a complete set of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complete set of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to all necessary items or components that make up a whole collection or group. Example: "The library offers a complete set of encyclopedias for research purposes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bought a complete set of Proust.

The New Yorker

It was a complete set of songs (along with videos).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Last summer he read a complete set of encyclopedias.

The New York Times

A complete set of macromolecular interactions (physical and genetic).

Nature

Wtransform produces a complete set of outputs for each scale.

Harvard University

This course features a complete set of homework assignments.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A complete set of Lecture Videos by Prof. Sadoway.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The runner up school will receive a complete set of the eight longlisted books.

The Guardian

A complete set of new "Cats" wigs would have cost $29,000, Mr. Allan said.

The New York Times

Not one of us has a complete set of living parents.

The New York Times

A complete set of the Dictionary of National Biography in reasonable condition was harder to find.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a complete set of", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the set includes to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "a complete set of tools" rather than just "a complete set."

Common error

Avoid using "a complete set of" when the set is not, in fact, fully comprehensive. Verify that all necessary components are included before using the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complete set of" typically functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It specifies that the noun is present in its entirety. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

28%

Science

27%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complete set of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a full and comprehensive collection. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and common usage across various fields make it a reliable choice for expressing completeness. While predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, it's advisable to ensure the context clearly defines what the "complete set" encompasses to avoid any ambiguity. Alternatives like ""a full collection of"" or ""a comprehensive range of"" can add variety while maintaining semantic accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a full collection of

Replaces "set" with "collection", emphasizing the completeness and gathering aspect.

a comprehensive range of

Substitutes "complete set" with "comprehensive range", highlighting the broad scope.

an entire suite of

Uses "entire suite" instead of "complete set", suggesting a full and inclusive collection.

a total compilation of

Replaces "complete set" with "total compilation", focusing on the act of gathering completely.

a whole assortment of

Uses "whole assortment" instead of "complete set", indicating a diverse and full collection.

a full complement of

Substitutes "complete set" with "full complement", emphasizing that everything necessary is included.

an exhaustive inventory of

Replaces "complete set" with "exhaustive inventory", highlighting thoroughness and detail.

a finished collection of

Uses "finished collection" instead of "complete set", suggesting a completed grouping.

a definitive array of

Substitutes "complete set" with "definitive array", emphasizing the final and authoritative nature of the collection.

a thorough compendium of

Replaces "complete set" with "thorough compendium", suggesting a detailed and comprehensive collection.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complete set of" to describe a full collection of items. For example: "The museum displayed "a complete set of ancient artifacts"."

What's a good alternative to "a complete set of"?

Alternatives include "a full collection of", "a comprehensive range of", or "an entire suite of" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "a complete set of everything"?

Yes, saying "a complete set of everything" can be redundant. It's generally better to simply say "everything" or rephrase to specify what "everything" includes.

What's the difference between "a complete set of" and "an incomplete set of"?

"A complete set of" indicates that all necessary items are present, while "an incomplete set of" suggests that some items are missing. For example, "He had "a complete set of tools"", versus "He only had "an incomplete set of tools"".