make a complete recovery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a complete recovery" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's health, particularly after an illness or injury, indicating that they have returned to their previous state of health. Example: "After several weeks of treatment, the doctor confirmed that she would make a complete recovery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"I'm hoping and expecting him to make a complete recovery".

The New York Times

He should be able to make a complete recovery.

The New York Times - Sports

They said he was resting comfortably afterward and was expected to make a complete recovery.

The New York Times

Hogan told Servis that Smarty Jones, with time, would make a complete recovery.

The New York Times - Sports

But instead, the officer is expected to "make a complete recovery," the doctor said.

The New York Times

More than half of affected children make a complete recovery; the rest have recurrences requiring treatment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

before making a complete recovery.

The New Yorker

(The child made a complete recovery).

The New York Times - Books

"It was through her intercession that I made a complete recovery," she said.

The New York Times

None--theless, he made a complete recovery and was back at work in two months.

The New Yorker

In November 1976, her physician announced that she had made a complete recovery.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about health, use "make a complete recovery" to assure readers of a positive outcome. This is particularly useful in medical reports or news articles where conveying optimism is important.

Common error

Avoid using "make a complete recovery" when the recovery process is still uncertain or ongoing. Instead, use phrases like "expected to recover" or "showing signs of recovery" to maintain accuracy and avoid misleading readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a complete recovery" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate to express the process of someone returning to their initial healthy state. As Ludwig confirms, the expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a complete recovery" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that signifies a return to full health after an illness or injury. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. The analysis indicates that it's most frequently found in news and media sources, conveying optimism about an individual's health status. When using this phrase, ensure that the recovery process is reasonably certain to avoid misleading readers. While "make a complete recovery" is suitable for many situations, remember that alternatives like "achieve full recuperation" may be more appropriate in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recover entirely

A simpler and more direct way to express the idea of a complete recovery.

achieve full recuperation

This alternative emphasizes the act of regaining health, offering a slightly more formal tone.

return to full health

This phrase focuses on the outcome of regaining health, highlighting the state of being healthy again.

become completely well again

This phrase emphasizes the process of regaining wellness after an illness or injury.

fully recuperate

This is a more concise and direct way of saying "make a complete recovery" using the verb 'recuperate'.

get back to normal

This suggests a return to a previous state of well-being or functionality, implying a complete restoration.

be fully restored to health

This alternative emphasizes the passive process of being returned to a healthy state.

see a full restoration of health

Focuses on the vision of restoring health

bounce back completely

This emphasizes resilience and a quick return to health, often used in less formal contexts.

experience a total turnaround

This phrase suggests a significant and positive change in health status, implying a complete recovery.

FAQs

How can I use "make a complete recovery" in a sentence?

You can use "make a complete recovery" to describe someone regaining full health after an illness or injury. For example, "The doctor expects the patient to "make a complete recovery" after the surgery".

What's the difference between "make a complete recovery" and "make a full recovery"?

While both phrases are very similar, "make a complete recovery" emphasizes the thoroughness of the recuperation, suggesting a return to the individual's previous state of health without any lasting effects. "Make a full recovery" also implies a return to good health, but the nuance of 'complete' suggests an even more thorough restoration.

What can I say instead of "make a complete recovery"?

You can use alternatives like "achieve full recuperation", "return to full health", or "get back to normal" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "make a complete recovery" in formal writing?

Yes, "make a complete recovery" is suitable for formal writing, especially in medical or professional contexts. It is a clear and widely understood way to describe someone's return to full health. More formal alternatives might include "achieve full recuperation".