Phrasal verb
finish up
Definition
phrasal verb. to complete the last part of a task or activity so that it is totally finished.
phrasal verb. to bring a task or process to a final conclusion; often implies the completion of minor remaining details or the final stage of an action.
Examples
“I just need ten minutes to finish up this report.”
“We should finish up the meeting now so everyone can get home before the storm starts.”
“The construction crew worked late into the evening to finish up the remaining aesthetic touches before the grand opening the following morning.”
Examples
simple
“I just need ten minutes to finish up this report.”
contextual
“We should finish up the meeting now so everyone can get home before the storm starts.”
complex
“The construction crew worked late into the evening to finish up the remaining aesthetic touches before the grand opening the following morning.”
Usage
often used when the main work is done and only small details remain.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'finish'; 'finish up' emphasizes the finality or the 'wrapping up' phase of a project.
Pitfall
I finished up to read the book.
I finished up reading the book.
like 'finish', 'finish up' is followed by a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
optional
Pattern
finish + up (+ object)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/finish-up