it is substantially complete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is substantially complete" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is nearly finished or has reached a significant level of completion, often in formal or technical contexts. Example: "The project is progressing well, and I can confirm that it is substantially complete, with only minor adjustments needed before final approval."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is substantially complete, with all body regions represented except the left forelimb and part of the tail.

Biology Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The next hurdle for NRG, in about 60 days, is for the regulatory commission to determine that the application is substantially complete, and accept it for processing.

The New York Times

In an email sent to reporters and seen by the Guardian, the media tycoon said he had been told "by the MSC that its work on the Sun is substantially complete" – and, reinforcing repeated claims made by the MSC, added that the handing over of any company emails to the police "has at all times been strictly confined to evidence of possible illegal acts".

The Guardian

Jackson Pollock and the other "big picture" Abstract Expressionists had, without necessarily intending to, sparked a revolution in art as design: painting that is substantially complete in its initiating idea.

The New Yorker

"The operation is substantially complete.

The Guardian

The subject project is substantially complete.

The New York Times

Still, the nonfiction manuscript is substantially complete.

Huffington Post

Xcor's chief engineer, Daniel L. DeLong, said in a telephone interview that the F.A.A. had told the company that its application was substantially complete in November; the government has until May to decide whether to grant a license.

The New York Times

Thus, it is expected that these data are substantially complete and reliable.

British Journal of Cancer

At a news conference, Fitzgerald said the inquiry was substantially complete, though he added ominously, "It's not over".

Forbes

He said construction of the second tower would begin once the first was substantially complete.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing in a formal style, consider using "it is substantially complete" instead of more casual alternatives like "almost done" to maintain a level of professional distance and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "it is substantially complete" in casual conversation or informal writing. This phrase is better suited for professional or technical settings where a higher degree of formality is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is substantially complete" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating the degree of completion of a project, task, or process. It highlights that something is close to finished but might still need some minor work. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is substantially complete" is a formal and accurate way to communicate that something is nearing full completion. While it's grammatically correct and versatile across various contexts, it's best suited for formal reports, project updates, or technical documentation where precision is key. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase. When deciding whether to use it, consider your audience and the level of formality required. If a more casual tone is appropriate, alternatives like "almost done" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is practically finished

Indicates a state very close to completion, with emphasis on the remaining tasks being minor.

it is essentially complete

Highlights that the core aspects are finished, with any remaining work being trivial.

it is virtually complete

Implies a state of near-perfection in completion.

it is largely finalized

Emphasizes the final stages have been addressed and only minor details remain.

it is mostly finished

Indicates that the majority of the work has been done.

it is almost done

More informal, suggesting the end is very near.

it is close to being finished

Similar to 'almost done' but slightly more formal.

it is nearing completion

Suggests progress towards being complete is ongoing.

it is in the final stages

Highlights that the process is nearing its conclusion.

it is well advanced

Focuses on progress, with a sense that the main tasks are already in the past.

FAQs

How can I use "it is substantially complete" in a sentence?

This phrase is typically used to indicate that something is nearing completion but may still require minor adjustments or finishing touches. For example, "The building project "is substantially complete", with only cosmetic work remaining."

What are some alternatives to "it is substantially complete"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "it is practically finished", "it is almost done", or "it is largely finalized".

When is it appropriate to use "it is substantially complete" versus "it is complete"?

"It is substantially complete" suggests near completion with minor tasks remaining, while "it is complete" implies full finalization. Use "it is substantially complete" when something is very close to being done but not quite there yet.

Is "it is substantially complete" a formal or informal expression?

This expression is considered formal and is best suited for professional, technical, or academic writing. Simpler phrases like "it is almost finished" or "it is nearly done" are more appropriate for informal contexts.