complete works

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete works" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a collection of all the writings or creations of a particular author or artist. Example: "The library has a special section dedicated to the complete works of Shakespeare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Britten: The Complete Works (Decca).

The New Yorker

GEOFFREY BAWA: The Complete Works.

The New York Times - Books

Buy from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.ukMichelangelo: Complete Works.

The Economist

His complete works were published in 1908.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His complete works were published 1957 71.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The complete works of P. G.

The New York Times - Books

Here, collages can seem like complete works.

The New York Times

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

'FRANCO ZEFFIRELLI: COMPLETE WORKS' Edited by Caterina Napoleone.

The New York Times - Arts

Abel ('Complete Works of N.H. Abel').

Wikipedia

Boccaccio: A Critical Guide to the Complete Works.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the "complete works" of an author or artist, ensure that the collection truly encompasses all known and available pieces. State any limitations explicitly.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a collection labeled "complete works" is necessarily exhaustive. Research and confirm whether it includes all known materials, accounting for lost, undiscovered, or intentionally excluded pieces.

Linguistic Context

Noun phrase functioning as a descriptor or identifier. The phrase "complete works" typically refers to a comprehensive collection of an author's, composer's, or artist's total output. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is often used to denote the entirety of someone's creative production.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

22%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complete works" is a noun phrase used to describe a comprehensive collection of an author's, composer's, or artist's total output. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts like news, encyclopedias, and academia. It is generally used to provide information, categorizing and identifying a body of work. While "collected works" and "entire oeuvre" serve as viable alternatives, it's crucial to specify whose works are being referenced to ensure clarity. When using "complete works", verify that the collection is truly exhaustive and state any limitations, while also acknowledging that a collection isn't always truly exhaustive. In conclusion, this term is most often seen across news media, encyclopedias, and academic texts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collected works

Refers to a compilation of an author's or artist's entire body of work in one place.

complete writings

Emphasizes the written aspect of an author's works, including books, articles, and other texts.

entire oeuvre

Focuses on the totality of an artist's creative output.

intégrale

A French term, often used in classical music, denoting a complete recording or performance of all works by a composer.

comprehensive collection

Indicates that all known pieces are gathered together.

opera omnia

A Latin term signifying all the works of a particular author.

definitive edition

Suggests an authoritative and comprehensive version of an author's or artist's works.

total output

Highlights the total sum of someone's creative production.

the sum of

Highlights the cumulative nature of a creator's works.

finished works

Refers specifically to completed projects, excluding drafts or incomplete pieces.

FAQs

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

You can use "complete works" to refer to all the writings or creations of an author or artist. For example, "The library has a section dedicated to the "complete works" of Shakespeare."

What is the difference between "complete works" and "selected works"?

"Complete works" refers to all known writings or creations of an author or artist, while "selected works" refers to a curated collection chosen for a specific reason.

What can I say instead of "complete works"?

You can use alternatives like "collected works", "entire oeuvre", or "opera omnia" depending on the context.

Is it necessary to specify whose "complete works" I'm referring to?

Yes, it is crucial for clarity. Always specify the author or artist whose ""complete works"" you are discussing to avoid ambiguity.