What are the definitions of “finish with”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1End a relationship.
She FINISHED WITH him a few months ago.
- 2Stop dealing with someone.
He wanted to leave but I was furious and hadn't FINISHED WITH him.
- 3Finish using or requiring.
Can I read the paper when you've FINISHED WITH it.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “finish with”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb finish with is to end a relationship or stop dealing with someone or something. It can be used to describe the end of a romantic relationship, a business partnership, or any other type of connection between people or things.
What are the different verb forms of “finish with”?
| Root Verb | finish with |
| Third Person Singular Present | finishes with |
| Present Participle | finishing with |
| Simple Past | finished with |
| Past Participle | finished with |
Example
She decided to finish with her boyfriend after a big argument.
Example
He finishes with his work and goes home.
Example
She is finishing with her book and will return it to the library.
Example
They finished with their project and submitted it to the teacher.
Example
He had finished with his meal and left the restaurant.
What kind of phrasal verb is “finish with”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“finish with” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She finished with her boyfriend after a big argument.
Example
He finished with his work and went home.
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 with” 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
She finished with her boyfriend after a big argument.
Example
He finished with his work and went home.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “finish with”?
Finish with a conversation
End a conversation or discussion.
Example
When they finished with their conversation, they left the room.
Good things to know
Does “finish with” have an informal or formal tone?
Finish with is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
