complete biography

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete biography" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a thorough and detailed account of someone's life, including significant events, achievements, and personal details. Example: "The author spent years researching to write a complete biography of the famous scientist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

No complete biography of him has been written, and there are periods of his life about which little is known.

The New Yorker

And James Rosen's life of [the former attorney general] John Mitchell, "The Strong Man," is the only complete biography of Nixon's most important ally in politics.

The New York Times

The director and writer Henry Bromell "does not feel he has to fill in all the gaps; this is a portrait of one particular moment in Fitzgerald's career, not a complete biography," Neil Genzlinger wrote in The New York Times.

The New York Times - Arts

Sir Bernard Crick, a prominent democratic socialist and political theorist who also wrote the first complete biography of George Orwell, one of his heroes, died on Friday in Edinburgh.

The New York Times - Books

Commentaries and subcommentaries on them which contain many narratives, including (for the first time) a complete biography of the Buddha were attributed by the tradition of the Mahavihara monastic lineage in Sri Lanka (and thence mainland Southeast Asia) to named individuals who are usually dated to the middle of the 1st millennium ce.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The first complete biography of Velázquez appeared in the third volume (El Parnaso español; "The Spanish Parnassus") of El museo pictórico y escala óptica ("The Pictorial Museum and Optical Scale"), published in 1724 by the court painter and art scholar Antonio Palomino.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

At first, the furor over Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani's personal life might have seemed like the ultimate publicity blitz for two New York journalists rushing to complete biographies of the mayor.

The New York Times

In his important and provocative new book, "Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan," Herbert P. Bix presents one of the first complete biographies of the emperor in English based on this new Japanese scholarship, as well as on extensive research of his own.

The New York Times - Books

The Life of the Virgin its only extant copy is in a Georgian translation, commonly is, albeit mistakenly, attributed to him, and is considered to be one of the earliest complete biographies of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Wikipedia

(The completed biographies can be found through www.nyc.gov/parks, by clicking on "Your Park" and then "Historical Signs").

The New York Times

And while Marquis's team of researchers completes biographies for the most prominent members of society, there are other cases of accomplished individuals who simply refuse to fill out the forms and are thus not included.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a biography, specify what makes it "complete". Does it cover all known periods of the subject's life? Does it include previously unknown details? Providing this context will strengthen your writing.

Common error

Don't equate a "complete biography" with an accurate one. A biography can be comprehensive in scope but still contain biased interpretations or factual errors. Ensure the biography's claims are supported by credible evidence, regardless of how "complete" it is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete biography" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "complete" modifies the noun "biography". It describes the type of biography being referred to, indicating that it is comprehensive and thorough. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complete biography" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to denote a thorough and all-encompassing account of an individual's life. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Encyclopedia contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "full biography", it effectively conveys the depth and scope of a biographical work. When using this phrase, ensure that the biography in question truly does offer a comprehensive view, as completeness is the key defining feature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

full biography

Focuses on the extent of the biography, emphasizing that it includes all aspects of the subject's life.

exhaustive biography

Highlights the depth and thoroughness of the biographical research.

comprehensive biography

Emphasizes the inclusion of a wide range of information and perspectives.

thorough biography

Stresses the attention to detail and accuracy in the biographical account.

detailed biography

Highlights the richness and abundance of information presented.

definitive biography

Suggests that the biography is the most authoritative and comprehensive account available.

in-depth biography

Indicates a deep exploration of the subject's life and experiences.

extensive life story

Uses a more narrative-focused term to describe the comprehensive account.

detailed life account

Focuses on the thoroughness of the life's record.

all-encompassing biography

Emphasizes that the biography covers everything about the subject's life.

FAQs

What does "complete biography" mean?

A "complete biography" refers to a thorough and detailed account of a person's life, covering all known aspects, periods, and significant events.

How is a "complete biography" different from a partial one?

A "complete biography" aims to cover the entirety of a person's life, whereas a partial biography might focus on specific periods or aspects. Partial biographies are also known as "incomplete biographies".

What are some alternatives to "complete biography"?

Alternatives to "complete biography" include "full biography", "exhaustive biography", or "comprehensive biography", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Where can I find examples of a "complete biography"?

You can find examples of "complete biographies" in libraries, bookstores, and online. Look for biographies that claim to cover the subject's entire life, such as "John F. Kerry: The Complete Biography by The Boston Globe Reporters Who Know Him Best".