal alternatives like "conclude" or "finalize" might be more suitable depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "finish up" and "finish off"?

"Finish up" means to complete the last details of a task, while "finish off" often implies completing something decisively or entirely, sometimes with the connotation of consuming or eliminating it. For example, "I'll "finish up" the dishes" versus "I'll "finish off" the leftover pizza".