finish
/ˈfɪnɪʃ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfɪnɪʃ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfi-nish/ (ame, mw) · /ˈfɪn.ɪʃ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfɪn.ɪʃ/ (ame, ipa)
finish — verb
- finishpresent simple I / you / we / they
- finisheshe / she / it
- finishedpast simple
- finishing-ing form
1. to reach the point where a task, activity, or piece of work is entirely done, so
to reach the point where a task, activity, or piece of work is entirely done, so that you stop working on it
Mizuki finished her history essay just before the midnight deadline.
finish + noun phrase (direct object)
The construction crew finished painting the school gymnasium yesterday afternoon.
finish + gerund
Hari finished with the vacuum cleaner and put it back in the cupboard.
Benjamin finished his training session and went straight home to shower.
The concert finished with a lively drum performance that got everyone clapping.
文法句型
finish + noun phrase
finish + gerund
finish with + noun phrase
用法筆記
To finish a task implies that all parts are done — not simply that you have stopped. For a task you have stopped but not completed, use stop or pause instead.
常見錯誤
2. to stop happening or being done, because there is no more of something or the al
to stop happening or being done, because there is no more of something or the allowed time has run out
The school term finishes on June 22 and students leave for summer break.
finish + on [date] specifying when an event ends
The movie finishes with a shocking twist that nobody in the cinema expected.
Dylan's speech finishes with a quote from an old folk tale his grandmother told him.
The match finished in a tie after both teams scored three goals each.
Linh's shift finishes at midnight, so she usually eats dinner after work.
文法句型
finish + adverb of time/place
finish + by/at/in/with
用法筆記
This sense is intransitive only — you cannot 'finish something' when you mean 'end it'. Use end or stop as transitive alternatives.
3. to take in or consume the very last bit of food, drink, or a supply, leaving non
to take in or consume the very last bit of food, drink, or a supply, leaving none behind
Naoko finished the bottle of milk and added it to the shopping list.
finish + consumable object (food/drink)
The kids finished all the pizza before the guests even arrived at the party.
Chidi finished the remaining paint while touching up the window frames.
Walid finished the bag of rice and planned to buy another one on Saturday.
Élise finished her coffee and placed the empty cup on the tray by the door.
- consume
more formal; used for both food and resources
- eat up / drink up
informal phrasal verbs, often used with children
- use up
emphasises that nothing remains
文法句型
finish + noun phrase (food, drink, supply)
常見錯誤
4. to put a final layer of paint, varnish, wax, or polish onto a wooden surface to
to put a final layer of paint, varnish, wax, or polish onto a wooden surface to protect it and give it a desired appearance
The carpenter finished the oak table with a clear varnish to show the wood grain.
finish + object + with + coating material
Rodrigo finished the picture frame in a dark walnut stain before adding the glass.
finish + object + in + colour/stain
The shelves were finished with a matte lacquer that resists scratches and heat.
Adina finished the wooden jewellery box in a glossy red paint her daughter chose.
The bench was finished with two coats of outdoor sealant to protect it from rain.
文法句型
finish + noun phrase + in/with + coating material
用法筆記
Frequently used in the passive voice. The object is always the wooden item being treated, not the coating material itself.
finish — noun
- finishsingular
- finishesplural
1. the last section or closing moment of an event, race, competition, or process
the last section or closing moment of an event, race, competition, or process
The runners sprinted towards the finish, and the crowd roared as the winner crossed.
the finish — the end point of a race
It was a close finish between the two teams, decided by just one point.
a close finish — a very tight contest
The film was entertaining from start to finish, with no slow parts at all.
Valentina crossed the finish line in first place, breaking the school record by three seconds.
The project was stressful until the very finish, when everything finally came together well.
- end
broader; can refer to any endpoint, not just of timed events
- conclusion
more formal; used for written works, speeches, arguments
- close
suggests the final moments of an event
用法筆記
Often used in fixed phrases: from start to finish, a close finish, the finish line. The finish line is literal (race) while the finish is more general.
常見錯誤
2. the look and feel of a surface after it has been treated or polished, especially
the look and feel of a surface after it has been treated or polished, especially in terms of smoothness and shine
The dining table has a smooth, glossy finish that reflects the light beautifully.
glossy finish / smooth finish — common adjective pairs
Obi prefers a matte finish on his furniture because it hides fingerprints and dust.
matte finish — opposite of glossy
The metal trim was given a brushed finish that gives it a soft, modern look.
Alessia chose a satin finish for the bathroom walls because it is easy to clean.
Kenji admired the smooth satin finish on the oak bedside table he had just built.
用法筆記
Typically modified by adjectives describing the appearance: glossy, matte, satin, brushed, smooth, rough. Do not confuse with noun/3 (the coating itself).
3. the last protective or decorative layer of a substance such as varnish, polish,
the last protective or decorative layer of a substance such as varnish, polish, paint, or wax applied to a surface
Apply a clear coat of finish to the bookshelf to protect it from dust.
apply a finish — common verb + noun collocation
The painter uses a water-based finish because it dries faster and smells less strong.
water-based finish vs. oil-based finish
Lauren bought a spray finish for the small wooden ornaments she makes as gifts.
The antique chair needs another layer of finish before it can be put on display.
Noor applied a durable outdoor finish to the garden bench to protect it from rain.
用法筆記
Refers to the material itself (the varnish, paint, or polish), unlike noun/2 which refers to the resulting surface quality. A product label might say 'finish' to mean the coating material.