complete the match

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete the match" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as sports, games, or competitions where a match or contest needs to be finished or concluded. Example: "The players were eager to complete the match before the rain started."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

By contrast Mauresmo, who becomes the world No2 on the back of this victory, said she would have played through the pain barrier to complete the match.

The Guardian - Sport

The official – who one watching member of the Uruguay team said "didn't know much about football" – later brought the sides back out to complete the match, but France's momentum had faded.

The Guardian - Sport

Bobby Lennox left the pitch only when ordered to do so by a policeman with a drawn sword while Bertie Auld somehow managed to stay on and complete the match, which the South Americans won by the only goal.

The Guardian - Sport

Complete the match in a galaxy far, far away with the marvellous, portable 2-in-1 goal that flips between a Star Wars-themed target and a standard, small garden goal with ease.

The Guardian - Sport

With ten minutes remaining and with Peterborough leading 2-1, the referee halted proceedings and the efforts, led by Taylor, began to get the pitch in a playable condition to complete the match.

The Times

If Hercog knew she was not going to be able to complete the match, you could still understand why she might have wanted to take the prize-money and run.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Owing to the signal output of three-stage cascade push pull inverter and the differential inputs of output buffer, Single to differential circuit must be set in the design to complete the matching.

Optik - International Journal for Light and Electron Optics

Though Williams later admitted she could have completed the match, she opted to default.

The New York Times - Sports

Hard-running prop Andrew Fifita completed the match but left the ground on crutches and favouring his left leg.

The Guardian - Sport

After Jennifer Capriati hit a backhand wide, mercifully completing the match on a blistering afternoon, Serena Williams walked to the net and shook hands with her.

The New York Times - Sports

Williams completed the match in a record 39 minutes (she warmed up for 50) and didn't lose a game, an Olympic tennis first.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complete the match" in sports reporting, ensure it's clear whether you're referring to finishing a suspended game or simply ending a regular one. Context is key.

Common error

Avoid using "complete the match" when the match has been prematurely ended due to external factors (e.g., abandonment). Use phrases like "bring to an end" or "terminate" instead to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete the match" functions as a verb phrase, where "complete" is the verb and "the match" is the direct object. It describes the action of finishing a sporting event or competition. As Ludwig AI states, it's usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

26%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complete the match" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used primarily in sports contexts to describe the act of finishing a game or competition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While alternatives like "finish the game" or "conclude the match" exist, the phrase remains a straightforward and effective way to convey the completion of a match. Usage is most frequent in news and media, followed by general and scientific contexts. It's important to consider the specific circumstances when using this phrase, especially in cases where a match is prematurely ended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finish the game

Replaces "match" with "game", a common synonym in sports contexts.

conclude the match

Substitutes "complete" with "conclude", offering a more formal tone.

end the match

Uses "end" instead of "complete", emphasizing the termination of the match.

wrap up the game

Employs "wrap up" to suggest finalizing the game, adding a slightly informal tone.

play out the match

Focuses on the action of playing until the end of the match.

see the match through

Highlights the perseverance needed to finish the match, implying potential difficulties.

fulfil the fixture

Uses "fulfil" to emphasize meeting the obligation to finish the scheduled match.

bring the match to a close

A more descriptive way of saying the match is ending, suitable for commentary.

close out the game

Combines "close out", which implies securing a win, with "game".

settle the contest

Refers to determining the result of the match, focusing on the outcome.

FAQs

What does "complete the match" mean?

The phrase "complete the match" means to finish or bring a sports game or contest to its conclusion, whether it's after overcoming obstacles or following standard regulations.

What are some alternatives to "complete the match"?

You can use alternatives like "finish the game", "end the match", or "conclude the match" depending on the context and desired formality.

Is it correct to say "fully complete the match"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "fully complete the match" can be redundant since "complete" already implies finishing entirely. It's generally clearer to simply use "complete the match".

Can "complete the match" be used in contexts other than sports?

Yes, though it's less common. You can use it metaphorically to describe finishing any task or endeavor that resembles a competition, but ensure the context is clear. In literal sense this is preferred for sports.