What Does “Finish with sth” Mean?
“Finish with sth” means to complete or end an activity, task, or use of something. It often implies that you no longer need or want the object or action.
Introduction
The phrase “finish with sth” is commonly used in English to express the idea of completing or ending something. Whether you are done using an item, have completed a task, or ended a conversation, “finish with sth” clearly communicates this conclusion. Understanding the finish with sth meaning helps learners use it naturally in speaking and writing. It is a versatile phrase that appears in many contexts, from casual conversations to formal instructions. This article explains how to use “finish with sth,” provides real examples, and highlights common mistakes to avoid.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: finish with sth (finish with something)
- Type: transitive
- Level: A2–B2
- Short meaning: to complete or stop using something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Finish with sth” is a transitive phrasal verb, meaning it requires an object (sth = something).
The structure is usually:
- Subject + finish + with + object
Example: She finished with the book.
The phrase is inseparable; you cannot separate “finish” and “with.”
How to Use “Finish with sth”?
Use “finish with sth” when you want to say that you have completed using or doing something. It often refers to items, tasks, or people.
- To say you are done using an object: “I finished with the computer.”
- To say you have ended a relationship or conversation: “He finished with his old job.”
- To indicate the completion of a task: “They finished with the painting.”
Examples
Here are some natural sentences that show how to use “finish with sth in a sentence”:
- After finishing with the report, she went home.
- Are you finished with the phone? I need to make a call.
- He finished with the project earlier than expected.
- We finished with dinner around 8 pm.
- She finished with her homework before watching TV.
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse “finish with sth” with other verbs or misuse the preposition.
- Incorrect: I finished the with book.
- Correct: I finished with the book.
- Incorrect: She finished on the work.
- Correct: She finished with the work.
Remember, “finish” is followed by “with” plus the object.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include “end with sth,” “complete sth,” and “be done with sth.”
- Finish with sth focuses on completing or stopping use.
- End with sth often refers to how something concludes, e.g., a story ends with a surprise.
- Complete sth means to fully do or achieve something.
- Be done with sth means no longer needing or wanting something.
Each phrase has a slightly different emphasis, so choose based on context.
Common Collocations
“Finish with” is commonly used with these objects:
- Work: Complete a task or job.
- Food or drink: Complete eating or drinking.
- Phone or computer: Stop using a device.
- Conversation or meeting: End talking or a session.
- Project or assignment: Complete an activity.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of finish with sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “finish with sth”:
Anna: Are you finished with the printer? I need to print my report.
Mark: Yes, I finished with it about 10 minutes ago.
Anna: Great! I’ll start printing now.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “finish with”:
- She _______ with her homework before dinner.
- Can I use your phone after you _______ with it?
- They _______ with the meeting earlier than planned.
FAQs
- Q: Can “finish with” be used without an object?
A: No, it needs an object after “with.” - Q: Is “finish with” formal or informal?
A: It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. - Q: Can “finish with” mean ending a relationship?
A: Yes, it can mean ending a relationship or connection. - Q: What is the difference between “finish with” and “be done with”?
A: “Finish with” focuses on completing use or activity; “be done with” means no longer wanting or needing something. - Q: Can I say “finish the with something”?
A: No, the correct order is “finish with something.”
