complete an assignment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete an assignment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of finishing a task or project, typically in an academic or professional context. Example: "Please make sure to complete the assignment by the due date to receive full credit."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Students were told that they would have to complete an assignment but could choose which assignment they completed.

Journal of School Psychology

For example: Some students may benefit from step-by-step instructions on how to complete an assignment.

Harvard University

One student in Mr. Nagel's art appreciation class refused to complete an assignment, unwilling to waste his last hours on an unappealing task.

The New York Times

Tara Cali, from the US state of California, responded angrily when her son's teacher asked him to complete an assignment on Islamic beliefs and practices.

Independent

For each class topic, students will complete an assignment such as an essay arguing an original viewpoint or a quantitative problem set.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Surprise your supervisor: if you need more time to complete an assignment or need assistance, ask well in advance of any deadline.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Value can be extrinsic (e.g., if an instructor assigns points for completing an assignment, then a student may complete it to get a good grade).

CBE Life Sciences Education

She barely spoke during their lovemaking, either, performing each act as if completing an assignment.

The New Yorker

It's as if a college student completed an assignment to write in the style of the playwright.

The Guardian

There is nothing more rewarding than completing an assignment and walking away like the expert on the topic.

The New York Times

In the film's opening scene, he completes an assignment to shoot a member of a rival gang in a swimming pool in Taipei.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, be specific about what is required to "complete an assignment". Break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

Common error

Avoid vague instructions that leave students unsure of how to "complete an assignment". Provide clear guidelines, rubrics, and examples to ensure understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete an assignment" functions as a verb phrase where 'complete' is the transitive verb and 'an assignment' is the direct object. It expresses the action of finishing a specific task or duty, typically within an educational or professional setting, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complete an assignment" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that is generally employed in academic, professional, and news-related contexts. As highlighted by Ludwig, it denotes the action of finishing a task or duty and is often used to instruct or describe expectations. While Ludwig's examples show that the phrase is not overwhelmingly frequent, it is generally found in reliable sources like The New York Times, Harvard University, and the BBC, and it's deemed correct and usable. When instructing others, it's best to use "complete an assignment" with clear and specific instructions to ensure clarity and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finish the task

Replaces "assignment" with "task", broadening the scope to any kind of work.

fulfill the obligation

Substitutes "complete" with "fulfill" and "assignment" with "obligation", implying a duty to be met.

conclude the assignment

Focuses on the act of ending the assignment, emphasizing the finality.

finalize the project

Replaces "assignment" with "project", suitable for more extensive undertakings.

undertake the assignment

Uses "undertake" to mean to start and complete the assignment, placing emphasis on the process.

carry out the duty

Replaces "complete an assignment" with "carry out a duty", shifting the focus to fulfilling a responsibility.

wrap up the task

Emphasizes the final stages of the task, implying completion.

execute the task

Uses "execute" instead of "complete", suggesting a more formal or precise performance.

deliver the assignment

Highlights the act of submitting or presenting the finished assignment.

discharge the duty

A formal way of saying to fulfill a responsibility or task.

FAQs

How can I ensure students "complete an assignment" effectively?

Provide clear instructions, break down the task into manageable steps, offer support and resources, and give timely feedback.

What are some strategies for motivating students to "complete an assignment"?

Connect the assignment to real-world applications, allow for student choice and creativity, provide opportunities for collaboration, and offer positive reinforcement.

What should I do if a student is struggling to "complete an assignment"?

Offer individualized support, provide alternative formats or modifications, break down the task into smaller steps, and encourage the student to seek help from peers or tutors.

What are alternatives to saying "complete an assignment"?

You can use alternatives like "finish the task", "finalize the project", or "undertake the assignment" depending on the context.