he was finished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was finished" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has completed a task or is no longer able to continue, often in a context of exhaustion or defeat. Example: "After working tirelessly on the project for weeks, he was finished and ready to take a long break."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There, he was finished".

The New Yorker

When he was finished, hands shot up.

The New Yorker

He was sure he was finished.

The New Yorker

At 27, he was finished.

The New York Times - Sports

Wilfred thought he was finished.

The Guardian

And he was finished with closet living.

The New York Times

After that answer, he was finished talking.

The New York Times - Sports

Some dared suggest he was finished.

The Guardian - Sport

He was finished for the day.

The New York Times - Sports

But by then, he was finished.

The New York Times

When he was finished, no one asked any questions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was finished" to clearly indicate the completion of an action, task, or state. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, offering a direct and easily understood way to convey finality.

Common error

Avoid using "he was finished" when a more precise term is needed. While it indicates completion, it doesn't specify the nature of that completion. For instance, instead of saying "he was finished", clarify with "he completed the report", "he retired", or "he lost the race" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was finished" primarily functions as a statement indicating the completion of an action, task, or a state of being. It conveys that someone has reached the end of something, whether it's a project, a career, or their physical ability to continue. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was finished" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate the completion of an action, task, or a state of being. Ludwig AI confirms that it's both grammatically correct and widely applicable, particularly within news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, its specific connotation can range from simple completion to expressing exhaustion or the end of an era. When choosing to use "he was finished", consider the specific context and desired nuance, and feel free to explore alternative phrases like "he was done" or "he had completed" for enhanced precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was done

This alternative is a more informal way of saying someone has completed a task or is no longer able to continue.

he had completed

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of finishing something.

he was through

This alternative implies the end of an involvement or activity.

he reached the end

This alternative focuses on reaching a final point or conclusion.

he came to an end

This alternative suggests a natural or inevitable conclusion.

he concluded

This alternative emphasizes the act of formally ending or finalizing something.

he was terminated

This alternative implies a more formal or official ending, often in a professional context.

he was defunct

This alternative suggests something is no longer functioning or effective.

he ceased to be

This alternative is a more dramatic or metaphorical way of expressing the end of something.

he was no more

This alternative is a more poetic or euphemistic way of saying someone or something has ended.

FAQs

How can I use "he was finished" in a sentence?

You can use "he was finished" to indicate that someone has completed a task, reached the end of their career, or is no longer capable of continuing. For example, "After the marathon, he was finished" or "By 35, many athletes find he was finished with the sport".

What's a more formal alternative to "he was finished"?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "he had completed" or "he concluded", depending on the specific context. These options are suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is "he was finished" appropriate for professional communication?

Yes, "he was finished" is generally acceptable in professional communication, especially when conveying that a task or project has been completed. However, consider the audience and the specific context; more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain situations.

What's the difference between "he was finished" and "he was done"?

While both phrases are similar, "he was finished" can sometimes carry a stronger connotation of finality or being worn out. "He was done" often simply means he had completed something, while "he was finished" might imply he's exhausted or unable to continue.