complete recovery

USAGE SUMMARY

"complete recovery" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a situation in which somebody (or something) has returned to their former state after being ill, damaged, or impaired. For example: "The patient's prognosis was good, and after intensive treatment, he achieved a complete recovery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

before making a complete recovery.

The New Yorker

They wish you complete recovery.

The Guardian

(The child made a complete recovery).

The New York Times - Books

In general there is complete recovery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We expect a full and complete recovery".

The New York Times - Sports

In children, complete recovery is common.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(There is hope of a complete recovery).

The Guardian

"I'm hoping and expecting him to make a complete recovery".

The New York Times

He eventually made an almost complete recovery from the illness.

The New York Times

He should be able to make a complete recovery.

The New York Times - Sports

But complete recovery is going to take time".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing health or injuries, use "complete recovery" to clearly convey that there are no lasting effects or impairments.

Common error

Avoid predicting overly optimistic timelines for a "complete recovery", as unforeseen complications can arise. Use phrases like "expected to make a complete recovery" rather than definite statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete recovery" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb (e.g., "make a complete recovery", "expect a complete recovery"). As Ludwig suggests, it describes a return to a former state after illness or injury.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complete recovery" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a full return to health or functionality. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for indicating that someone or something has returned to their prior state after illness, damage, or impairment. It appears most frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts, indicating its broad applicability across different registers. While "complete recovery" is generally neutral, it takes on a more formal tone in medical and scientific settings. When writing, consider using related phrases such as "full recuperation" or "total rehabilitation" for subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

full recuperation

Emphasizes the process of regaining health and strength after illness or exertion.

total rehabilitation

Highlights the process of restoring someone to health or normal life through training and therapy.

full restoration

Focuses on returning something to its original condition.

perfect comeback

Suggests a return to success or prominence after a period of difficulty.

absolute healing

Stresses the complete resolution of a physical or emotional wound.

thorough convalescence

Emphasizes a period of rest and gradual recovery after illness.

unimpaired restoration

Indicates a return to a previous state without any lasting negative effects.

undamaged resurgence

Highlights a return or increase after a period of decline, without being harmed.

flawless rehabilitation

Indicates a recovery process that is without mistakes or imperfections.

ideal convalescence

Suggests a period of recovery that is the most desirable or perfect.

FAQs

How is "complete recovery" used in a sentence?

You can say, "The doctor expects a "complete recovery" after surgery" or "The patient made a "complete recovery" from the illness".

What are synonyms for "complete recovery"?

Alternatives include "full recuperation", "total rehabilitation", or "full restoration", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "full recovery" or "complete recovery"?

Both "full recovery" and "complete recovery" are acceptable and often interchangeable, but "complete recovery" may emphasize the absence of any residual effects.

What does it mean to make a "complete recovery"?

To make a "complete recovery" means to return to one's previous state of health, function, or condition without any lasting impairments or complications.