What are the definitions of “finish up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Finally get somewhere, usually without planning to go there.
We went out for diner and FINISHED UP in a club.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “finish up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb finish up is to complete something, such as a task, project, or meal. It means to bring something to an end or reach the final stage of something.
What are the different verb forms of “finish up”?
| Root Verb | finish up |
| Third Person Singular Present | finishes up |
| Present Participle | finishing up |
| Simple Past | finished up |
| Past Participle | finished up |
Example
I need to finish up my homework before I can go out.
Example
She finishes up her work before leaving the office.
Example
He is finishing up his lunch before the meeting starts.
Example
Yesterday, they finished up the project and submitted it.
Example
The report has been finished up and sent to the boss.
What kind of phrasal verb is “finish up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“finish up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
We finished up at the club after dinner.
Example
They finished up their meal and left the restaurant.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“finish up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
We finished up at the club after dinner.
Example
They finished up their meal and left the restaurant.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “finish up”?
Finish up with
To complete dealing with someone or something.
Example
I'll be with you in a moment; I just need to finish up with this customer.
Finish up somewhere
To end up in a particular place, often unexpectedly.
Example
We went out for dinner and finished up in a club.
Good things to know
Does “finish up” have an informal or formal tone?
Finish up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in business or academic contexts.
