End vs Finish: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
End" refers to the conclusion of something, while "finish" is used to mean completing a task or action.
Memory Tip: end = stop, finish = complete
end ends with /d/ sound, finish ends with /ʃ/ sound
end /ɛnd/
verbTo finish something or make it stop.
Example:
The movie ends at 8 o'clock.
Common patterns:
end a game
end a story
finish /ˈfɪnɪʃ/
verbTo complete or bring something to an end.
Example:
I finish my homework before dinner.
Common patterns:
finish a task
finish a game
finish /ˈfɪnɪʃ/
nounThe finish is the end of something.
Example:
I finish my homework before dinner.
Common patterns:
the finish of a race
the finish of a book
Common Mistakes
I need to end my homework before dinner.
I need to finish my homework before dinner.
Finish is used because it refers to completing the task of doing homework.
The movie will finish in 10 minutes.
The movie will end in 10 minutes.
End is used because it refers to the conclusion of the movie.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. I ____ my homework before dinner.
2. I ____ my homework before dinner.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse end / finish again
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