complete story

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete story" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a narrative that has all necessary elements, such as a beginning, middle, and end, providing a full account of events. Example: "The author crafted a complete story that captivated readers from start to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a complete story.

Independent

The Star-Tribune has the complete story.

The New York Times

Complete story of the Del Rosso Case.

The New Yorker

"Each dish tells a very complete story.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Read the complete story at the Guardian.

The New Yorker

"To me, the show is quite a complete story.

Independent

The numbers might not tell a complete story.

The New York Times - Health

This is probably true, but not perhaps the complete story.

The Guardian

We are not able to get [sic] complete story".

The Guardian

The whole story, the complete story must be told.

The New York Times

"My Dad's Job" tells school-age children a complete story.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and thoroughness in your writing, use "complete story" to signal that you are providing all the necessary information to understand a situation fully.

Common error

Ensure that when you claim to present the "complete story", you haven't left out essential facts or perspectives that could alter the interpretation. Verify all details are accurate and included.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete story" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "complete" modifies the noun "story". It is used to indicate that a narrative or account is thorough, comprehensive, and includes all essential details. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complete story" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey that a narrative or account is thorough and includes all necessary details. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely applicable across various contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. While alternatives like "full account" or "entire narrative" exist, "complete story" effectively communicates the intention of providing a comprehensive overview. When using this phrase, ensure that all essential facts are included to avoid misleading or incomplete information. The phrase's frequent use in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptability and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

full account

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the information provided, focusing on detail.

entire narrative

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the narrative from beginning to end.

whole picture

Suggests a broad view encompassing all relevant aspects of a situation.

detailed report

Focuses on the level of detail and thoroughness of the account.

comprehensive overview

Indicates a broad and inclusive summary of a topic or event.

thorough explanation

Stresses the clarity and depth of the provided explanation.

total disclosure

Implies the revealing of all known information without holding back.

uncut version

Highlights that nothing has been removed from the narrative.

unabridged edition

Signifies that the edition is not shortened or altered in any way.

exhaustive study

Focuses on the depth and extent of research conducted.

FAQs

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

You can use "complete story" to indicate that a narrative or account includes all necessary details and perspectives. For example, "The journalist aimed to tell the "complete story" of the events leading up to the conflict."

What are some alternatives to "complete story"?

Alternatives to "complete story" include "full account", "entire narrative", or "whole picture", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "whole and complete story"?

While both "whole" and "complete" emphasize thoroughness, using both can add emphasis but might be seen as slightly redundant. It depends on the specific context and the desired level of emphasis. Consider using just "complete story" for a more concise expression.

What does it mean when someone says they don't have the "complete story"?

When someone says they don't have the "complete story", it means they lack some information or details necessary to fully understand a situation or event. It suggests that their knowledge is partial or incomplete.