What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
finalize
Example
We need to finalize the report before submitting it to the manager. [finalize: verb]
Example
After much discussion, we finally finalized the budget for the project. [finalized: past tense]
complete
Example
I need to complete this assignment before the deadline. [complete: verb]
Example
The team worked hard to ensure that the project was completed on time. [completed: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Complete is more commonly used than finalize in everyday language. Complete is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while finalize is less common and has a more formal connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between finalize and complete?
Finalize has a more formal connotation and is often used in professional or legal contexts, while complete is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.