Complete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Complete" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a command or request to finish or finalize something. Example: "Please complete the form before submitting your application."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Writers who successfully complete the course will receive a successful completion certificate from UEA, which will be made on the basis of ongoing assessment and a final submission of at least 10,000 words.

The Guardian

This would have suggested that although PRO 2000 was not a complete answer, it might be a useful part of the armoury.The dashing of that hope is a real blow, but there are other approaches to vaginal microbicides.

The Economist

But it is no less shocking to consider that, far from being neutral as was claimed at the time, it is clear that the government took a deliberately calculated political approach guided by a complete hostility to the coalfield communities.

The Guardian

It's a complete breach of precedent".

The Guardian

"It has been a complete failure.

The Guardian

"It's a complete mess".

The Guardian

What got me onto this theory was reading that the shoe bomber, a Muslim convert named Richard Reid, had been described by someone who knew him well in England as 'very, very impressionable.' I had already decided that the man was a complete bozo.

The Economist

Mayhem!!" Precious tweeted: "Complete chaos at Clapham Junction this morning as trains are delayed left, right and centre.

The Guardian

Guido Fawkes has published a complete set of the reform proposals - you can read that here.

The Guardian

"It was a complete change of language," said Baker Atyani, a Palestinian journalist and militancy expert, speaking of the latest video.

The Guardian

Her students have the option of going through it quicker, and most complete it in one year.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Complete" as a verb, clearly indicate what is being completed and by whom to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "complete" can act as an intensifier (e.g., "a complete waste of time"), overuse can weaken your writing. Consider stronger, more specific adjectives like "utter", "total", or "absolute" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Complete" is as a transitive verb, indicating the action of finishing or finalizing something. It also functions as an adjective to describe a state of being whole or entire. Ludwig examples support both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "Complete" functions primarily as a verb denoting the action of finishing or finalizing, and as an adjective signifying wholeness or totality. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and versatility. It is frequently used in news, business, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. For alternative expressions, consider "finish", "accomplish", or "entire", depending on the intended nuance. Avoid overusing "Complete" as a generic intensifier; instead, opt for more specific adjectives to enhance clarity and impact. While not incorrect, being more creative will benefit your text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Finish

Focuses specifically on reaching the end of a task or process.

Accomplish

Emphasizes the successful achievement of a goal.

Conclude

Suggests bringing something to a formal end.

Finalize

Highlights the act of making something fully ready or agreed upon.

Fulfill

Implies satisfying a requirement or condition entirely.

Terminate

Refers to the act of formally ending a process or agreement.

Whole

Indicates that all parts are included, focusing on the entirety of something.

Total

Emphasizes the full extent or amount of something.

Entire

Implies that something is undivided and without any missing parts.

Utter

Intensifies a following noun, indicating something is absolute or complete in its kind.

FAQs

How to use "Complete" in a sentence?

"Complete" can be used as a verb to indicate finishing something (e.g., "Please complete the assignment") or as an adjective to describe something that is whole or entire (e.g., "a complete set of tools").

What can I say instead of "Complete"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "finish", "accomplish", "finalize", or "entire".

Which is correct, "Complete the task" or "Completed the task"?

"Complete the task" is an imperative sentence, a direct instruction. "Completed the task" is a past tense statement needing a subject (e.g., "He completed the task").

What's the difference between "Complete" and "Finish"?

While often interchangeable, "complete" emphasizes totality or fulfillment, whereas "finish" simply means reaching the end. You might "finish" a race without feeling you "complete"d it to your full potential.