completed thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completed thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a statement or idea that is fully formed and coherent, often in discussions about writing or communication. Example: "In order to convey your message effectively, make sure each sentence is a completed thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

To be mortal is to be capable of dying (as opposed to going on and on and on), and therefore of having a beginning, middle and end, which is what sentences, narratives and arguments have: you start here and end there with the completed thought or story or conclusion (quod erat demonstrandum).

The New York Times

Still, if festival culture's consideration of Native American and First Nations communities was a completed thought, there would be actions that extend beyond the banning of the headdress.

Vice

Participants then completed Thought Ratings in relation to the worry test phase.

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Increasingly, "she'd have trouble finding words and completing thoughts".

The New York Times

This article originally appeared on Completed Thoughts.

Huffington Post

This article was originally published on Completed Thoughts.

Huffington Post

Explore life with the author at Completed Thoughts and share in his gratitude at Good Morning My Love.

Huffington Post

The chairman adroitly completed his thought for him: "Upping consumption!

The New Yorker

Ms. Lopez completed the thought: "We're in total denial".

The New York Times - Arts

A woman standing next to him, who would not give her full name, completed the thought.

The New York Times

Clark suggested "Mind your own biscuits," and McAnally completed the thought: "…and life will be gravy".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "completed thought" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what constitutes a complete thought within that particular discussion. This might involve outlining the key components or stages of the thought process being described.

Common error

Avoid using "completed thought" to describe a sentence fragment. A "completed thought" should be a fully expressed idea, not merely a grammatical unit. Ensure your sentences fully articulate the idea you intend to convey.

Linguistic Context

"Completed thought" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a statement or idea that is fully articulated and coherent. It often emphasizes the finality or completeness of an idea, as seen in the Ludwig examples where sentences or narratives are described as having a "completed thought".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "completed thought" is a noun phrase denoting an idea that is fully formed, coherent, and clearly expressed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news media, science, and general discussions. To enhance clarity, ensure that the context defines what constitutes a "completed thought" within a specific discussion. While alternatives like ""fully formed idea"" and ""coherent idea"" exist, "completed thought" effectively emphasizes the finality and comprehensiveness of an idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fully formed idea

Emphasizes the idea has reached a final, well-developed state.

coherent idea

Highlights the logical consistency and clarity of the thought.

fully articulated idea

Focuses on the thorough and detailed expression of the thought.

well-developed concept

Suggests the idea has been carefully and extensively elaborated.

finished idea

Simple alternative that emphasizes the completion aspect.

thoroughly considered idea

Highlights the careful contemplation behind the thought.

fully realized concept

Emphasizes the idea has reached its full potential.

concluded idea

Highlights the definitive end of a thought process.

comprehensive idea

Stresses the idea's inclusiveness and scope.

well-rounded idea

Indicates the idea has been examined from multiple perspectives.

FAQs

How can I ensure my sentence expresses a "completed thought"?

A sentence expressing a "completed thought" contains both a subject and a predicate, forming a complete idea that can stand alone. It should not leave the reader wondering what else needs to be added for it to make sense.

What's a good alternative to "completed thought" when discussing ideas?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, alternatives include "fully formed idea", "coherent idea", or "well-developed concept".

In academic writing, is "completed thought" a suitable phrase?

Yes, "completed thought" is suitable in academic writing. It helps emphasize that each point presented is fully developed and logically structured. Be sure to clarify what you mean by a "completed thought" in the context of your argument.

How does a "completed thought" relate to effective communication?

In effective communication, presenting "completed thoughts" ensures clarity and reduces ambiguity. Each idea should be fully expressed so the recipient can grasp its entirety without needing further clarification.