trying to finish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying to finish" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an effort to complete a task. For example, "I'm trying to finish the project by this evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Writing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm still trying to finish it.

Independent

This time I was trying to finish".

The New York Times - Sports

He is trying to finish a painting.

The New Yorker

"I'm trying to finish strong".

The New York Times - Sports

False moralists are trying to finish Bolillo".

The Guardian - Sport

We're trying to finish our projects".

The New York Times

"And she was trying to finish her article".

The New Yorker

"They are trying to finish us," the commander said.

The New York Times

I was just trying to finish my check".

The New York Times - Sports

I'd say: 'I'm trying to finish my paper.

The New York Times

2. I just bought the new Taylor Swift CD and I'm trying to finish it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being finished. For example, "I am trying to finish the report" is clearer than "I am trying to finish".

Common error

While "trying to finish" is common, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "attempting to complete" or "working to finalize" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying to finish" typically functions as part of a verb phrase, indicating an ongoing attempt or effort to complete something. It combines the auxiliary verb 'trying' with the infinitive 'to finish', showing intention and action. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sports

20%

General Writing

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trying to finish" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to express the ongoing effort to complete a task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate across various contexts, from news and media to everyday conversations. While widely applicable, varying your language with alternatives such as "attempting to complete" or "working to finalize" can enhance your writing. The phrase carries a neutral tone and is often used to convey a sense of immediacy and ongoing action. Remember to clearly specify what is being finished for optimal clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to complete

Focuses on the act of attempting, emphasizing the effort being made to complete something.

concentrating on finishing

Highlights focused effort on the act of completing something.

working to finalize

Highlights the effort towards bringing something to its final form.

aiming to finalize

Highlights the intention and goal of finalizing a task or project.

endeavoring to conclude

A more formal way of expressing the effort to bring something to an end.

striving to conclude

Emphasizes the effort and struggle involved in reaching a conclusion.

in the process of completing

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the completion process.

seeking to wrap up

Focuses on the desire to bring something to a tidy conclusion.

pushing to achieve completion

Focuses on the driving force and determination to finish.

hustling to get done

Implies a sense of urgency and quick action to complete a task.

FAQs

How can I use "trying to finish" in a sentence?

You can use "trying to finish" to describe an ongoing effort to complete a task. For example, "She is "trying to finish" her thesis before the deadline".

What can I say instead of "trying to finish"?

You can use alternatives like "attempting to complete", "working to finalize", or "in the process of completing" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "trying to finished"?

No, "trying to finished" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""trying to finish"", where "finish" is the base form of the verb.

What's the difference between "trying to finish" and "going to finish"?

"Trying to finish" implies an ongoing effort, while "going to finish" suggests a future intention. "Trying to finish" indicates the action is currently in progress, whereas "going to finish" implies a plan for future completion.