a complete recovery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complete recovery" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of returning to a state of health or normalcy after an illness, injury, or setback. Example: "After several weeks of treatment, the doctor confirmed that she had made a complete recovery and could return to her normal activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

before making a complete recovery.

The New Yorker

(The child made a complete recovery).

The New York Times - Books

(There is hope of a complete recovery).

The Guardian

"I'm hoping and expecting him to make a complete recovery".

The New York Times

He should be able to make a complete recovery.

The New York Times - Sports

They said he was resting comfortably afterward and was expected to make a complete recovery.

The New York Times

"It was through her intercession that I made a complete recovery," she said.

The New York Times

None--theless, he made a complete recovery and was back at work in two months.

The New Yorker

He called Everett's chances for a complete recovery "bleak or dismal".

The New York Times - Sports

All those are good signs for a complete recovery from microfracture surgery".

The New York Times - Sports

Hogan told Servis that Smarty Jones, with time, would make a complete recovery.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing health outcomes, use "a complete recovery" to convey a return to the patient's pre-illness or pre-injury state. Be specific about what "complete" entails in the given context.

Common error

Avoid using "a complete recovery" if there are lingering effects or limitations. Use qualifiers like "near complete recovery" or "significant recovery" if the restoration isn't total.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complete recovery" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes the successful return to a prior state of health, functionality, or normalcy after a period of decline or impairment. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is used correctly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a complete recovery" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase indicating a full return to a previous state of health, functionality, or stability. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is frequently used in contexts such as news reports, scientific literature, and general discussions, demonstrating its broad applicability. While alternatives like "a full recovery" and "a total recovery" exist, "a complete recovery" effectively conveys the thoroughness of the restoration. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the "complete" nature of the recovery is accurate and supported by evidence, avoiding overstatements that could mislead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a full recovery

Implies a return to the original state of health or functionality, similar to "a complete recovery".

a total recovery

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the recovery, suggesting no residual effects.

a complete recuperation

Focuses on the process of regaining strength and health after an illness or exertion.

a complete restoration

Highlights the return to a former condition, particularly in the context of something damaged or deteriorated.

a complete rehabilitation

Refers to the process of restoring someone to health or normal life through training and therapy.

a complete revitalization

Suggests a renewed energy and vitality in addition to the recovery.

a complete rebound

Implies a quick and energetic return to a previous level of performance or success.

a complete regeneration

Suggests the regrowth or renewal of damaged or lost tissues or functions.

a complete reconstitution

Implies that something which has been destroyed, disorganized or broken, has been rebuilt to its previous condition.

a comprehensive recovery

Focuses on the broad scope and all-encompassing nature of the healing or restoration process.

FAQs

How can I use "a complete recovery" in a sentence?

You can use "a complete recovery" to describe a return to full health or functionality after an illness, injury, or setback. For instance, "After months of physical therapy, she made "a complete recovery" and returned to her sport".

What's the difference between "a complete recovery" and "a full recovery"?

The terms "a complete recovery" and "a full recovery" are largely interchangeable. Both suggest a return to the original state, but "complete" may emphasize the thoroughness of the restoration.

What are some alternatives to "a complete recovery"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a total recovery", "a complete recuperation", or "a complete restoration".

Is it appropriate to use "a complete recovery" in a business context?

Yes, "a complete recovery" can be used metaphorically in business contexts to describe a return to profitability or stability after a period of difficulty. For example, "The company is aiming for "a complete recovery" in the next fiscal year".