be done
The project will be done by Friday.
The project will be completed by Friday.
to be completed or finished
Is the report done yet?
Has the report been completed yet?
I'll let you know when I'm done with my homework.
I'll inform you once my homework is finished.
Commonly used in both informal and formal contexts to indicate completion of a task or process.
to be exhausted or no longer able to continue
I'm completely done after that workout!
I'm completely exhausted after that workout.
Often used in casual speech to express extreme tiredness.
Collocations
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Passive vs. Active Voice
Use 'be done' in passive constructions to emphasize completion rather than who completed it: 'The work will be done by tomorrow' (passive) vs. 'We will do the work tomorrow' (active).
Gold Rule
Context Matters
Always consider whether 'be done' refers to completion of a task or exhaustion, as the meaning changes based on context.
Word Origin
The phrase 'be done' combines the verb 'be' (from Old English 'bēon') with the past participle 'done' (from Old English 'dōn', meaning 'to do'). The construction emerged in Middle English as a passive form indicating completion.
Usage Notes
1. In passive constructions, 'be done' often implies completion of an action by someone or something. 2. In informal contexts, it can express exhaustion. 3. Avoid using 'be done' to mean 'destroyed' unless in specific dialects or contexts.