English Vocabulary – End or Finish?

Hi!

Last week we had a look at the difference between “start” and “begin”. You can read about it here.

Another pair of verbs that are very similar in meaning but have a couple of unique characteristics is “end” and “finish”. Do you know the difference?

Let’s find out…

End or Finish?

We use “finish” to talk about something that has reached a conclusion, when we stop doing something because it was completed.

For example:

“He finished his lunch”

Ok, so how about “end”? To end means to cause something to no longer continue to happen or exist. We use it when there is an important change, such as the end of an era, the end of a revolution or the end of a relationship.

For example:

“The Pol Pot regime in Cambodia ended in 1979″

Quick tip: Remember that only “finish” can be followed by an -ing form.

For example:

“Have you finished drinking your milkshake?”

“When will you have finished preparing your speech?

“I think John has finished running the marathon, let’s go and congratulate him!”

Ok, there you have it! The differences between “end” and ” finish”. Do you have any questions?

Did you enjoy this grammar lesson? TWEET IT OUT:  I reviewed when to use end and finish with @abaenglish on their blog #esl