partly or completely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "partly or completely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the idea that something may be partially done, or done in its entirety. For example: "The project was partly or completely finished by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When smaller buildings and structures nearby partly or completely collapse?

The New York Times

It corresponds to the oxidation of the carbon matrix of partly (or completely) carbonized cellulose.

Chemical Engineering Science

However, the soil was partly or completely recovered between successive applications.

Chemosphere

The reaction is partly or completely inhibited in solutions containing specifically adsorbed anions.

Electrochimica Acta

In a severe sprain, the elastic fibers tear partly or completely.

The New York Times - Health

You can't see the pipeline in every photograph; sometimes it is partly or completely buried.

The New York Times - Arts

The pollen grain is the partly or completely developed microgametophyte (male gametophyte).

Encyclopedia Britannica

This raised the possibility that an occupant could be partly or completely ejected from that vehicle.

The New York Times

This underpressure can be used to partly or completely drive the natural ventilation of the building zones.

Building and Environment

In the future, it might be possible to culture an implantable organoid capable of partly or completely replacing kidney function.

Regenerative Medicine Applications in Organ Transplantation

Detective Giammarino said that at least two of the women had their clothes partly or completely ripped off.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "partly or completely", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being referred to as either partially or fully affected. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "partly or completely" excessively in formal documents where more precise language might be preferred. Consider using specific percentages or defined states of completion to enhance professionalism and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "partly or completely" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the extent or degree to which an action or state is achieved. It specifies that something is either in a partial state or fully realized. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "partly or completely" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something is either in a partial state or fully realized. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a suitable choice for various contexts. With a very common frequency of use, it frequently appears in science, news and media, and encyclopedias, marking its neutrality. When using "partly or completely", clarity is key and avoiding overuse in overly formal contexts will keep your writing professional and accurate. Alternatives like ""partly or fully"" or ""partly or entirely"" offer similar meanings, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

partly or fully

Replaces "completely" with "fully", providing a slightly more common alternative.

partly or entirely

Replaces "completely" with "entirely", offering a synonym with similar implications.

partial or completely

Replaces "partly" with "partial", providing a synonym while maintaining the same core meaning.

partly or wholly

Replaces "completely" with "wholly", offering a slight variation in wording but maintaining the same core meaning.

somewhat or completely

Substitutes "partly" with "somewhat", suggesting a less defined partial state.

largely or completely

Replaces "partly" with "largely", indicating that the partial aspect is significant.

mainly or completely

Replaces "partly" with "mainly", implying a larger degree of completion or involvement.

primarily or completely

Substitutes "partly" with "primarily", indicating that the main aspect is either involved or the whole.

slightly or completely

Substitutes "partly" with "slightly", suggesting a smaller degree of partiality.

separately or completely

Alters the initial state to "separately", shifting the focus to distinctness before potentially being whole.

FAQs

How can I use "partly or completely" in a sentence?

Use "partly or completely" to indicate that something is either in a partial state or in its entirety. For example, "The project was "partly or completely" finished by the end of the week".

What are some alternatives to "partly or completely"?

Alternatives include "partly or fully", "partly or entirely", or "somewhat or completely", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "partly or completely"?

While the phrase might seem redundant, it emphasizes the range of possibilities, from a minimal degree of completion to full completion. The choice to use it depends on the desired emphasis and clarity in the context.

Which is more formal, "partly or completely" or "partly or fully"?

"Partly or fully" and ""partly or completely"" have similar levels of formality. The best choice depends on the surrounding language and the specific nuance you intend to convey.