completing their studies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completing their studies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of finishing an educational program or course of study. Example: "After years of hard work, they are finally completing their studies and preparing for graduation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

All Course of Study students completing their studies in 2018-2019 are invited to participate.

Duke University

The university has not fully wrestled with what it would do if inmates were released before completing their studies.

The New York Times

In developing countries, millions of children have little or no education, and many leave school without completing their studies.

The Guardian

They take an extended field trip to Polynesia before completing their studies with cocktails invented this year.

The New York Times

The vast majority also said they found it difficult to secure work in the UK after completing their studies.

The Guardian

*The research was based on a survey of 205 individuals who were contacted within 6-10 mofths of completing their studies.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The student must begin to repay this money two years after completing their study programme.

Wikipedia

Once students complete their studies many stay in the country, contributing to the UK economy.

The Guardian

This means that most 16- and 17-year old children go there to complete their studies.

The Guardian

"Students bring a lot of challenges in trying to complete their studies," says assistant principal Alan Jones.

The Guardian

At secondary level, just 14% of young people in poor countries complete their studies.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "completing their studies", ensure that the context clearly defines whose studies are being completed. For example, specify the group (e.g., "students", "researchers") or institution (e.g., "Harvard graduates") to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "completing their studies" when referring to a temporary break or interruption in education. This phrase is most appropriate when the educational program is definitively finished, leading to graduation or certification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completing their studies" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun within a sentence. It describes the action of finishing an educational program and can be used as a subject, object, or complement. Ludwig examples show its versatility across contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "completing their studies" is a commonly used and grammatically sound gerund phrase that effectively communicates the final stage of an educational journey. Ludwig highlights its usage across various contexts, from news and media to academia and science. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to ensure clarity regarding whose studies are being completed. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is applicable when an educational program is definitively finished, distinguishing it from temporary interruptions. When aiming for alternative expressions, consider options like "finishing their education" or "concluding their academic program" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finishing their education

Focuses on the broader educational experience rather than the specific act of studying.

concluding their academic program

Emphasizes the formal structure and ending of the academic curriculum.

finalizing their coursework

Highlights the completion of required academic assignments.

graduating from their program

Focuses on the act of receiving a degree or diploma.

terminating their academic pursuits

A more formal and definitive way to describe ending their studies.

fulfilling their academic requirements

Highlights meeting all the necessary criteria for graduation.

achieving academic qualification

Highlights the attainment of a formal qualification through studies.

bringing their studies to a close

A more literary way of describing the end of their studies.

wrapping up their schooling

An informal way to indicate the end of the educational period.

ceasing their educational activities

A more formal way of stating that they are stopping their education.

FAQs

How can I use "completing their studies" in a sentence?

You can use "completing their studies" to describe the final stage of an educational program, as in, "After four years of hard work, they are finally "completing their studies" and preparing for graduation."

What's a more formal alternative to "completing their studies"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "concluding their academic program" or "finalizing their coursework".

Is it correct to say "complete their studies" instead of "completing their studies"?

Both are grammatically correct but have different usages. "Completing their studies" (gerund) acts as a noun, while "complete their studies" is an infinitive used after a verb (e.g., "They hope to complete their studies next year").

What does it mean when someone is "completing their studies"?

It means that person is in the process of finishing their educational program, including all required coursework, exams, and projects, to earn their degree or certificate. It often suggests they are nearing graduation.