Begin vs Finish: Differences And Uses For Each One

Are you confused about when to use “begin” and when to use “finish”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with choosing the right word for the right situation. In this article, we will explore the differences between “begin” and “finish” and provide you with a clear understanding of when to use each one.

We should define the two words. “Begin” means to start or commence something, while “finish” means to complete or bring something to an end. Both words are verbs and are used to describe actions that are being taken.

So, which word is the proper word to use? The answer is that it depends on the context. If you are talking about starting something, then “begin” is the correct word to use. On the other hand, if you are talking about completing something, then “finish” is the correct word to use. It’s important to use the right word in order to convey your message clearly and effectively.

Now that we have a better understanding of what “begin” and “finish” mean, let’s explore some examples of when to use each one.

Define Begin

Begin refers to the starting point of a process, activity, or event. It is the initial stage of something that is about to happen or has just started. It marks the commencement of a new task or venture, and is often associated with the first step towards achieving a goal.

For instance, when embarking on a new project, the beginning phase involves brainstorming ideas, creating a plan, and setting goals. It is the point where one takes the first step towards achieving their desired outcome.

Define Finish

Finish, on the other hand, refers to the endpoint of a process, activity, or event. It is the final stage of something that has been ongoing or has just ended. It marks the completion of a task or venture, and is often associated with achieving a goal or reaching a destination.

For example, when completing a project, the finishing phase involves wrapping up loose ends, reviewing the work done, and ensuring that the goals set were achieved. It is the point where one has reached the desired outcome and can now move on to the next task.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word at the right time can make all the difference in your writing. In this section, we will explore the proper usage of the words ‘begin’ and ‘finish’ in a sentence.

How To Use ‘Begin’ In A Sentence

‘Begin’ is a verb that indicates the start of an action, process, or event. Here are some tips on how to use ‘begin’ correctly in a sentence:

• Use ‘begin’ to indicate the start of an action or process. For example, “I will begin my work at 9 am.”
• Use ‘begin’ to indicate the start of an event or activity. For example, “The concert will begin at 7 pm.”
• Use ‘begin’ to indicate the start of a journey or trip. For example, “We will begin our road trip tomorrow.”
• Use ‘begin’ as a synonym for ‘start’. For example, “Let’s begin the meeting.”

When using ‘begin’ in a sentence, make sure to use it in the correct tense and form. For example, use ‘began’ for past tense and ‘begun’ for past participle.

How To Use ‘Finish’ In A Sentence

‘Finish’ is a verb that indicates the end of an action, process, or event. Here are some tips on how to use ‘finish’ correctly in a sentence:

• Use ‘finish’ to indicate the completion of an action or process. For example, “I will finish my work by 5 pm.”
• Use ‘finish’ to indicate the end of an event or activity. For example, “The movie will finish in 10 minutes.”
• Use ‘finish’ to indicate the end of a journey or trip. For example, “We will finish our road trip in three days.”
• Use ‘finish’ as a synonym for ‘complete’. For example, “I need to finish my homework.”

When using ‘finish’ in a sentence, make sure to use it in the correct tense and form. For example, use ‘finished’ for past tense and ‘finished’ for past participle.

More Examples Of Begin & Finish Used In Sentences

In order to fully comprehend the usage of the words “begin” and “finish”, it is important to examine more examples of how they are commonly used in sentences. Below are some examples of how to use “begin” in a sentence:

• The concert will begin at 8 PM sharp.
• Let’s begin our meeting with a quick recap of last week’s progress.
• It’s time to begin planning for next year’s budget.
• He will begin his new job next week.
• The school year will begin in September.
• She decided to begin her workout routine early in the morning.
• The chef will begin preparing the meal shortly.
• The movie will begin in five minutes.
• Why don’t we begin by introducing ourselves?
• The team will begin practicing for the upcoming game tomorrow.

And now, let’s take a look at some examples of how to use “finish” in a sentence:

• Once you finish your homework, you can watch TV.
• The construction crew is expected to finish the project by the end of the month.
• She was determined to finish the race, no matter how difficult it was.
• We need to finish painting the living room this weekend.
• He always makes sure to finish his work before leaving for the day.
• The author is expected to finish writing the book by next year.
• After months of hard work, the team finally finished the project.
• She will finish her degree in two years.
• Let’s finish our meal before we head out.
• The company is hoping to finish the year strong by meeting its sales goals.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

In the English language, the words “begin” and “finish” are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion and incorrect usage. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Begin” Instead Of “Start”

• Example: “Let’s begin the project tomorrow.”
• Explanation: While “begin” and “start” are synonyms, “begin” is often used in a more formal context, whereas “start” is more commonly used in everyday language.
• Tips to avoid: Use “start” in informal contexts and “begin” in formal contexts.

Using “Finish” Instead Of “Complete”

• Example: “I finished the report last night.”
• Explanation: While “finish” and “complete” are synonyms, “complete” is more accurate when referring to a task or project that has been fully done or accomplished.
• Tips to avoid: Use “complete” when referring to a task or project that has been fully done or accomplished.

Using “Begin” And “Finish” In The Same Sentence

• Example: “Let’s begin the project and finish it by Friday.”
• Explanation: Using both “begin” and “finish” in the same sentence can be redundant and confusing.
• Tips to avoid: Use either “begin” or “start” and “complete” or “finish” in the same sentence.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can use “begin” and “finish” correctly and effectively in your writing and speech.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between “begin” and “finish,” context plays a crucial role in determining the appropriate word to use. Depending on the situation, the choice between these two words can completely change the meaning of a sentence.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “begin” and “finish” might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Appropriate Word Choice
Task Completion	I need to ___ this project by the end of the week.	finish
Task Initiation	I am going to ___ working on this project tomorrow.	begin
Competition	Who will ___ the race first?	finish
Competition Preparation	We need to ___ training for the race.	begin
Process	The first step is to ___ by gathering all the necessary materials.	begin
Process Completion	We can finally ___ now that all the steps are complete.	finish

As you can see, the choice between “begin” and “finish” can depend on a variety of factors, including the type of task or process being discussed, whether it involves competition or collaboration, and whether it is in the past or future tense. By considering the context carefully, you can ensure that you are using the appropriate word to convey your intended meaning.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using “begin” and “finish” are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they might not apply. Here are some of the most common exceptions to keep in mind:

1. Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs are a combination of a verb and a preposition or adverb. They often have a different meaning than the individual words would suggest. When using phrasal verbs, the rules for “begin” and “finish” may not apply.

For example:

• Settle in: This phrasal verb means to get comfortable in a new place. You might say, “I need to settle in before I start my new job.”
• Wrap up: This phrasal verb means to finish something. You might say, “Let’s wrap up this meeting so we can all go home.”

2. Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic expressions are phrases that have a figurative meaning beyond the literal definition of the words used. When using idiomatic expressions, the rules for “begin” and “finish” may not apply.

For example:

• Get the ball rolling: This idiomatic expression means to start something. You might say, “Let’s get the ball rolling on this project.”
• Put the finishing touches on: This idiomatic expression means to complete the final details of something. You might say, “I just need to put the finishing touches on this report before I submit it.”

3. Contextual Usage

Context is always important when using language. Depending on the situation, the rules for “begin” and “finish” may not apply.

For example:

• Begin a race: It’s common to say “begin a race,” but in the context of a casual conversation, you might say “start a race” instead.
• Finish a book: While “finish a book” is the most common way to express completing a book, in certain contexts, you might say “complete a book” or “read a book to the end.”

Remember, language is always evolving and context matters. While the rules for using “begin” and “finish” are generally straightforward, there are exceptions to keep in mind.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of begin and finish in sentences is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises that you can do to help you become more confident in using these two words correctly:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either begin or finish:

1. The team will _______ the project by the end of the week.
2. Let’s _______ the meeting at 2 pm.
3. She always _______ her homework before dinner.
4. It’s important to _______ what you started.
5. He wants to _______ the race in under 10 minutes.

Answer Key:

1. finish
2. begin
3. finishes
4. finish
5. finish

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:

1. She always _______ her homework before watching TV.

• a) begins
• b) finishes
• c) both a and b

Let’s _______ the party with a dance-off.

• a) begin
• b) finish
• c) neither a nor b

He wants to _______ the marathon in under 3 hours.

• a) begin
• b) finish
• c) both a and b

Answer Key:

1. b) finishes
2. b) finish
3. b) finish

By practicing exercises like these, you can improve your understanding and use of begin and finish in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context and meaning of the sentence when choosing which word to use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between begin and finish is crucial for effective communication. Here are the key takeaways from this article:

Begin And Finish Have Different Meanings

• Begin means to start something, while finish means to complete something.
• It’s important to use the correct word to convey the intended meaning.

The Context Matters

• The context of a sentence can determine whether to use begin or finish.
• For example, if you’re talking about a race, you would use begin to refer to the start and finish to refer to the end.

Grammar And Language Use Are Important

• Using the correct words and grammar is crucial for effective communication.
• It’s important to continue learning about grammar and language use to improve your communication skills.

By understanding the difference between begin and finish and using them correctly, you can improve your communication skills and avoid confusion. Keep learning and practicing to become a better communicator.