is nearly complete

USAGE SUMMARY

"is nearly complete" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is almost finished. For example, "The painting is nearly complete; I just need to add a few more touches to the background."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Bosnia's tragedy is nearly complete.

The New Yorker

The process is nearly complete.

The Economist

The next step of this discreet masterplan is nearly complete.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Resolution of the design issues is nearly complete.

The New York Times

After 16 months of work, the temple is nearly complete.

The New York Times

The IMF says reform of Spanish banking is nearly complete.

The Economist

Still, there are signs that the correction is nearly complete.

The New York Times

A new track, replacing the one gouged with debris, is nearly complete.

The New York Times - Sports

The work is nearly complete, but that last half-inch comes at the greatest cost.

The Guardian - Books

That project is nearly complete and is expected to be finished soon.

The New York Times

The rebuilding is nearly complete, and tenants are set to move in next month.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is nearly complete" to convey a high degree of progress, implying that only a small amount of work remains to be done. For emphasis, consider pairing it with a specific timeframe for full completion.

Common error

Avoid using "is nearly complete" if significant work still needs to be done. This can mislead the audience and create unrealistic expectations. Instead, quantify the remaining work to provide a more accurate assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is nearly complete" functions as a descriptive phrase indicating the state of something approaching completion. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, functioning to provide information on the progress of a task, project, or process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

24%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is nearly complete" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something is close to being finished. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and general writing contexts, signaling substantial progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is readily usable in written English. To avoid overstating progress, use it when completion is truly imminent, and provide additional context to manage expectations effectively. Alternatives such as "is almost finished" or "is approaching completion" can provide subtle variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is almost finished

Replaces "complete" with "finished", which has a slightly less formal tone.

is approaching completion

Uses a more dynamic verb phrase to suggest the process of nearing completion.

is on the verge of completion

Emphasizes the closeness to being finished, implying it's very close.

is close to completion

A more concise way of saying something is nearing completion.

is nearing its end

Shifts focus to the end point of a process or project.

is in its final stages

Highlights that only the last steps remain.

is substantially done

Indicates that the majority of the work is finished.

is practically finalized

Focuses on the finalizing aspect, suggesting only minor details remain.

is all but complete

Emphasizes that only a small part remains unfinished.

is drawing to a close

More metaphorical, suggesting a gradual ending.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is nearly complete"?

You can use alternatives like "is almost finished", "is approaching completion", or "is close to completion" depending on the context.

What does "is nearly complete" imply?

It implies that something is very close to being finished, with only a small amount of work remaining. The degree of completion is high, but not absolute.

Is there a more formal way to say "is nearly complete"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "is substantially complete" or "is practically finalized" in formal contexts.

When should I avoid using "is nearly complete"?

Avoid using "is nearly complete" if there is still a significant amount of work to be done. It's best to use more accurate descriptions if completion is not truly imminent.