scrambling to finalize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scrambling to finalize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is hurriedly trying to complete or conclude something, often under pressure or a tight deadline. Example: "As the deadline approached, the team was scrambling to finalize the project details before the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In a joint statement that China, the host of the six-nation talks, was scrambling to finalize Saturday afternoon, the participants also agreed to meet again by June and to establish working groups that would tackle some of the most contentious issues about nuclear disarmament before then, according to Bush administration officials.

The New York Times

My interview with Mark took place a month before fashion week, which is a time when most designers are scrambling to finalize their collections.

Vice

As soon as Novak Djokovic's epic comeback win over Roger Federer in the first semifinal at the 2011 U.S. Open was complete, there were newspaper editors around the world scrambling to finalize their headlines.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The remaining delays are largely expected, as regulators scramble to finalize new rules on shoestring budgets.

The New York Times

For the next month, both companies along with their advisers scrambled to finalize the terms of the deal.

The New York Times

The companies scrambled to finalize their statements, addressing "inaccurate" media reports and hastily issuing patches and explanations that likely weren't due until next week.

TechCrunch

Since the deal was finalized, Mr. Abulu has been scrambling to ensure an audience.

The New York Times

Officials at the university were scrambling on Tuesday to finalize the financing for the event, which is expected to draw more than 10,000 visitors and cost some $700,000, or roughly $600,000 more than had been budgeted before Mrs. Obama committed to speak.

The New York Times

Libraries have been scrambling to catch up.

The New York Times - Tech

Researchers have been scrambling to find out.

The New York Times - Health

Governments are scrambling to keep up.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scrambling to finalize" when you want to convey both a sense of urgency and a degree of disorganization or hurried effort in completing a task.

Common error

Avoid using "scrambling to finalize" in highly formal or professional writing where a more composed and planned approach should be implied. Instead, opt for phrases like "expediting completion" or "prioritizing finalization".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scrambling to finalize" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an action being performed urgently. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. The word "scrambling" modifies the action of "finalizing", emphasizing the hurried nature of the process.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scrambling to finalize" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a hurried and somewhat disorganized effort to complete a task. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is acceptable for use in writing and speaking. Primarily found in news and media contexts, this expression conveys urgency and pressure. While it's a valid phrase, writers should be mindful of its register, avoiding overuse in formal contexts where a more composed tone is appropriate. Alternative phrases like "rushing to complete" or "expediting the finalization" may be suitable depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Rushing to complete

Focuses on the speed of completion rather than the disorganized effort.

Hurrying to finish

Similar to rushing, but emphasizes the act of finishing before a deadline.

Hastening to conclude

More formal alternative, emphasizing the speed and formality of concluding something.

Striving to complete urgently

Highlights the effort and the urgent need for completion.

Expediting the finalization

Focuses on speeding up the process of making something final.

Working feverishly to complete

Emphasizes the intense activity and effort.

Racing to get done

Conveys a sense of competition against time.

Making a last-minute push to finalize

Emphasizes the timing of the final effort.

Frantically trying to finish

Highlights the anxiety and disarray in the attempt to complete the task.

Eagerly finalizing

Indicates enthusiasm instead of pressure to complete something

FAQs

How can I use "scrambling to finalize" in a sentence?

You can use "scrambling to finalize" to describe a situation where someone is hurriedly trying to complete or conclude something, often under pressure. For example, "The team was "scrambling to finalize" the project details before the presentation".

What can I say instead of "scrambling to finalize"?

You can use alternatives like "rushing to complete", "hurrying to finish", or "hastening to conclude" depending on the context.

Is "scrambling to finalize" formal or informal?

"Scrambling to finalize" leans towards informal. More formal alternatives include "expediting the finalization" or "prioritizing finalization".

What does "scrambling to finalize" imply about the process?

The phrase "scrambling to finalize" suggests a hurried, possibly disorganized effort to complete something. It conveys that the process is under pressure and perhaps not proceeding in a calm, methodical manner.