substantially complete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantially complete" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is mostly finished but may still require some minor adjustments or final touches. Example: "The project is substantially complete, and we are now in the final stages of review before the official launch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The operation is substantially complete.

The Guardian

That process is now substantially complete".

Independent

The subject project is substantially complete.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Any serious conductor would play the score substantially complete, though perhaps not so much so as this director wished.

The New York Times - Arts

One is a substantially complete work about her brothers; another, an extremely fragmentary piece apparently about unrequited love.

The Guardian

This should be substantially complete by the end of the year.Finishing the sequence, however, is merely the start.

The Economist

The enormous task of decoding the genomic message began in 1990 and is now substantially complete, although both teams' versions of the genome are riddled with gaps.

The New York Times

The ambitious project of decoding the genomic message began in 1990 and is now substantially complete, although each team's versions of the genome is riddled with gaps.

The New York Times

Celera argues that in a finished genome the coding regions should be substantially complete and the order of all the fragments on the chromosomes should be known.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The proposed mechanisms of in vitro neutralization range from those requiring binding of a single antibody molecule to virus to those requiring substantially complete antibody coating of virus.

Advances in Immunology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantially complete" in legal or technical documents, be aware that it may have a specific definition. Clarify the scope of what "substantially complete" includes to avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "substantially complete" when you mean fully complete. The phrase implies that while the major components are finished, some minor tasks or issues might still be outstanding. Ensure that the context aligns with this understanding to prevent miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantially complete" functions as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is mostly finished or accomplished but may still require some minor work. Ludwig's examples illustrate this use across various domains, confirming its adjectival role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

23%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "substantially complete" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something that is largely finished, but not entirely so. Ludwig confirms its acceptability and common usage across various professional and academic contexts, notably in news, scientific, and academic domains. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the state of progress without misleadingly implying full completion. Consider alternatives like "largely complete" or "almost finished" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

largely complete

Emphasizes the extent of completion being large, but not necessarily absolute.

almost finished

Focuses on the proximity to the final state of completion.

nearly complete

Highlights that the completion stage is very close.

virtually complete

Implies completion to a point where any remaining work is insignificant.

essentially finished

Stresses the core aspects being done even if minor details remain.

mostly done

A more informal way of saying that the majority of the work is complete.

practically complete

Indicates a state of completion that is effective for practical purposes.

functionally complete

Highlights that the subject is complete in terms of its intended function.

in great part complete

Suggests a significant portion is finished, placing emphasis on the amount.

to a large degree finished

Similar to largely complete, but uses a more verbose construction.

FAQs

How to use "substantially complete" in a sentence?

You can use "substantially complete" to describe a project or task that is mostly finished but may require some final touches. For example, "The construction project is "substantially complete", and we anticipate opening it to the public next month."

What can I say instead of "substantially complete"?

You can use alternatives like "largely complete", "almost finished", or "nearly complete" depending on the context.

What does "substantially complete" mean in construction?

In construction, "substantially complete" typically means the project is at a stage where it can be used for its intended purpose, even if minor punch list items remain to be addressed.

Which is correct, "substantially complete" or "fully complete"?

"Substantially complete" indicates that the project or task is mostly finished, whereas "fully complete" implies that everything is done. The choice depends on whether there are any remaining tasks or issues to resolve.