they finished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they finished" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a group of people has completed a task or activity. Example: "After hours of hard work, they finished the project just in time for the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"They finished work.

The New Yorker

They finished above Tottenham.

Independent

They finished with everyone".

The New York Times

Have they finished?

Independent

Are they finished?

The New York Times

They finished 10th last season.

The Guardian - Sport

They finished college in 2001.

The New Yorker

They finished each other's sentences.

The New Yorker

They finished a distant third.

The New York Times

They finished about 9 a.m.

The New York Times - Sports

They finished 42-40.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they finished", ensure the context clearly indicates what "they" are referring to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the subject or task completed.

Common error

Avoid using "they finished" without a clear reference to who "they" are. Ensure the reader knows to whom you are referring. For instance, instead of "They finished", use "The team finished the project" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they finished" functions as a declarative statement indicating the completion of an action or task by a group. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they finished" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the completion of an action by a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile, fitting comfortably into both formal and informal contexts, particularly within news and media. While the phrase is clear, ensure the context specifies who "they" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For increased formality, consider alternatives like "they completed". Mastering the nuances of "they finished" will ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they completed it

Adds the pronoun "it" for clarity, specifying that a particular task or object was finished.

they accomplished it

Shifts the focus to the achievement of completing something, highlighting the successful outcome.

they concluded

Replaces "finished" with "concluded", implying a more formal or definitive end to something.

they wrapped it up

Employs the phrasal verb "wrap up" indicating a neat and tidy conclusion.

they finalized everything

Implies that all necessary steps have been taken to bring something to an end.

they were done

Uses a more colloquial expression to convey that the action is complete.

they were through

Similar to "they were done", but can also imply a sense of relief or finality.

they brought it to a close

A more formal alternative, suggesting a deliberate act of ending something.

they reached the end

Focuses on the endpoint or culmination of a process or activity.

they ceased working

Emphasizes the act of stopping work, highlighting the cessation of activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "they finished" to indicate the completion of an action by a group. For example, "After a long day, they finished the work". This structure is versatile and can be applied to various contexts.

What can I say instead of "they finished"?

You can use alternatives like "they completed", "they concluded", or "they were done", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "they finished" in formal writing?

Yes, "they finished" is generally appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, in more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "they completed" for a more polished tone.

What's the difference between "they finished" and "they were finished"?

"They finished" indicates that they actively completed something. "They were finished" implies that something was done to them, or that they were in a finished state. The meaning differs significantly.