we need to finish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we need to finish" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the necessity to complete a task or project. Example: "As the deadline approaches, we need to finish the report by Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We need to finish.

Independent

We need to finish at key times.

The New York Times - Sports

We need to finish the job.

The New York Times

And we need to finish the job".

The New York Times

"We need to finish better," Muschamp said.

The New York Times - Sports

We need to finish this process as soon as possible".

The New York Times

I think that we need to finish our inquiry.

The New York Times

But we need to finish the job we've started.

The Guardian

I started it, we need to finish it.

The New York Times

We need to finish what we started – to get the job done.

Independent

If there are seven chances, we need to finish all seven.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we need to finish", clearly state what needs to be finished to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "We need to finish the report by Friday" is more effective than simply saying, "We need to finish".

Common error

Avoid using "we need to finish" repeatedly in close succession without providing specific details about the task. Vary your language and provide context to keep the communication clear and engaging. Otherwise the sentences may sound redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we need to finish" primarily functions as a statement of obligation or necessity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses the need to complete a task or project, evident in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we need to finish" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that communicates the necessity of completing a task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered correct and usable in written English, appearing across diverse contexts, particularly in news and formal business settings. While versatile, clarity is improved by specifying the task to be completed. Alternatives like "we must complete" or "we should wrap up" can provide nuance. While the phrase is very common the best practice is to avoid overuse without proper context, which aligns with typical writing guidance. Overall, "we need to finish" is an effective phrase for conveying the importance of completing a task or project.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

We must complete

Stronger emphasis on obligation.

We have to conclude

Focuses on bringing something to an end.

It's essential to finalize

Highlights the importance of the final step.

We should wrap up

More informal way to express completion.

We ought to accomplish

Implies a duty or expectation to finish.

We are required to terminate

Emphasizes a formal requirement to end something.

We are obliged to fulfill

Highlights a commitment to complete a task.

We're duty-bound to carry out

Stresses the obligation to see something through.

It remains for us to consummate

More formal and emphasizes the final act of completion.

Our task is to consummate

Emphasizes that finalization is the group's goal.

FAQs

How can I use "we need to finish" in a sentence?

Use "we need to finish" to express the necessity of completing a task or project. For example, "We need to finish the presentation before the meeting" or "We need to finish packing before we leave".

What can I say instead of "we need to finish"?

You can use alternatives like "we must complete", "we have to conclude", or "we should wrap up" depending on the context.

Is there a more formal way to say "we need to finish"?

Yes, more formal options include "it's essential to finalize", or "we are required to terminate".

What's the difference between "we need to finish" and "we want to finish"?

"We need to finish" implies a requirement or necessity, while "we want to finish" suggests a desire or preference. The former is about obligation, the latter about volition.