get finished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “get finished” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to completing a task, for example: “I need to get this project finished by tomorrow.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe they'll get finished when I myself get finished.

The Guardian

It's nice to listen to something that didn't get finished.

The New York Times - Arts

Some of us are competitive, determined to get finished first.

The New York Times

I thought we were never going to get finished".

The Guardian - Sport

We're there to win games, not get finished in two and a half hours.

The New York Times - Sports

And it means also that the tournament, you know, most likely will get finished on time".

The New York Times - Sports

So many things I want to finish, they keep piling up, and never get finished.

The New York Times - Sports

Always good that you know matches are going to get finished.

The New York Times - Sports

They don't all —— Ethan This one actually —— Joel Don't get finished.

The New York Times

"In essence, films never get finished, they get abandoned," Lucas told American Cinematographer magazine in 1997.

The Guardian - Film

The catch is that they simply may not work – if, indeed, they get finished at all.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get finished", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being completed. For clarity, specify the task or project that is reaching completion. For example: "Make sure you get the report finished before the deadline".

Common error

Avoid using "get finished" in overly passive constructions that obscure the subject performing the action. Instead of saying "The project will get finished", try "The team will get the project finished" or, even better, "The team will finish the project."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get finished" functions as a verb phrase indicating the completion of an action or task. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It describes the process of reaching a finished state, as shown in many of the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

18%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get finished" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the completion of an action or task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in written English. With examples drawn from diverse sources like news, media, and scientific publications, this phrase demonstrates its versatility across various registers. While neutral in tone, writers should avoid overuse in passive constructions and clearly indicate what is being completed. Whether you're aiming for clarity or inquiring about progress, "get finished" serves as a practical and effective way to communicate about reaching a final state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be completed

Uses passive voice to emphasize the action of finishing rather than the actor.

be done

Simplifies the phrasing to a more concise expression of completion.

be finalized

Highlights the act of making something definite or official.

become completed

Replaces 'get' with 'become', which changes the verb's nature but maintains the core meaning of finishing.

be concluded

Suggests a formal or official ending.

reach completion

Emphasizes the arrival at a final state.

be terminated

Implies an abrupt or decisive ending.

come to an end

Focuses on the termination of an event or process.

draw to a close

Suggests a gradual ending or conclusion.

be brought to fruition

Implies a successful and productive ending.

FAQs

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

You can use "get finished" to describe the completion of a task or project, like in "I need to "get finished" with this report by tomorrow", or "When will we "get finished" cleaning the house?".

What is a more formal alternative to "get finished"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "be completed", "be concluded", or "be finalized", depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "get finished"?

While "get finished" is generally correct, avoid using it in overly passive sentences where the subject is unclear. Ensure the context makes it clear who or what is completing the action.

What's the difference between ""get finished"" and "be finished"?

"Get finished" implies a process of completion or reaching a final state, while "be finished" simply describes a state of being complete. The first suggests active involvement in ending a task.