completed by December

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completed by December" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a deadline for finishing a task or project within the month of December. Example: "The final report must be completed by December to meet the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

This work will be completed by December.

Independent

The nuclear review is due to be completed by December.

The New York Times

The Denisons were promised the work would be completed by December.

The Guardian - Money

Many of the investigators' recommendations were either completed by December or are in progress, he wrote.

The Guardian

The building's exterior will be preserved, he said, noting that the work is to be completed by December.

The New York Times

That process was to be completed by December, and Ms. Cook said the alternative schools were waiting for his evaluation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Twelve-month follow-up data will be completed by December 2011 with data analysis and manuscript completed by mid 2012.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Groundbreaking is set for May, and the building is scheduled to be completed by December 2003.

The New York Times

Data collection for ISCOLE began in September of 2011, and it is anticipated that it will be fully completed by December 2013.

BMC Public Health

The group's first prototypes are supposed to be completed by December of next year, although there has been discussion about accelerating the development of some programs following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The New York Times

Work is to be completed by December 2012.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "completed by December" to clearly communicate a deadline for projects, tasks, or goals. Be specific about what 'completed' entails to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The software update must be fully tested and deployed, completed by December 31st."

Common error

Don't assume everyone interprets "completed" the same way. Clearly define what constitutes completion in your context to prevent misunderstandings. A vague deadline can lead to incomplete work or unmet expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completed by December" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It specifies the time frame within which an action or process must be finished. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

27%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "completed by December" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate a deadline or target completion date. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is versatile across various contexts, including news, science, and general communication. To ensure clarity, always define what "completed" means in your specific context to avoid ambiguity. Remember that using "completed by December" sets a deadline, while "completed in December" merely indicates the time frame. Use this phrase to clearly communicate project timelines and expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Finalized by December

Replaces "completed" with "finalized", emphasizing the conclusive aspect of the action.

Finished by December

Uses "finished" instead of "completed", offering a more informal alternative.

Due by December

Shifts the focus to the deadline, indicating when something must be finished.

To be done by December

Uses a passive construction to express the same idea.

Achieved by December

Emphasizes the accomplishment of a goal by the specified time.

Concluded in December

Focuses on the month in which the completion occurs, rather than the deadline.

The deadline is December

Highlights December as the final date for completion.

Scheduled for completion in December

Indicates that the completion has been planned for December.

Set to be finished by December

Similar to "to be done by December", but with a more definite tone.

Expected to be completed in December

Expresses an anticipation of completion within December.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "completed by December"?

Alternatives include "finished by December", "due by December", or "finalized by December", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "completed in December" instead of "completed by December"?

While both are grammatically sound, "completed by December" implies a deadline, whereas "completed in December" simply indicates the time frame of completion without necessarily specifying a final date.

What does "completed by December 31" specifically mean?

It means the task or project must be fully finished no later than the end of the day on December 31st. It sets a hard deadline that must be met.

What's the difference between "completed by December" and "completed before December"?

"Completed by December" means the task must be finished on or before December 31st, while "completed before December" means it must be finished before December 1st.