when you finish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when you finish" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the time or condition after someone has completed a task or activity. Example: "Please let me know when you finish the report so I can review it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's when you finish.

The Guardian - Sport

When you finish work".

The New Yorker

You finish when you finish".

The New York Times

When you finish, you're drained.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Because when you finish it, you'll leave".

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's a bigger picture when you finish.

The New York Times

When you finish raping then you kill her child.

Independent

When you finish the call, the connection is cut.

The Economist

Will you continue to study when you finish your degree?

The New York Times - Arts

That's what it's like when you finish a high note".

The New York Times - Sports

When you finish these, let me know.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider alternatives like "upon completion" or "after you have completed" for a more sophisticated tone.

Common error

Avoid using "when you finished" when you mean "when you finish". The former implies a past action, while the latter is a general condition for the future.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when you finish" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying when an action or event will occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct. It's used to indicate the timing or condition under which another action will take place.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when you finish" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase functioning as an adverbial clause of time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts, although alternatives like "upon completion" may suit more formal settings. Predominantly found in Wiki and News & Media sources, it serves to provide temporal context and set conditions for subsequent actions. Remember to avoid the common error of confusing "finish" with "finished" to maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when you're through

A less formal version of the query.

after you are done

More casual alternative that focuses on the state of being finished.

once you've completed

Emphasizes the completion aspect, suitable for tasks or projects.

upon completion

More formal and emphasizes the act of finalizing something.

on finishing

More concise and formal, suitable for written instructions or reports.

as soon as you're through

Implies immediacy after finishing, suggesting a prompt transition.

after you conclude

Suited for processes that involve a formal ending or wrapping up.

following your completion

Highly formal and often used in professional settings or official documentation.

at the end of

Focuses on the final stage, regardless of time spent or activities.

subsequent to finishing

Highly formal and less commonly used in everyday speech.

FAQs

How to use "when you finish" in a sentence?

Use "when you finish" to introduce a clause that specifies the timing of another action. For example, "Let me know "when you finish" your work" or "You can leave "when you finish" the test."

What can I say instead of "when you finish"?

You can use alternatives like "after you finish", "once you complete", or "upon completion" depending on the context and formality needed.

Is it correct to say "when you will finish"?

While grammatically possible, it's often more natural and concise to say ""when you finish"". Using "will" can sound awkward unless you're emphasizing a future event with certainty.

What's the difference between "when you finish" and "when you are finished"?

"When you finish" implies the act of completing something, whereas "when you are finished" emphasizes the state of being done. The difference is subtle, but "when you are finished" can sometimes suggest a more passive state.