before it completes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before it completes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a point in time prior to the completion of an action or process. Example: "Please save your work before it completes the upload."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Berkshire Hathaway, which Mr. Buffett controls, said it would sell its holdings in Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern before it completes its $26 billion deal for Burlington Northern.

The New York Times

With five decisions today, the court now has 12 cases remaining for decision before it completes its term.

The New York Times

They will be heard in April, the last month the court normally hears arguments before it completes its work by the end of June.

The Washington Post

Others, though, consider the real scandal to be an effort to discredit the commission before it completes its work — or really even started it.

The New York Times

After issuing decisions in five cases today, the Supreme Court has nine cases left to decide before it completes its 1997-98 term.

The New York Times

Tui Travel has climbed 16.3p to 445p as it unveiled an 11% rise in underlying profits, just weeks before it completes its merger with parent company Tui AG.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Mr. Rumsfeld left the commission shortly before it completed its work, when he was nominated to be secretary of defense, but the panel's report reflects his views.

The New York Times

But the department renewed the contract before it completed its investigation.

Huffington Post

The crew of Protecteur initiated a $400 thousand (equivalent to $ in ) search for the lost ship before it completed its journey.

Wikipedia

The charity, which had planned to give its net proceeds to charities for children, canceled its activities in New York before it completed the registration process.

The New York Times

CVS, based in Woonsocket, R.I., said before it completed the $2.15 billion Eckerd purchase in July that it might close as many as 225 stores where sales lagged.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "before it completes", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what action should occur prior to the completion. Providing a specific timeframe can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "before it completes" when the 'it' is ambiguous. Always ensure the subject is clearly defined to prevent confusion about what is being completed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before it completes" functions as a temporal conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause that specifies when an action takes place relative to the completion of another. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

23%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before it completes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used temporal conjunction that helps to specify the timing of events. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news, business, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. For enhanced clarity, writers should ensure the subject is well-defined and the context clearly indicates what action precedes the completion. Alternatives such as "prior to its completion" or "ahead of its completion" can be considered based on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior to its completion

Replaces the conjunction "before" with the more formal "prior to" and uses the noun form of "completes".

ahead of its completion

Uses "ahead of" to indicate a point in time preceding the completion.

in advance of its completion

Emphasizes the 'before' aspect with 'in advance' and the noun form 'completion'.

previous to its completion

A more formal alternative to "before" using "previous to".

until it is completed

Shifts the focus to the duration leading up to the completion rather than the action before completion.

before its finished

A more informal phrasing.

before it concludes

Substitutes "completes" with "concludes," implying a more formal ending.

before it wraps up

Replaces "completes" with the more casual "wraps up".

before its finalized

Uses 'finalized' to suggest a degree of completion.

before it concludes its process

Adds more context by specifying 'process'.

FAQs

How can I use "before it completes" in a sentence?

You can use "before it completes" to indicate that an action must occur prior to the finish of a process or task. For example: "Please save your work "before it completes" the upload."

What are some alternatives to "before it completes"?

Alternatives include "prior to its completion", "ahead of its completion", or "in advance of its completion". The best choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

Which is correct, "before it completes" or "before it is completed"?

Both "before it completes" and "before it is completed" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Before it completes" implies an active process, while "before it is completed" implies a passive state. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the action of completing or the state of being completed.

What's the difference between "before it completes" and "after it completes"?

"Before it completes" indicates something that should happen prior to the completion of a task, while "after it completes" indicates something that should happen following the completion. They represent opposite sequences of events.