Do we say, getting into the finals or the final? thx sooo much

Question

Do we say "getting into the finals" or "getting into the final"?Many, many thanks for advising!

Mitch · Accepted Answer

Both exist — the right one depends on the competition.

The final (singular) = one deciding match. British English prefers it: "England got into the final of the World Cup."

The finals (plural) = a final round or series with several games: "the NBA Finals", "the finals of the tournament" (semi-finals + final together). American English often says finals even for one event.

So: one deciding game → the final; a deciding stage or series → the finals. In everyday speech both are understood, and "getting into the finals" is very common informally.

BarbaraPA · Answer

We do tend to say "the finals" here in the US.

Do you think they'll make it to the finals?

Adviseeker · Answer

Thank you soooo much, Grammar Geek! G'day!!! <img src="http://www.EnglishForward.com/emoticons/emotion-78.gif"/>

Do we say, getting into the finals or the final? thx sooo much

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