complete the course

USAGE SUMMARY

"complete the course" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used as a command or instruction to someone to finish or fulfill a specific course of study. Example: "In order to graduate, you must complete the required courses for your major."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Writers who successfully complete the course will receive a successful completion certificate from UEA.

The Guardian

Complete the course, and obtain a certificate of completion from the course provider.

WikiHow

"I didn't complete the course.

Independent

Only the good ones complete the course.

The Guardian

He failed to complete the course, the officials said.

The New York Times

Most students who register for MOOCs don't complete the course.

The New York Times

The first hurdler to complete the course is the winner.

Encyclopedia Britannica

About two-thirds of the students complete the course.

The New York Times

About half of those who start treatment fail to complete the course.

The Guardian

That left Sandiford and me to complete the course on our own.

The New York Times - Sports

What's certain is that only the most determined will complete the course and survive the challenges.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complete the course" in academic writing, specify the course name or subject for clarity. For instance, "complete the mathematics course" is more precise than just "complete the course".

Common error

Avoid implying completion when only some parts are done; state explicitly what percentage of the course you have completed if it's not the full course.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete the course" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "complete" is the verb and "the course" is the direct object. It indicates the action of finishing or fulfilling all requirements of a course. According to Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

34%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complete the course" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the action of finishing a program of study or treatment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, noting its function as a verb phrase with a neutral register. Usage analysis shows it frequently appears in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts, with related phrases like "finish the course" providing similar meanings. Best practices emphasize clarity in specifying the course, while common errors involve implying full completion when it's partial. Overall, "complete the course" is a straightforward and widely understood term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finish the course

Uses a different verb to convey the same action of concluding the course.

successfully complete the course

Adds emphasis to the positive outcome of finishing the course.

pass the course

Focuses on the successful completion and achievement of a passing grade.

satisfactorily complete the course

Highlights the acceptable level of performance in completing the course.

conclude the course

Formally expresses the act of bringing the course to an end.

finalize the course

Emphasizes the concluding and last activities of the course.

undertake the course

Highlights the enrollment and engagement in the course.

fulfil the requirements of the course

Emphasizes meeting all necessary criteria for course completion.

get through the course

Focuses on overcoming challenges and completing the course despite difficulties.

attain the course

Expresses reaching the end-goal of the course, more abstractly.

FAQs

What does it mean to "complete the course"?

To "complete the course" means to fulfill all the requirements of a specific course of study, therapy, or treatment, leading to its conclusion. This can involve attending all sessions, finishing assignments, and passing examinations.

Which is a better way to say "complete the course", "finish the course" or /s/pass+the+course?

"Complete the course" and "finish the course" are quite similar, referring to the act of bringing a course to its end. "Pass the course" implies that one has successfully met the necessary requirements to earn a passing grade.

How do I know if I "complete the course"?

You know you "complete the course" when you have met all the specified requirements, such as attendance, assignments, and assessments, and have received official confirmation or a certificate of completion.

What happens if I don't "complete the course"?

If you don't "complete the course", you may not receive credit for it, which can affect your academic progress or professional certifications. Depending on the context, you may need to retake the course or face other penalties.