unfinished projects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfinished projects" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to tasks or assignments that have not been completed or are still in progress. Example: "The team has several unfinished projects that need to be addressed before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Now, those unfinished projects will have to wait until next year.

The New York Times

In addition to being eyesores that are obvious to visitors, these unfinished projects can create problems.

The New York Times

Smaller contractors, retailers and pool cleaning companies have also failed, leaving unpaid bills and unfinished projects.

The New York Times

Contracts for unfinished projects may be tweaked to benefit private firms, even though this will draw accusations of cronyism.

The Economist

He has no need to worry about his unfinished projects, which are already being divided among the remaining employees.

The Economist

Four unfinished projects, including the two Satsop reactors, were mothballed by 1983 without ever producing a volt of power.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

But one unfinished project remains.

The New York Times

Artificial Intelligence," an unfinished project that Steven Spielberg took over after Kubrick's death.

The New Yorker

It's part of an unfinished project called "Your Veil Is a Battleground".

The New York Times

The other argument was that, without the Gemäldegalerie, the Kulturforum would be an unfinished project".

The New York Times - Arts

Though this could give the impression of an unfinished project, the design certainly increases the wall space.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "unfinished projects", be specific about the type of project and the stage of completion to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. Instead of a generic statement, specify if you are talking about 'unfinished construction projects', 'unfinished research projects', or 'unfinished software projects'.

Common error

Be cautious of using "unfinished projects" without context, as it can lead to confusion. Instead of saying 'We have many unfinished projects', quantify and categorize them, such as 'We have three unfinished software projects and two marketing initiatives that require immediate attention'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfinished projects" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it referring to incomplete tasks or endeavors across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

26%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unfinished projects" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes tasks or endeavors that are still in progress. According to Ludwig, this phrase is widely accepted and used across various contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science. When using "unfinished projects", it's important to provide context to specify the type of project being discussed. Alternatives like "incomplete tasks" or "pending assignments" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Being mindful of potential vagueness will ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Incomplete tasks

Focuses on the individual components of a larger project that are not yet done; emphasizes tasks.

Outstanding tasks

Highlights tasks that remain to be done or addressed, often implying a sense of urgency.

Pending assignments

Emphasizes that the projects or assignments are waiting to be addressed or completed.

Ongoing endeavors

Highlights the continuous nature of the work, emphasizing the process rather than the lack of completion.

Uncompleted works

Refers specifically to creative or construction projects that have not reached finalization.

Hanging commitments

Refers to tasks or promises that have not been fully fulfilled, often causing a sense of obligation.

Open items

Used in business or organizational contexts to denote issues or tasks that still require attention.

Unresolved matters

Stresses the need to address or settle certain issues or projects, often implying potential problems.

In progress initiatives

Highlights the active state of projects or plans that are currently being worked on.

Unfinished business

Suggests pending matters, tasks, or issues that need to be addressed to achieve closure or resolution.

FAQs

How can I use "unfinished projects" in a sentence?

You can use "unfinished projects" to describe tasks or assignments that are still in progress or have not been completed. For example, "The company has several "unfinished projects" that need to be addressed before the end of the quarter".

What are some alternatives to "unfinished projects"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "incomplete tasks", "pending assignments", or "outstanding tasks".

Is it better to say "unfinished projects" or "incomplete projects"?

Both "unfinished projects" and "incomplete projects" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to express. "Unfinished" emphasizes the ongoing nature, while "incomplete" highlights the lack of completion.

What's the difference between "unfinished projects" and "abandoned projects"?

"Unfinished projects" are projects that are still in progress but not yet completed, while "abandoned projects" are those that have been started but then discontinued or left incomplete. The key difference is the intention: unfinished projects are meant to be completed, while abandoned projects are not.