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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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complete up

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"complete up" is not a correct or commonly used phrase in written English.
It may work in spoken language as an informal way of saying "finish" or "complete," but it would not be considered acceptable in formal writing. Example: "Let's complete up the project by the end of the day" (informal spoken language).

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

In the old bookstore next door I had found the complete works (complete up to then) of Ernest Hemingway, the complete works (complete up to then) of Scott Fitzgerald, the complete works (complete up to then) of John O'Hara.

The company had hoped to complete up to five wells but was only able to begin drilling two wells.

News & Media

The New York Times

(As it happens, the great array of DG portraits in the council chamber at Broadcasting House – now complete up to Greg Dyke though missing the wartime leaders – has been removed, but Hall says he would like to reinstate them).

News & Media

The Guardian

Study participants could complete up to four surveys for near misses that they personally experienced in the perioperative setting.

The Touro College Israel Option (TCIO) allows students to complete up to 36 credits in select Israeli seminaries.

News & Media

Forbes

Their goal, according to our source, is to complete up to twenty deals over the next 24 months.

News & Media

TechCrunch
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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

A complete, up-to-date digital Green Book could make the city's bureaucracy easier to navigate.

News & Media

The New York Times

Computerization has given a railroad's managers a complete, up-to-the-minute picture of almost every phase of its operations.

The street was filled with a complete up-to-date array of Sunshine cabs and Terminal cabs, streamlined sedans and roadsters.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"It's not good for the science and it's not good for the patients and their clinicians if they cannot have the most complete, up-to-date information".

News & Media

The New York Times

We were unable to sample randomly because there is no complete up-to-date registry of all physicians in Japan.

Science

Plosone
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "complete up" in formal writing. Opt for more standard and accepted alternatives like "complete", "finish", or "finalize" for clear and professional communication.

Common error

Many writers mistakenly use "complete up" in formal contexts, assuming it's a standard way to express completion. To avoid this, always review your writing to ensure you're using the most appropriate and widely accepted vocabulary for your intended audience.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

77%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete up" primarily functions as a phrasal verb aiming to express the action of finishing or finalizing something. However, it is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English, as indicated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "complete up" appears in a variety of sources, including news articles, scientific papers and wikis, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. More appropriate alternatives like "complete", "finish", or "finalize" should be used, especially in formal and professional contexts. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Science, but its informal nature makes it unsuitable for authoritative communications.

FAQs

What are some more appropriate alternatives to "complete up"?

Alternatives include "finish", "complete", or "finalize" depending on the context. These options are grammatically correct and widely accepted in both formal and informal writing.

Is "complete up" grammatically correct in formal English?

No, "complete up" is generally considered grammatically incorrect and is best avoided in formal English writing. It's more appropriate to use standard terms such as "complete" or "finish".

In what contexts might "complete up" be acceptable?

While "complete up" might be used informally in spoken language, it is not suitable for formal writing or professional communication. Stick to more standard alternatives to maintain clarity and credibility.

How can I ensure I'm using the right phrase instead of "complete up"?

When in doubt, consult a dictionary or grammar guide, or use a tool like Ludwig to check usage in reliable sources. This can help you choose the most appropriate and grammatically correct phrase for your context.

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Source & Trust

77%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: