# finish up

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/finish-up
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to complete the last part of a task or activity so that it is totally finished.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I finished up to read the book." but "I finished up reading the book." — like 'finish', 'finish up' is followed by a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.