Phrasal verb
finish off
Definition
phrasal verb. to complete the last part of a task or to eat the rest of something.
phrasal verb. to complete a task or consume a remaining portion entirely; often implies a sense of finality or the exhaustion of a resource.
Examples
“I need to finish off my homework before dinner.”
“We were almost full, but we decided to finish off the cake so it wouldn't go to waste.”
“The architect spent the weekend finishing off the final blueprints to ensure the project could commence on Monday morning.”
Examples
simple
“I need to finish off my homework before dinner.”
contextual
“We were almost full, but we decided to finish off the cake so it wouldn't go to waste.”
complex
“The architect spent the weekend finishing off the final blueprints to ensure the project could commence on Monday morning.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “finish off” in context.
Verb
01. finish off the cake
“There was only one slice left, so I finished off the cake.”
verb + noun
02. finish off the leftovers
“We were still a bit hungry, so we decided to finish off the leftovers from dinner.”
verb + noun
03. finish off the project together
“The team worked late to finish off the project together before the deadline.”
verb + noun + adv
04. finish off the report
“I need to stay at the office for another hour to finish off the report for tomorrow.”
verb + noun
05. quickly finish off the work
“If we quickly finish off the work, we can go to the cinema tonight.”
adv + verb
Adverb
06. completely finish off the meal
“The food was so delicious that he completely finished off the meal.”
adv + verb
Usage
commonly used with food, drinks, or small remaining tasks.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'finish' (general completion); 'finish off' emphasizes reaching the very end of a specific amount or a final stage.
Pitfall
I finished the coffee off it.
I finished the coffee off.
when the object is a noun, it can go before or after the particle, but you do not repeat the object as a pronoun.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
optional
Pattern
finish (+ object) + off (+ object)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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