it is unfinished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is unfinished" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has not been completed or is still in progress. Example: "The project is due next week, but it is unfinished and needs more work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Though it is unfinished and awkwardly constructed, its dreamlike atmosphere lingers in the mind with the overtones of Teika's poetry; dreams of the past were indeed the refuge of the medieval romancers, who modeled their language on the Genji monogatari, though it was now archaic, and borrowed their themes and characters from the Heian masterpieces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ras Vehera is a 40ft-high standing Buddha, much less well known than its slightly taller cousin Aukana, probably because it is unfinished.

The Guardian - Travel

"It is unfinished business," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

So, it is unfinished business, and young women know it is unfinished business.

The New York Times - Magazine

We want people to feel that it is unfinished".

The New York Times - Arts

Cullinan said the fact it is unfinished made the portrait more compelling.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It was unfinished, and perhaps unfinishable: that is the conclusion, at least, to be drawn from "Henri-Georges Clouzot's Inferno, " a new documentary directed by Serge Bromberg and Ruxandra Medrea.

The New Yorker

It's unfinished, but that's integral to its poetry: no one understood the suggestiveness of the incomplete as profoundly as Michelangelo.

The Guardian - Arts

It was unfinished business.

The New York Times

"It's unfinished.

The New York Times - Style

For Vang Pao, it was unfinished business.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is unfinished", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. For clarity, specify the subject (e.g., "the project is unfinished") rather than relying solely on context.

Common error

Avoid using "it is unfinished" without defining the expected end state. Provide enough context so the audience understands what constitutes completion. For example, clarify milestones, goals, or deliverable criteria that are not yet met.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is unfinished" primarily functions as a descriptive statement indicating that a particular task, project, or item has not reached its final or intended state. Ludwig examples show it describing artworks, books, buildings or agreements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

13%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

27%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is unfinished" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something that is incomplete and requires further attention. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts and maintains a neutral tone suitable for a wide range of applications. Remember to clearly define what "it" refers to and the expected completion criteria to avoid ambiguity. By considering these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the state of incompleteness in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is incomplete

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct statement.

it remains incomplete

Replaces "unfinished" with "incomplete", slightly emphasizing the current state.

it is not finished

Uses a more straightforward synonym for "unfinished".

it is still in progress

Focuses on the ongoing nature of the task or project.

it is yet to be completed

Emphasizes the future action needed for completion.

it is not yet finalized

Highlights the lack of a final or approved version.

it is still outstanding

Suggests that the task is pending completion.

it is still under construction

Suggests an active building or developmental phase.

it is in a preliminary state

Indicates an early stage of development.

it is a work in progress

A common idiom indicating ongoing effort.

FAQs

What does "it is unfinished" mean?

The phrase "it is unfinished" means that something is not yet complete. It indicates that work remains to be done before a task, project, or item reaches its intended final state.

Which is more appropriate, "it is unfinished" or "it is incomplete"?

Both phrases are suitable, but "it is unfinished" often implies an ongoing process, while "it is incomplete" may suggest something is missing. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

How to use "it is unfinished" in a sentence?

You can use "it is unfinished" to describe a task, project, or piece of work that is still in progress. For example, "The report is due tomorrow, but it is unfinished."

What are some alternatives to saying "it is unfinished"?

Alternatives include "it is incomplete", "it is still in progress", or "it is a work in progress", depending on the specific context.