finished in time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "finished in time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was completed before a specified deadline or within an expected timeframe. Example: "We were relieved to find that the project was finished in time for the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I think they would have been finished in time.

The New Yorker

The Project was finished in time for the 2010 summer season.

The New Yorker

Each year, there are also documentaries racing to be finished in time.

The New York Times

Psy worked two days without sleep to get the video finished in time.

Independent

Not all of them though, because they were not all finished in time.

Independent

"I guess I'll have to do this by hand if I'm gonna be finished in time.

The New Yorker

I got it finished in time for my daughter to be born.

The Guardian

Many buildings were not finished in time for the games – and probably never will be.

The Guardian - Sport

Serious doubts remain that all the infrastructure work will be finished in time.

The Guardian

His main worry is whether two pumping stations can be finished in time.

The New York Times

A couple of things weren't finished in time for the launch: synchronisation and email.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "finished in time", ensure the context clearly specifies what deadline or timeframe is being met. For example, "The report was finished in time for the board meeting."

Common error

Avoid using "finished in time" without a clear reference point. Saying simply, "It was finished in time" leaves the reader wondering what specific target was achieved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "finished in time" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the completion of a task or project before a specified deadline or within an expected timeframe. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "finished in time" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to communicate the successful completion of a task or project before a given deadline. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media. When using "finished in time", ensure a clear reference to the specific deadline or expected timeframe is included for clarity. Alternatives like ""completed on schedule"" or ""ready on time"" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completed before the deadline

Directly indicates finishing before the final allowed date.

completed on schedule

Focuses on adherence to a predefined timetable or plan.

met the deadline

Focuses on successfully satisfying the final date condition.

done ahead of schedule

Emphasizes finishing earlier than anticipated.

finalized within the timeframe

Emphasizes completion within a defined period.

ready on time

Highlights the state of being prepared or available when needed.

delivered promptly

Highlights the timely delivery of something.

concluded punctually

Stresses adherence to a specific point in time.

achieved on target

Focuses on reaching a specific goal within the allotted time.

wrapped up in due course

Indicates completion at the expected or appropriate moment.

FAQs

How can I use "finished in time" in a sentence?

You can use "finished in time" to indicate that something was completed before a specified deadline or within an expected timeframe. For example, "The project was "completed in time" for the presentation."

What are some alternatives to saying "finished in time"?

Alternatives include "completed on schedule", "done before the deadline", or "ready on time", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "finished on time" or "finished in time"?

Both "finished on time" and "finished in time" are acceptable, but "finished in time" is often used to emphasize that something was completed with some buffer before a deadline, while "finished on time" suggests meeting the deadline precisely.

What's the difference between "finished in time" and "completed ahead of schedule"?

"Finished in time" indicates meeting a deadline, while "completed ahead of schedule" implies that the task was completed earlier than expected, providing extra time or resources.