a complete sense of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complete sense of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a thorough understanding or feeling about something. Example: "After the meeting, I had a complete sense of the project's goals and objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

There was a complete sense of despair and disillusionment [when he came into power].

The Guardian - Business

Yet she seldom wears these clothes with a complete sense of confidence or triumph.

The New York Times - Style

No government agency even has a complete sense of Banana Kelly's finances.

The New York Times

For $6 you get a complete sense of a colonial village that became a steel city in the late 19th century and lived to tell the tale.

The New York Times - Arts

Now they have all the ingredients for a complete sense of literary fulfillment: an organized movement, a leader (in this case, one M. Julien Teppe; a manifesto, and a prize.

The New Yorker

"I think I've read all the biographies of Hemingway and I've never had a a complete sense of him until I smelled this house and saw some of these things," Mr. Berg said.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The questions surrounding NATO's attacks in Majer — the worst known case of the alliance's causing civilian casualties in its campaign to protect civilians — are not just at the center of the struggle for a more complete sense of a complicated air campaign.

The New York Times

I also hope that the full reviews of these restaurants, as opposed to a necessarily reductive star rating, give readers a more complete sense of my thoughts and a better idea of whether they would enjoy one restaurant or another more.

The New York Times

This may provide you with a more complete sense of your own understanding of the breakup, a sense of ownership, and help boost your self-esteem with those abilities.

WikiHow

A more complete sense of Ms. Asher's range as an artist and writer can be found in her 1994 book "The Visionary Gleams" (Sheep Meadow Press), which is well worth a look.

The New York Times

"I really felt a total, complete sense of oneness with the people of Tibet," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a complete sense of" when you want to emphasize a thorough and holistic understanding or feeling, rather than just a superficial awareness.

Common error

Avoid using "a complete sense of" if you only possess partial or limited information. Instead, opt for phrases like "a partial understanding of" or "a limited view of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complete sense of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a state of having a thorough and comprehensive understanding or feeling about something. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

29%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complete sense of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase signifying a comprehensive understanding or feeling. According to Ludwig, its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. While alternatives like "a thorough understanding of" or "a comprehensive grasp of" exist, "a complete sense of" effectively conveys the idea of a deep and holistic perception. It's important to use the phrase when you truly possess a thorough understanding, avoiding its misapplication with incomplete information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thorough understanding of

Focuses on the intellectual aspect of understanding.

a comprehensive grasp of

Emphasizes the breadth and depth of understanding.

a full appreciation for

Highlights the value and understanding of something.

a profound awareness of

Stresses a deep and significant understanding.

an exhaustive knowledge of

Implies a very detailed and complete understanding.

a holistic view of

Suggests understanding something by considering the whole system.

a clear perception of

Focuses on the clarity and accuracy of understanding.

a deep insight into

Implies a penetrating and profound understanding.

a comprehensive overview of

Offers a wide-ranging but less detailed understanding.

an intimate familiarity with

Suggests a close and personal understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "a complete sense of" in a sentence?

Use "a complete sense of" to describe a thorough understanding or feeling about something. For example: "After reading the book, I gained "a complete sense of" the author's intentions".

What's the difference between "a complete sense of" and "a general idea of"?

"A complete sense of" implies a thorough and comprehensive understanding, while "a general idea of" suggests a basic, less detailed understanding. Using the correct phrase depends on the depth of understanding you want to convey.

What can I say instead of "a complete sense of"?

You can use alternatives like "a thorough understanding of", "a comprehensive grasp of", or "a full appreciation for" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to have "a complete sense of" something before making a decision?

While having a complete understanding is ideal, it's not always feasible. Decisions often need to be made with imperfect information, relying on the best available knowledge and judgment. Aim for "a thorough understanding of" the core issues, but recognize that some uncertainty may remain.