finite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "finite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has limits or bounds, often in mathematical or philosophical contexts. Example: "The set of natural numbers is infinite, while the set of integers is finite."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The British peer said the UN Relief and Works Agency had only a finite amount of food and other essential supplies, adding: "We were concerned that over time supplies were running out," prompting the agency and other UN agencies to launch an appeal to get more resources into the area.

The Guardian

Had Brody detonated his suicide vest and killed the vice president, the show would have been an indelible, beautifully finite piece of television.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The German chancellor opened her speech to a joint session of the UK parliament in English to drive home her message of Britain's central role in the EU, coupled with a warning that the patience of the EU's other 27 leaders with the UK is finite.

The Guardian

Our own universe has a finite number of jobs, a finite number of educational places and a requirement by the inhabitants to have shelter and food.

The Guardian

It is irresponsible to destroy these habitats in a few years to facilitate the extraction of a finite and highly polluting energy resource".

The Guardian

Fossil fuel being a finite resource, you might assume that proven reserves would shrink each year as we all fill up our cars and heat our homes.

The Guardian

With our finite attention spans, and ever more entities vying desperately for those essential digital clicks, investment in established authors who are "excellent but not a celebrity" risks slipping away.

The Guardian - Opinion

Merkel made clear at a joint press conference with Cameron that she was prepared to help Britain – while stressing that her patience was finite – as she outlined a framework for the negotiations.

The Guardian

Polyester is better than wool and cotton, for example, which have a big impact on greenhouse gases and consume other finite resources such as water in their production.

The Guardian

The planet's resources are finite and can't be exploited exponentially.

The Guardian

But peer beyond the lazy rhetoric and it is possible to appreciate that, although we might not be the ones caring for patients, we have a crucial part to play in ensuring that a vast organisation faced with rising demand and a finite level of funding uses its resources wisely.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing resources, use "finite" to emphasize the limited availability and potential for depletion. For example, "finite resources" or "finite supply".

Common error

Avoid using "finite" when "infinite" is more appropriate. "Finite" indicates a limit, while "infinite" signifies endlessness. Using "finite" when you mean "infinite" changes the meaning entirely.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "finite" primarily functions to describe nouns, indicating that they have a defined limit or boundary. Ludwig's examples illustrate this in contexts like "finite amount of food", "finite number of jobs", and "finite resources".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "finite" signifies that something has a limit or boundary and is used to describe nouns across various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and widespread. It is frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, emphasizing limitations or completeness. Common alternatives include ""limited"" and ""bounded"". To avoid errors, ensure "finite" is not confused with its antonym "infinite". When writing, remember that using "finite" can be used to indicate that resources are limited or a task has a defined ending point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finite in extent

Elaborates on "finite" by specifying that the limitation is in terms of scope or size.

limited

Replaces "finite" with a more general term indicating restriction.

having limits

Expresses the concept of "finite" in a more descriptive way.

bounded

Suggests a defined limit or boundary, similar to "finite".

restricted

Implies constraints or limitations, akin to "finite".

circumscribed

Highlights a clearly defined boundary or limit.

definite

Emphasizes a clear and certain limit or end.

terminable

Focuses on the ability to be ended or terminated.

measurable

Highlights the ability to quantify or measure the extent of something.

quantifiable

Similar to measurable, suggesting a specific quantity can be determined.

FAQs

How can I use "finite" in a sentence?

You can use "finite" to describe something that has an end or limit, such as "The Earth's resources are "finite"".

What are some alternatives to the word "finite"?

Some alternatives to "finite" include "limited", "bounded", or "restricted". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "finite" and "infinite"?

"Finite" means having a limit or end, while "infinite" means without limit or end. For example, a line segment has a "finite" length, but a line extends to "infinity".

Is it correct to say "a finite amount of" something?

Yes, it is correct. "A finite amount of" is often used to emphasize that something has a limited quantity. For instance, "We only have a "finite" amount of time".