Finished vs You're out

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Finished

Top 1,000 (very common)

You're out

InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: FinishedMost common: Finished
 FinishedYou're out
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ˈfɪnɪʃt//🇺🇸 //ˈfɪnɪʃt//🇬🇧 //jʊə aʊt//🇺🇸 //jʊr aʊt//
MeaningSomething that has been completed.You are not allowed anymore.
ExampleI have finally finished my homework.After missing the target, the archer sighed, 'You’re out.'
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 2,000 (common)
Collocationsfinished product, finished work, finished line, finished task, finished stateYou’re out of the game, You’re out for the season, You’re out of luck
Antonymsunfinished, incomplete-
Common mistakesConfusing 'finished' with 'finishing' or 'finish'., Using 'finished' with a noun when an alternative verb is needed., Incorrectly using 'finished' in the future tense.Used too formally in serious conversations., Confused with 'You're out of here' which implies leaving instead of elimination., Misused in contexts not related to games or competitions.
Usage notesUse 'finished' to describe something that is complete. Avoid using it in formal writing where 'completed' might be preferred.Commonly used in informal contexts, especially in games or competitions. It can express being eliminated or dismissed.

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Finished
You're out

Frequently asked questions: Finished vs You're out

What's the difference between Finished and You're out?

Finished: Something that has been completed. You're out: You are not allowed anymore.

Which is more formal: Finished and You're out?

Finished is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Finished and You're out?

Finished is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Finished: I have finally finished my homework. You're out: After missing the target, the archer sighed, 'You’re out.'

Can I use Finished and You're out interchangeably?

Not always. Finished and You're out are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.