was done with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was done with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has finished or completed something, often implying a sense of finality or closure. Example: "After months of hard work, I finally felt that I was done with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was done with complete success".

The New Yorker

She was done with Lisbeth Salander.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was done with business lunches.

The New York Times

"I decided I was done with him".

The New Yorker

He was done with windows and doors.

The New Yorker

It was done with the clubs' consent.

The New York Times - Sports

She was done with TB.

The New York Times

My cancer doctor was done with me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Everything was done with perfect clarity.

The New York Times - Arts

"I was done with promoting that record.

The Guardian - Music

He was done with this yokel.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was done with" to clearly indicate the completion of a task, project, or relationship, conveying a sense of finality. For example: "She was done with the project and ready for a vacation."

Common error

Avoid using "was done with" when you mean 'was in progress'. The phrase implies completion or termination, not continuation. Using it incorrectly can confuse your reader. For example, don't say "I was done with painting the house when it started to rain" if you mean 'I was painting the house when it started to rain'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was done with" functions as a passive construction indicating the completion of an action or a state of being finished or disassociated from something. Ludwig AI's examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from completing projects to ending relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was done with" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate completion, termination, or disassociation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its primary function is to convey a sense of finality, making it useful in various situations, from discussing completed projects to ending relationships. While synonymous with phrases like "was finished with", understanding its implications and avoiding its misuse ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was finished with

Direct synonym, emphasizing the state of being complete or having ended involvement.

had finished with

Indicates completion of an activity or relationship, similar to "was done with".

was through with

Emphasizes the end of a process or activity, much like "was done with".

had completed

Focuses on the action of completing something, similar to being done with it.

was over with

Focuses on the termination of an event or situation.

concluded

A more formal way of saying something has ended or been completed.

no longer involved in

Highlights the cessation of participation or connection.

had no more to do with

Indicates a deliberate cutting off of contact or activity.

washed my hands of

Suggests a complete disavowal or disengagement from something.

relinquished

Implies formally giving up or letting go of something.

FAQs

How can I use "was done with" in a sentence?

The phrase "was done with" indicates the completion of something or a disassociation from it. For example, "He "was done with" the renovations after a year of hard work" or "She "was done with" the argument and walked away".

What's a more formal alternative to "was done with"?

For a more formal tone, you could use "had concluded", "had completed", or "had finished with". These alternatives convey a similar meaning of completion but in a more professional register.

How does "was done with" differ from "was finished with"?

"Was done with" and "was finished with" are nearly synonymous. Both indicate that something has been completed. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

When is it appropriate to use "was done with"?

Use "was done with" when you want to clearly express that an activity, task, relationship, or project has reached its end. It implies a sense of finality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However avoid it if you want to say that something is currently happening, in that case use other tenses.