Meaning & use
done
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“done” is a form of “do”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
adjectivenot comparable
Finished or completed; having reached the end of an activity or process.
Grammar: Used after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', 'get': 'The work is done.'
Patterns
- be done
- get something done
- be done with something
The homework is finally done.
Are you done with the computer?
She felt done after a long day at work.
adjectivenot comparable
Cooked enough to be ready to eat.
Grammar: Describes food that has been cooked thoroughly.
Patterns
- be done
- well done
Is the chicken done yet?
He likes his steak well done.
The potatoes will be done in ten minutes.
interjectioninformal
Used to accept an offer or to show that an agreement has been reached.
Grammar: Said on its own, often to close a deal.
Patterns
- Done!
"I'll give you $50 for it." "Done!"
Done! We have a deal.
Common combinations
- get something done
- I need to get my hair done before the party.
- be done with
- Let's be done with this argument.
- well done
- She prefers her steak well done.
Synonyms and how they differ
- finished
- Similar meaning, but 'finished' is more neutral and can be used before a noun: 'a finished product'.
- completed
- More formal; often used for official tasks or forms.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: done or did?
done vs did
'Did' is the simple past tense of 'do', while 'done' is the past participle used after 'have' or 'be'.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
After 'have', use the past participle 'done', not the simple past 'did' or the base form 'do'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “done”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.