Let’s be honest, sometimes English can be confusing. Sometimes when learning English it is easy to mix up words and phrases or be unsure when to use them.
I often hear German speakers who are learning English make mistakes with the phrases ‘to be ready’ and ‘to be finished’.
Take a look at the examples below. Hopefully they will make things clearer for you.
We use ‘to be ready’ after we have spent time preparing for something but before we do it.
E.g. We can leave now. I’m ready. ( = The person has spent some time preparing to leave and is now ready to go.)
E.g. Are you ready for the test? ( = Do you feel prepared for the test? The test has not started yet.)
We use ‘to be finished’ after an event has taken place.
E.g. It was a long project lasting several months but it’s finally finished. ( = The project is over.)
E.g. Three hours were allotted for the test but I was finished after 2 and a half hours.
Have fun learning English!
Louise