complete set

USAGE SUMMARY

"complete set" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a collection of items or products that together make up a full complement of whatever the set is intended for. For example, "This kitchen set includes all the necessary items to complete your culinary experience - a complete set of pots and pans, an oven, cutting boards, and knives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a complete set.

The New Yorker

Bought a complete set of Proust.

The New Yorker

Presents the complete set of T kaid?

Stanford University

A recording of the complete set is long overdue.

The New York Times - Arts

The tapes in Hong Kong were a complete set.

The New York Times

It was a complete set of songs (along with videos).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Sales of Toscanini's complete set ran into the millions.

The New Yorker

"We now have a full, complete set of legal principles.

The New York Times - Arts

No one individual would have articulated the complete set.

Harvard Business Review

Last summer he read a complete set of encyclopedias.

The New York Times

Exhibit I gives a more complete set of statistics.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a "complete set", ensure that all the necessary components are indeed included. Avoid overstating the completeness if there are known omissions.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "complete set" for one person is universally complete for everyone. Always define what constitutes completeness within the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete set" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It identifies a collection or assortment that is entire and lacking nothing. As Ludwig suggests, it's a standard and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

31%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complete set" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a collection containing all its necessary components. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable expression in written English. This phrase appears most frequently in news media, academic writing, and scientific publications. When using "complete set", ensure that the items included genuinely constitute a full complement for the intended purpose, and be mindful of context-specific interpretations of completeness. Alternatives like "full collection" or "entire compilation" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

full collection

Replaces "set" with "collection", implying a gathering of items.

entire compilation

Uses "compilation" to suggest a curated or assembled collection.

whole assortment

Emphasizes variety within the complete group.

comprehensive inventory

Suggests a detailed and thorough listing of all items.

total aggregate

Implies summing up all individual components.

the sum total

Highlights the final quantity when everything is combined.

all-inclusive package

Conveys that everything needed is included in one offering.

the complete works

Often used for books or artistic creations.

finished compilation

Finished suggests completed process and compilation is the same as collection.

exhaustive series

Emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of the series.

FAQs

How can I use "complete set" in a sentence?

You can use "complete set" to describe a full collection of items, like: "I bought a "complete set" of cookware for my new apartment" or "The library has a "complete set" of Shakespeare's works".

What are some synonyms for "complete set"?

Alternatives to "complete set" include "full collection", "entire compilation", or "whole assortment". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "a full and complete set"?

While not strictly incorrect, "full and "complete set"" can be redundant. Using just ""complete set"" is usually sufficient, unless you want to emphasize the fullness of the collection.

What does it mean when something is described as a "complete set"?

When something is described as a ""complete set"", it means it includes all the necessary or intended parts or items. It implies that nothing is missing.