unfinished tasks

USAGE SUMMARY

"unfinished tasks" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it anytime you want to refer to tasks that have not been completed or finished. Example: The project manager reminded the team about their unfinished tasks from the previous week, emphasizing the need to complete them before starting on any new tasks.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Complete these dear unfinished tasks of mine and I perchance may therein comfort you.

The New York Times

While unfinished tasks were still on his mind, new demands crowded in.

The New York Times - Magazine

My apartment is now a place to relax, not a place of unfinished tasks.

The Washington Post

To address this issue, in this paper, we propose a concept of hybrid waiting list that holds all unfinished tasks and makes the resumption of tasks regularly.

Journal of Systems and Software

Unfinished tasks include the creation of unionwide laws on patent protection and intellectual property rights, and a directive on unionwide recognition of professional qualifications.

The New York Times

These teams' members crave focused time in order to eliminate the stress of unfinished tasks or the need to take work home.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

It is our unfinished task to restore the basic bargain that built this country.

The Guardian

It also points to serious dangers for the unfinished task of development.

The Guardian - Business

The U.S. should not "jump from one unfinished task to another".

The New York Times

The president has just struck three notes around the theme of "our generation's task" and "our unfinished task".

The Guardian

The unfinished task is "to reignite the true engine of America's economic growth – a rising, thriving middle class".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing productivity or time management, pair "unfinished tasks" with concrete actions or strategies to address them, such as prioritizing, delegating, or setting deadlines.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the effect of "unfinished tasks" on overall success or well-being. While they can contribute to stress or inefficiency, they are not always the sole determinant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfinished tasks" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "unfinished" modifies the noun "tasks". It describes a state of incompletion or work that remains to be done. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unfinished tasks" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote incomplete duties or work. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this expression is correct and adaptable to numerous contexts. It is most prevalent in news, scientific, and business environments. When using this phrase, aim for clarity in task identification and consider actionable strategies for completion. While it's important to address these tasks, remember to avoid overstating their overall impact on your success or well-being.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incomplete assignments

Replaces "tasks" with "assignments", implying a more structured or academic context.

outstanding duties

Substitutes "unfinished" with "outstanding" and "tasks" with "duties", suggesting responsibilities that remain to be fulfilled.

pending items

Uses "pending" to convey the sense of being unresolved and "items" as a more general term for tasks.

uncompleted jobs

Replaces "tasks" with "jobs", which may imply a more specific, often professional, context.

remaining workload

Focuses on the amount of work left to do, framing it in terms of "workload".

unresolved matters

Shifts the focus to "matters", implying issues or problems that need to be addressed.

tasks in progress

Emphasizes that the tasks have already started but are not yet finished.

unfulfilled obligations

Conveys a stronger sense of duty or requirement that has not been met.

unfinished business

An idiomatic expression implying unresolved issues or tasks, often with emotional or strategic significance.

works in hand

Puts the focus on the ongoing work, tasks that need to be addressed.

FAQs

How does the Zeigarnik effect relate to "unfinished tasks"?

The Zeigarnik effect highlights how our minds tend to fixate on "unfinished tasks", making them more memorable than completed ones. This can lead to increased stress and intrusive thoughts until the tasks are addressed.

What are some strategies for dealing with stress caused by "unfinished tasks"?

Effective strategies include prioritizing tasks, breaking them into smaller steps, setting realistic deadlines, and practicing mindfulness to manage anxiety. Consider using tools like to-do lists and time management apps.

What can I say instead of "unfinished tasks"?

You can use alternatives like "incomplete assignments", "outstanding duties", or "pending items" depending on the context.

Are "unfinished tasks" always a negative thing?

Not necessarily. Sometimes, leaving tasks unfinished can allow for incubation and fresh perspectives. The key is to manage them effectively rather than letting them become a source of stress or procrastination.