is preferable to completion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is preferable to completion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two options, indicating that one option is more desirable than the other, specifically in the context of completing a task or process. Example: "In this case, starting the project early is preferable to completion at the last minute."

✓ Grammatically correct

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Completion of the questionnaire at home is preferable to completion in the consultation facility and reminders are not necessary to produce non-biased data.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Evolution is preferable to revolution.

Independent

Because anyone is preferable to Bibi.

The Guardian

Evolution is preferable to judicial fiat.

The New York Times

That fantasy is preferable to the truth.

The New Yorker

Which is preferable to the blind community?

The New Yorker

American hegemony is preferable to fundamentalist Islamist hegemony, just as it was preferable to Soviet hegemony.

The New Yorker

Being a known quantity is preferable to being an outsider.

The Guardian

To me this is preferable to missing a serious complaint.

The Guardian

This currency is preferable to cash, according to the source.

The Guardian

Sometimes a small step is preferable to a giant leap.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is preferable to completion", ensure that the context clearly defines what the alternative to completion is. For instance, specify what action or state is being favored over finishing a task.

Common error

Avoid using "is preferable to completion" without clearly stating what the alternative is. The phrase loses its impact if the reader is left wondering what the better option is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is preferable to completion" functions as a comparative statement, indicating that one action or state is more desirable or advantageous than the act of finishing or completing something. Ludwig's examples illustrate varied contexts where this comparison is made.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is preferable to completion" serves as a comparative statement, expressing that an alternative action or condition is more desirable than completing something. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and best used when clearly defining the alternative being favored. While its frequency is rare, it is mostly used in neutral to formal registers, particularly in news and media. Be mindful of providing a clear context to avoid vagueness, as specifying the preferred alternative is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is better than completing

Focuses on the comparative advantage, replacing 'preferable' with 'better' and rephrasing 'completion' as 'completing'.

is superior to finishing

Emphasizes the higher quality, substituting 'preferable' with 'superior' and 'completion' with 'finishing'.

is favored over completing

Highlights the act of choosing one over the other, replacing 'preferable' with 'favored' and rephrasing 'completion' as 'completing'.

is more desirable than completion

Directly states the higher desirability, using 'more desirable' instead of 'preferable'.

is advantageous compared to completing

Stresses the benefits, replacing 'preferable' with 'advantageous' and rephrasing 'completion' as 'completing'.

is more suitable than finishing

Highlights appropriateness, substituting 'preferable' with 'more suitable' and 'completion' with 'finishing'.

is advisable over completion

Suggests a recommendation, replacing 'preferable' with 'advisable'.

is recommended over completing

Offers a formal suggestion, substituting 'preferable' with 'recommended' and rephrasing 'completion' as 'completing'.

is wiser than finishing

Emphasizes the wisdom of the choice, replacing 'preferable' with 'wiser' and 'completion' with 'finishing'.

is a better option than completion

Focuses on the choice aspect, replacing 'preferable' with 'a better option'.

FAQs

How can I use "is preferable to completion" in a sentence?

You can use "is preferable to completion" to indicate that an alternative action or state yields a better result than finishing a specific task. For example, "Early planning "is preferable to completion" at the last minute".

What are some alternatives to "is preferable to completion"?

Alternatives include "is better than completing", "is favored over completing", or "is more desirable than completion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is preferable to completion"?

It's appropriate when you want to clearly express that a certain action taken before, during, or instead of completion is more advantageous or yields better results in a given context.

What's the difference between "is preferable to completion" and "is better than completion"?

"Is preferable to completion" suggests a degree of choice and considered preference, whereas "is better than completion" simply states a superior outcome without necessarily implying a deliberate decision.