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Mr. Tom Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Use of "Finished" with auxiliary verb and main verb.

Hi

I would like to know if we can use "finished" with auxiliary verb or/and main verb with no change in meaning.

Any editing in the following sentences is welcome.

I'm finished with breakfast. Shall we talk now?

I've finished breakfast. Shall we talk now?

Are you finished? Should we start the work now?

Have you finished? Should we start the work now?

I'm finished with my penance, Father. I'm leaving your house forever.

I've finished my penance, Father. I'm leaving your house forever.

Thanks,

Tom
  

Top answer

In general, "finished with <noun>" does not mean exactly the same as "finished <noun>. "finished with" may have the sense that you have abandoned something (often because you are tired of it), rather than completing it in the normal way (for example, "I'm finished with this stupid job"). ").

— Mr Wordy

  • In general, "finished with <noun>" does not mean exactly the same as "finished <noun>.
  • "finished with" may have the sense that you have abandoned something (often because you are tired of it), rather than completing it in the normal way (for example, "I'm finished with this stupid job").
  • ").
  • In your specific examples, however, "finished" and "finished with" are, because of the context, quite similar in meaning.
  • To me, " I'm finished with" seems more informal than " I've finished with".
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3 Answers
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In general, "finished with<noun>" does not mean exactly the same as "finished <noun>. "finished with" may have the sense that you have abandoned something (often because you are tired of it), rather than completing it in the normal way (for example, "I'm finished with this stupid job"). "finished with" also often refers to completion of an implied associated activity rather tha
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I'm grateful, Mr. Wordy!

...and sorry for changing the gears in mid-conversation, but:

Are watching the TV and watching TV the same thing? I mean, doesn't the presence of "the" affect the meaning at all?

Thanks,

Tom
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Mr. TomAre watching the TV and watching TV the same thing? I mean, doesn't the presence of "the" affect the meaning at all?
When you talk about "watching the TV" you're talking about watching a particular TV set
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