the finisher

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the finisher" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who completes a task or brings something to a conclusion, often in a competitive context, such as sports or projects. Example: "In the final moments of the game, he proved to be the finisher we needed, scoring the winning goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Increased age was associated with longer finish times, but the relationship between age and finish time differed according to two other variables: whether the finisher had finished a WSER before 1986 and, for those who had previously started the WSER since 1985, the proportion of past WSERs that the finisher had finished.

European Journal of Applied Physiology

In 12.6% of finishes, the finisher had started the WSER since 1985, but had dropped out of his or her most recent WSER event.

European Journal of Applied Physiology

The finisher applies all the finishes, and there is a guy who maintains machines, keeps the place clean, packs finished pieces on pallets, and runs the shipping operation.

The New York Times

For finishers who were not first-timers, if the finisher had failed to finish his or her previous WSER start, the finisher was coded as "previous drop" for that year.

European Journal of Applied Physiology

As soon as he shut off the finisher, Mr. Miyerov yelled a celebratory "Finished!" over the fading hum of the machine.

The New York Times

In models for finish time, in addition to the above variables, the finisher's "previous drop" status or relative performance for the previous race in which the finisher had participated was considered.

European Journal of Applied Physiology

"Not really," Ms. Bebecka, the finisher, demurred.

The New York Times

A classic exchange between two men, one the pathfinder, the other the finisher.

The New York Times - Sports

A crash brings down "the Finisher", Walter Godefroot and one potential adversary is gone.

The Guardian - Sport

5.21pm GMT 49th over England 297-5 ( Buttler 98, Bopara 4) Bring on The Finisher.

The Guardian - Sport

For once, Lionel Messi was not the finisher, though he was often the architect of the threats.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the finisher" to describe a person, ensure the context clearly indicates what they are finishing, whether it's a task, project, or race.

Common error

Avoid using "the finisher" when it's unclear what is being finished. Always provide sufficient context to ensure the meaning is clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the finisher" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically identifies an entity, whether a person, machine, or action, that completes or concludes something. Ludwig examples show it used to describe athletes, machines in manufacturing, and even roles within a team.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

56%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the finisher" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote the entity responsible for completing a task or process. As Ludwig AI shows, it frequently appears in both scientific and news media, indicating a neutral to professional register. The phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used, referring to a person, machine, or action that brings something to its conclusion. When using "the finisher", ensure the context clearly defines what is being completed. Alternative phrases like "the closer" or "the completer" can be used to add variety, although "the finisher" itself is a well-established and readily understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the closer

Focuses on the act of finalizing or concluding an activity or process.

the completer

Emphasizes the action of making something whole or finished.

the finalizer

Highlights the act of bringing something to its ultimate and finished state.

the ender

Indicates the person or thing that brings something to a conclusion.

the concluding act

Describes the event or action that serves as the termination or finish.

the last step

Focuses on the final action required to complete a process or task.

the ultimate touch

Highlights the final detail or action that perfects or completes something.

the crowning achievement

Emphasizes the final, often most impressive, accomplishment in a series.

the terminal phase

Describes the last stage or period of a process or project.

the concluding chapter

Refers to the final part of a story, event, or series of events.

FAQs

How can I use "the finisher" in a sentence?

You can use "the finisher" to describe someone who completes a task, like in the sentence, "He proved to be the finisher we needed, scoring the winning goal."

What can I say instead of "the finisher"?

You can use alternatives like "the closer", "the completer", or "the finalizer" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "finisher" as a noun?

Yes, "finisher" is a noun that refers to a person or thing that finishes something. Using "the finisher" specifies a particular person or thing in that role.

What is the difference between "the finisher" and "the beginner"?

"The finisher" refers to someone who completes a task or activity, while "the beginner" refers to someone who is just starting. They represent opposite ends of a process.