are not completing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not completing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing tasks or actions that are not being finished or fulfilled. Example: "The students are not completing their assignments on time, which is affecting their grades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Although initiation is high, many children are not completing the series," Morales-Campos said.

The Guardian

Another two percent are not completing welfare applications, putting the pass rate at 96%.

The Economist

Many college students are not completing college in six years, let alone four, according to a government survey in 2009 that found that nearly two of every three students who started college did not graduate from that same college in four years, and that more than 40 percent did not graduate in six.

The New York Times

But more than half of them are not completing degrees in those fields".

Science Magazine

Another 2009 government survey found that many college students are not completing college in six years, let alone four.

Huffington Post

"Haiti is a problem country for us in the sense that 1.3 million children are not completing their vaccination schedule," said Kastberg.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

They're not completed yet.

The Guardian - Sport

But it was not completed.

The New York Times - Sports

The contract was not completed.

The New York Times

"So far the deactivation is not completed.

The New York Times

"The plot itself was not completed".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context; this phrase implies a lack of fulfillment or finalization, so consider the implications when using it in sensitive situations.

Common error

Avoid using "are not completing" in overly passive constructions that obscure the subject responsible for the incomplete action. Instead, rephrase to clearly identify who or what is not completing the task.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not completing" functions as a verb phrase expressing an incomplete action. It indicates that a subject is currently in the process of not finishing or fulfilling a task or requirement, as shown in various Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are not completing" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe actions or processes that have not reached their conclusion. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While it's a valid and understandable phrase, it's essential to consider the context to ensure clarity and avoid overuse in passive constructions. Several alternatives, such as "are failing to finish" or "are leaving unfinished", can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are leaving unfinished

Highlights the state of being incomplete or untouched.

are failing to finish

Emphasizes the lack of completion and introduces a sense of failure.

are not carrying through

Emphasizes the lack of follow-through or commitment to finish.

are not finalizing

Focuses on the absence of a final stage or approval.

are not seeing through

Implies a lack of perseverance to finish something.

are neglecting to conclude

Highlights the aspect of neglect or omission in finishing something.

are stopping midway

Suggests an interruption or cessation before the intended end.

are abandoning completion

Emphasizes the act of giving up on finishing a task.

are desisting from completing

Formally indicates the act of ceasing to complete something.

are suspending completion

Suggests a temporary halt in finishing a task.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are not completing" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "are failing to complete", "are neglecting to conclude", or "are desisting from completing", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "are not completing" and "are incomplete"?

"Are not completing" implies an ongoing action that hasn't reached its end, while "are incomplete" describes a state of being unfinished or lacking necessary parts. The former focuses on the process, and the latter on the result.

Is it correct to say "is not completing" instead of "are not completing"?

No, "is not completing" is for singular subjects, while "are not completing" is for plural subjects or when used with "you", "we", or "they". For example, "He is not completing his homework" versus "They are not completing their homework".

When should I use "are not finishing" instead of "are not completing"?

You can often use "are not finishing" and "are not completing" interchangeably. However, "are not completing" might be more appropriate when referring to a process with specific steps or requirements, whereas "are not finishing" can be more general.