complete by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a deadline or a specific time by which something should be finished or accomplished. Example: "Please ensure that the report is complete by Friday afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Methylation is complete by blastula stage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This was complete by 5.15pm on Wednesday.

The Guardian

The latest buyback should be complete by year's end.

The New York Times

Full transition is scheduled to be complete by 2020.

The Guardian

It is expected to complete by 23 September.

The Guardian - Business

Construction is to be complete by July 2006.

The New York Times

The layoffs should be complete by Jan . 1 he said.

The New York Times

The job cuts will be complete by 2011.

The New York Times

Negotiations are expected to be complete by early February.

The New York Times

The Muslim occupation of the islands was complete by 903.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The transition was expected to be complete by Friday morning.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complete by", clearly state the subject that needs to be completed and the specific date or time. This avoids ambiguity and ensures everyone understands the deadline.

Common error

Avoid using "complete by" without specifying what needs to be completed. For example, instead of saying "It needs to be complete by Friday", say "The report needs to be complete by Friday."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete by" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun. It indicates a deadline or a point in time by which an action or task should be finished. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complete by" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate a deadline or timeframe for completing a task. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It appears frequently in various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. Alternatives include "finish by" and "finalize by". When using "complete by", ensure clarity by specifying what exactly needs to be completed and by what specific date or time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finish by

This alternative uses a different verb to indicate the action of concluding something before a specified time.

finalize by

This alternative is more suitable when talking about setting the last details of something

conclude by

This alternative uses a more formal verb choice, appropriate in professional setting.

be ready by

This alternative focuses on the state of readiness rather than the act of completing.

achieve by

This alternative is more goal-oriented and implies accomplishment.

deliver by

This alternative focuses on the act of presenting or submitting something by a certain deadline.

submit by

Similar to deliver, but emphasizes the act of handing in something for review or approval.

accomplish by

This alternative places strong emphasis on the achievement of task.

close by

This alternative has a more business context

terminate by

This alternative is used for stopping the function before the time

FAQs

How do I use "complete by" in a sentence?

Use "complete by" to indicate a deadline for finishing a task. For example, "The project must be "complete by" the end of the month."

What can I say instead of "complete by"?

Alternatives include "finish by", "finalize by", or "be ready by", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "complete by" or "finished by"?

Both "complete by" and "finished by" are grammatically correct and similar in meaning. The choice depends on stylistic preference, although "complete" might sound slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "complete by" and "due by"?

"Complete by" emphasizes the action of finishing something, while "due by" emphasizes the obligation or requirement to submit something by a certain time.