the task was completed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the task was completed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a specific task has been finished or accomplished, often in reports or summaries. Example: "After several hours of hard work, the task was completed ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The task was completed in 1944, the same year he married Helen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The task was completed in July 2007 after six workshops, which involved, in part, task analysis and validation.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

In all cases, the task was completed with the hybrid strategy performing comparably and even outperforming the proportional-based control strategy.

Expert Systems with Applications

In October, the task was completed and the computer was finally christened Titan.

Wikipedia

Budgell said some of the equipment used to get the flesh off the bones still smell like rotting whale blubber, ten years after the task was completed".

Vice

The task was completed on February 19 , 1970 and the final track listing included two songs from the third show and four from the fourth and last show.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The speed and specificity with which the task is completed could beat out some expert music shoppers who use Google or iTunes.

The New York Times

Once the task is completed, it should give an indication that the task was done successfully.

Forbes

When the task is completed, the contact data is delivered to Salesforce and added to its database.

TechCrunch

Resources are then sent to the provider for processing and are sent back after the task is completed.

TechCrunch

The focus will lead to the task being completed more efficiently, and the concepts and ideas absorbed better.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the task was completed", ensure that the subject performing the task is clear from the context, either explicitly stated or easily inferred. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "the task was completed" without specifying what the task was. Always provide enough context so your readers know what you're referring to. Otherwise, the sentence becomes vague and uninformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the task was completed" primarily functions as a statement indicating the finished status of a particular job or activity. This construction employs the passive voice to emphasize the task itself rather than the actor, aligning with Ludwig's observation of correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the task was completed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for indicating that a job or assignment has been brought to an end. As Ludwig confirms, it's a proper and usable phrase across varied writing contexts. Analysis reveals it functions primarily to report completion, often in a neutral or professional tone, and is frequently found in scientific, news, and wiki-based sources. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to ensure the task is clearly defined. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "the assignment was finished" or "the mission was accomplished", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the assignment was finished

Replaces 'task' with 'assignment' and 'completed' with 'finished', implying a formal undertaking has reached its end.

the mission was accomplished

Substitutes 'task' with 'mission' and 'completed' with 'accomplished', suggesting a goal-oriented endeavor has been successful.

the objective was achieved

Replaces 'task' with 'objective' and 'completed' with 'achieved', focusing on the attainment of a specific aim.

the project was finalized

Changes 'task' to 'project' and 'completed' to 'finalized', indicating the conclusion of a larger undertaking.

the work was concluded

Swaps 'task' for 'work' and 'completed' for 'concluded', suggesting a general activity has come to an end.

the job was done

Replaces 'task' with 'job' and 'completed' with 'done', conveying a sense of closure and finality.

the process was ended

Substitutes 'task' with 'process' and 'completed' with 'ended', highlighting the termination of a sequence of actions.

the operation was successful

Changes 'task' to 'operation' and 'completed' to 'successful', indicating a positive outcome of a planned activity.

the endeavor was fulfilled

Replaces 'task' with 'endeavor' and 'completed' with 'fulfilled', suggesting a dedicated effort has been successfully realized.

the undertaking was executed

Swaps 'task' with 'undertaking' and 'completed' with 'executed', emphasizing the performance and completion of a significant activity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "the task was completed" to sound more active?

Consider using active voice constructions like "we completed the task" or "the team finished the task". These alternatives make the sentence more direct and highlight the performer of the action.

What's a more formal way to say "the task was completed"?

For a more formal tone, you might say "the assignment was finalized" or "the objective was achieved". These options often suit professional or academic contexts better.

Is it correct to say "the task is completed" instead of "the task was completed"?

While "the task is completed" isn't grammatically incorrect, it implies the task has just been completed or is in a state of completion. /s/The+task+was+completed is better for indicating that the task finished at some point in the past.

What's the difference between "the task was completed" and "the task was accomplished"?

"The task was accomplished" implies a degree of success or achievement beyond mere completion. Use /s/the+task+was+accomplished when you want to emphasize a positive outcome or reaching a significant goal.