is complete without

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is complete without" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something is missing or lacking, and without it, the sentence or idea would not be whole or perfect. Example: "A summer vacation is not complete without a trip to the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing is complete without its shadow.

The New Yorker

No tycoon is complete without one.

The New York Times

No family is complete without a curse.

The New Yorker

No wardrobe is complete without one.

The New York Times

No practice is complete without whimsical props.

The New York Times - Sports

No paper is complete without a diagram.

The New York Times - Science

No collection is complete without it.

The New York Times

No party is complete without dips.

The Guardian

No meal is complete without dessert.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What comedian is complete without one?

The Guardian

No undergraduate experience is complete without Establishment.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is complete without" to emphasize the necessity of a specific element for achieving a desired state or outcome. This highlights the importance of the missing component.

Common error

Avoid using "is complete without" in situations where the necessity is already implied. For instance, instead of saying "a cake is complete without frosting", consider phrasing it as "frosting enhances a cake".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is complete without" functions as a connector that highlights the necessity of a certain element for wholeness or perfection. Ludwig AI confirms this is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is complete without" is a versatile expression used to highlight the necessity of an element for something to be considered whole or satisfactory. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct, and it enjoys broad usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, ensure the necessity of the missing element is not already implied, as this can lead to redundancy. Consider alternatives like "is lacking without" to fine-tune your intended meaning. Overall, "is complete without" is a common and correct way to emphasize essential components.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be whole without

Emphasizes the inability to achieve completeness in the absence of something.

is lacking without

This alternative replaces "complete" with "lacking", emphasizing the absence of a necessary element.

is not whole until

Similar to 'cannot be whole without' but specifies a temporal condition.

is deficient without

Uses 'deficient' instead of 'complete', highlighting a shortfall or inadequacy.

is imperfect without

Substitutes "complete" with "imperfect", focusing on the flaw resulting from the missing element.

is unfinished without

Replaces 'complete' with 'unfinished', suggesting the element is still in progress.

is fragmented without

Suggests that something is broken or incomplete when an element is missing.

requires something to be whole

Changes the structure to actively indicate that something is needed for wholeness.

needs something to be full

Focuses on the necessity of an element to achieve fullness or saturation.

is dependent on something for fulfillment

Highlights the reliance on an element to reach a state of fulfillment.

FAQs

How can I use "is complete without" in a sentence?

The phrase "is complete without" emphasizes that something is essential. For example, "No Thanksgiving meal "is complete without pie"" indicates that pie is a crucial part of Thanksgiving.

What are some alternatives to "is complete without"?

You can use phrases like "is lacking without", "is deficient without", or "cannot be whole without" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it best to use "is complete without" over other similar phrases?

Use "is complete without" when you want to stress that the absence of something significantly diminishes the quality or integrity of the whole. It's suitable when the missing element is traditionally or logically expected.

Is "is complete without" considered formal or informal language?

The phrase "is complete without" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, as seen in its use across various news sources and academic papers. The tone is more about emphasis than formality.