A comprehensive guide on the difference between "finish" and "end," focusing on the verb "to finish," including usage, examples, and common phrases.
Understanding the difference between "finish" and "end" is key to mastering English verb usage. Both relate to something coming to a close, but "finish" often implies completing a task, while "end" simply means something stops. This guide focuses on "to finish," explaining its meaning, usage, and how it contrasts with "end."
Meaning and Usage
The verb "to finish" means to complete something — to bring a task or activity to its conclusion, especially when it’s done as intended. It can also imply using something up.
- I finished my homework.* (completed the task)
- She finished the cake.* (used it all up)
- We finished the project on time.
Finish is often followed by a noun (the thing being completed) or a gerund (-ing form).
- finish reading
- finish writing
- finish cooking
After the verb 'finish', which form is commonly used?
a noun or a gerund (-ing form)
'Finish' is often followed by a noun (the thing being completed) or a gerund (-ing form), such as 'finish reading' or 'finish writing.'
How It Differs from "End"
While "finish" implies completing something, "end" means to stop or bring something to a close — it doesn’t always imply completion.
| Aspect | Finish | End |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Complete something | Stop or close something |
| Implication | Task is done | Could stop prematurely |
| Object | Often a task or activity | Can be a situation, event, or thing |
| Example | I finished the report. (done) | The meeting ended early. (stopped) |
You can’t “end” a task by yourself without suggesting control over stopping it, but you “finish” tasks to complete them.
Common Phrases with "Finish"
Here are some frequent expressions using "finish" to help you see it in context:
- finish up — complete the last part
- Let’s finish up the meeting.
- finish off — complete or use something entirely
- I finished off the leftovers.
- finish first — be the winner
- She always finishes first in races.
- finish what you started — complete a task you began
- You should finish what you started before taking a break.
- finish line — the end point in a race or task
- He crossed the finish line first.
Examples
Below are example sentences using "finish" in different contexts:
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I need to finish my essay tonight. | Complete the task of writing |
| She finished reading the book yesterday. | Completed the activity of reading |
| We finished painting the room. | Task of painting is done |
| Can you finish your dinner? | Eat all the food |
| They finished the meeting at 5 PM. | Meeting was concluded |
Summary
"To finish" means to complete a task, activity, or use something up. It often implies a sense of accomplishment or reaching a goal. This distinguishes it from "end," which simply means to stop or close something and doesn’t necessarily imply completion.
- Use finish when talking about completing work, tasks, or activities.
- Use end when something stops or concludes, especially events or situations.
Understanding this difference will help you choose the right verb and express yourself more precisely in English.
When should you use 'finish' instead of 'end'?
When talking about completing work, tasks, or activities.
'Finish' is used for completing things, while 'end' is more general for stopping or concluding.
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
