FINISH VS COMPLETE: What's the Difference and When to Use Them
If you're an English language
learner, you might have been puzzled by the difference between two seemingly
similar words, "finish" and "complete". While they both
refer to the act of bringing something to an end, they are used in slightly
different contexts. In this article, we'll explore the nuances of these two
verbs and give you some examples of how to use them correctly.
Table of Contents
·
Introduction
·
What
Does "Finish" Mean?
·
Examples
of "Finish"
·
What
Does "Complete" Mean?
·
Examples
of "Complete"
·
"Finish"
vs "Complete": When to Use Them
·
Tips
for Using "Finish" and "Complete" Correctly
·
Common
Collocations with "Finish" and "Complete"
·
Frequently
Asked Questions
·
What's
the difference between "finish" and "end"?
·
Can
I use "complete" instead of "finish" and vice versa?
·
Is
"finish" more common in American English?
·
Can
"complete" be used as an adjective?
·
Is
"incomplete" the opposite of "complete" or
"finish"?
What Does "Finish" Mean?
"Finish"
is a verb that means to bring something to an end, to complete the last part of
a process or an activity. It implies that there was a goal or a task that
needed to be accomplished and that it has been achieved.
Examples of "Finish"
·
I
need to finish this report before the deadline.
·
Have
you finished your homework yet?
·
She
finished the marathon in under three hours.
·
He
always finishes his work before going home.
What Does "Complete" Mean?
"Complete"
is also a verb that means to bring something to an end, to finish it entirely
or thoroughly. However, it connotes a sense of wholeness or entirety, as if
every part of the task has been covered.
Examples of "Complete"
·
She
completed her degree in four years.
·
The
project is now complete and ready to be presented.
·
Have
you completed all the required forms?
·
I
will only pay the contractor once the work is complete.
"Finish" vs
"Complete": When to Use Them
The
main difference between "finish" and "complete" is the
level of finality they convey. "Finish" suggests the end of a
particular task or stage, while "complete" suggests the fulfillment
of a whole or a larger goal.
Consider the following examples:
·
He
finished reading the book. (implies that he reached the end of the book but
doesn't say anything about whether he understood it or gained any new
knowledge)
·
He
completed reading the book. (implies that he read the whole book, understood
it, and gained some new knowledge from it)
Here are some more examples to help
you understand the difference:
·
She
finished her work and went home. (implies that she completed her tasks for the
day)
·
She
completed her work and submitted it to her boss. (implies that she not only
finished her tasks but also achieved the desired outcome)
In general, "finish" is
used more often for everyday tasks or activities, while "complete" is
used for more substantial or complex tasks, such as projects, studies, or
degrees.
Tips for Using "Finish"
and "Complete" Correctly
·
Remember
that "finish" implies the end of a task or stage, while
"complete" implies the fulfillment of a larger goal or a sense of
wholeness.
·
Use
"finish" for everyday tasks, such as chores, errands, or short
activities.
·
Use
"complete" for more significant tasks, such as studies, projects, or
degrees.
·
Use
"complete" when you want to emphasize that every part of the task has
been covered or when you want to convey a sense of accomplishment.
·
Be
careful not to confuse "finish" with "end".
"Finish" implies that the task was completed successfully, while
"end" simply means to stop or come to a conclusion.
·
Use
"finish" and "complete" in their appropriate tenses and
forms, such as finished, finishing, completion, or completed.
Common Collocations with
"Finish" and "Complete"
To
further help you understand how to use "finish" and
"complete" correctly, here are some common collocations (words that
frequently appear together) with each verb:
·
Finish:
finish a book, finish a meal, finish a race, finish a project, finish a
sentence, finish a task, finish an exam, finish a sentence, finish an email,
finish up.
·
Complete:
complete a degree, complete a form, complete a project, complete a survey,
complete a task, complete a transaction, complete a report, complete a
sentence, complete a puzzle, complete a set.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.
What's
the difference between "finish" and "end"?
·
"Finish"
implies that the task was completed successfully or that the last part of a
process was completed. "End" simply means to stop or come to a
conclusion, without any implication of success or completion.
2.
Can
I use "complete" instead of "finish" and vice versa?
·
It
depends on the context. While "finish" and "complete" can
be used interchangeably in some contexts, they have slightly different
connotations and are more appropriate in certain situations.
3.
Is
"finish" more common in American English?
·
Both
"finish" and "complete" are common in American English, but
"finish" may be used more frequently in everyday speech.
4.
Can
"complete" be used as an adjective?
·
Yes,
"complete" can be used as an adjective to describe something that is
entirely or thoroughly finished. For example, a "complete report"
means a report that covers every aspect of the topic.
5.
Is
"incomplete" the opposite of "complete" or
"finish"?
·
"Incomplete"
is the opposite of "complete", as it implies that something is
unfinished or not fully done. "Finish" and "incomplete" are
not direct opposites, as "finish" implies successful completion,
while "incomplete" implies lack of completion.
Conclusion
In
conclusion, while "finish" and "complete" may seem similar,
they have different nuances and are used in slightly different contexts.
"Finish" implies the end of a particular task or stage, while
"complete" implies the fulfillment of a whole or a larger goal. By
understanding the differences between these two verbs and using them correctly,
you can improve your English writing and speaking skills.