What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
completing
Example
I am close to completing my essay. [completing: present participle]
Example
The team is working on completing the final touches of the project. [completing: gerund]
finishing
Example
I am almost finished with my homework. [finished: past participle]
Example
The chef is finishing up the dish with some fresh herbs. [finishing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Finishing is more commonly used than completing in everyday language. Finishing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while completing is less common and tends to be used in more formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between completing and finishing?
Completing can be seen as more formal than finishing, which is more commonly used in everyday language.
