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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
substantively complete
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
'substantively complete' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is almost fully formed or completely present in its essential form. For example, "The report was substantively complete, though there were a few small changes left to make before it was finished."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Even the Pentagon maintains a well-researched and substantively complete list of the top national security threats, including climate change.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
After permission from the relevant authorities was granted, the Connect2 Kenilworth project was substantively completed in September 2011 with creation of the access across Kenilworth Common and the installation of the bridge over the A429 Coventry Road.
Science
Results were substantively unchanged for the complete case analysis, using an indicator for self-reported BMI, and when not doubly weighting the supermarkets.
Science
"I handed in my cut," he said, "and when CBS said they wanted to make changes, I said, 'Let me see it when it's done.' " It is unusual for a network to start substantively re-editing a completed film only weeks before it is scheduled to be shown.
News & Media
Finally, we used multiple imputation to repeat the analyses to include 888 subjects with missing depression scores, which did not substantively change the results from the complete data analyses.
Science
For LOCF analysis, the between group effects were not statistically or substantively different from those reported for the complete case analysis.
However, the number of available runs was similar for high- and low-risk youth and results were substantively the same when analyses included only participants who had complete data.
We completed interview recruiting once saturation was reached (e.g., new interviews were not substantively adding to our analysis).
Science
And substantively at times".
News & Media
"Substantively, the bill is abysmal.
News & Media
This makes little sense, substantively.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "substantively complete" when you want to convey that something is complete in its most important aspects, even if minor details are still outstanding.
Common error
Avoid using "substantively complete" if significant elements are still missing. The phrase implies a high degree of completeness, so ensure this is accurate.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "substantively complete" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is valid. It describes the state of something that is largely or essentially finished.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
50%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "substantively complete" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, that indicates something is essentially or largely complete. Although relatively rare, its appearance in news and media, and scientific contexts suggests a formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject is indeed complete in its most important aspects, even if minor details remain. Consider alternatives like "essentially complete" or "virtually complete" to fine-tune the meaning.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
essentially complete
Emphasizes the fundamental or core aspect of being complete.
largely complete
Indicates that the majority of something is finished.
virtually complete
Suggests that something is so close to completion that it is practically complete.
practically complete
Similar to 'virtually complete', indicating a state very near to completion.
almost entirely complete
Highlights the near-total completeness of something.
functionally complete
Focuses on the completeness of essential functions.
substantially finished
Similar to "substantively complete", but uses the word 'finished' instead of 'complete'.
mainly complete
Indicates that the principal parts are complete.
for the most part complete
Suggests that, with only minor exceptions, something is complete.
in essence complete
Highlights that the fundamental aspects are complete.
FAQs
What does "substantively complete" mean?
It means that something is complete in its core or essential elements, even if minor details may be pending.
When is it appropriate to use "substantively complete"?
Use it when the major components of a task, project, or document are finished, and only minor refinements remain.
What are some alternatives to "substantively complete"?
You can use alternatives like "essentially complete", "largely complete", or "virtually complete" depending on the nuance you want to convey.
How does "substantively complete" differ from "completely finished"?
"Completely finished" implies that every single aspect is done. "Substantively complete" suggests that the key aspects are done, but minor things may still need addressing.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested