when will this be finished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when will this be finished" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about the completion time of a task or project. Example: "I have been waiting for an update on the project timeline. When will this be finished?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"By 2015 when all this is finished we will be a fully integrated multichannel business.

The Guardian - Business

"When will it be finished?" Mr. Saverin asks.

The New York Times

When will it be finished?

Vice

When will the killing be finished?

The New York Times - Books

The day will come when the plaza will be finished and folded into the ordinary life of the city.

The New York Times

(The company isn't saying when it will be finished).

The New York Times - Tech

I don't know when it will be finished.

The Guardian - Books

An international consortium is now trying to map the epigenome, and no one can say when it will be finished.

The New York Times - Magazine

Normally the big question when it comes to work is when it will be finished.

Forbes

Usually, cardiologists avoid making precise forecasts about when studies will be finished.

Forbes

Disney hasn't said when it will be finished.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and choose a tone that matches. In formal settings, consider alternatives like "When is the projected completion date?"

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly defining what "this" refers to. For example, instead of saying "When will this be finished?", specify "When will the report be finished?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when will this be finished" functions as an interrogative clause used to inquire about the expected time of completion for a task, project, or activity. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when will this be finished" serves as a direct question seeking the completion time of a task or project. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for general use. Although versatile, it's important to maintain clarity by specifying what "this" refers to, particularly in professional contexts. Consider more formal alternatives, such as "when will this be completed?" or "what is the projected completion date?", depending on the situation. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and context-appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

When will it be done?

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary while retaining the core meaning.

When will this be completed?

Uses a more formal verb choice ("completed" instead of "finished").

When can I expect completion?

This is a more formal way of asking when something will be finished.

By what date will this be finished?

Emphasizes the desired end date.

What's the completion timeline?

This phrase shifts the focus to the overall schedule.

What's the estimated finish date?

Replaces "when will this be finished" with a direct question about an estimated date.

What's the ETA on this?

This uses an abbreviation (ETA - Estimated Time of Arrival) making it slightly less formal.

When do you anticipate finishing this?

Asks for an expectation regarding completion, placing focus on the anticipation of the person asked.

When is the deadline?

This focuses on the final date for finishing the task.

When is the projected completion date?

Uses "projected completion date" to specify the forecasted end time.

FAQs

How can I ask about a project's completion date more formally?

Instead of "when will this be finished?", you can use phrases like "when will this be completed" or "What is the projected completion date?" for a more professional tone.

What's a shorter way to ask "when will this be finished"?

A concise alternative is "when will it be done?", which maintains the same meaning with fewer words.

How does "when will this be finished" differ from "what's the deadline"?

"When will this be finished?" is a general inquiry about completion, while "what's the deadline?" specifically asks for the final date by which something must be completed.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "when will this be finished"?

This phrase is suitable in most informal and neutral contexts. However, for highly formal settings, consider using alternatives like "when is the projected completion date?".