to be complete

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be complete" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a goal, or the state that something needs to achieve in order to be finished. For example: "The report needs to be complete by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is expected to be complete next year.

The New Yorker

We want them to be complete athletes".

The Guardian - Sport

The reorganization is expected to be complete by March.

The New York Times

Full transition is scheduled to be complete by 2020.

The Guardian

The transaction is expected to be complete in November.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, it needed five more murders to be complete.

The New Yorker

Negotiations are expected to be complete by early February.

The New York Times

The installation is scheduled to be complete in late 2015.

The Washington Post

The Pentagon expects the system to be complete in 1992.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Construction is to be complete by July 2006.

The New York Times

This appears to be complete fiction".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity in instructions, ensure each step allows the final task "to be complete". This will guide the user effectively.

Common error

Avoid insisting that something needs "to be complete" right away if a phased approach is more realistic. Acknowledge iterative progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be complete" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase to express a future state or a desired condition. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be complete" is a versatile and grammatically sound infinitive phrase widely used to express the desired state of something being finished or whole. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. It frequently appears in news, science, and formal business contexts. Alternatives such as "to be finished" or "to be finalized" can provide nuanced emphasis. When using this phrase, consider whether the phased completeness is more appropriate than aiming for full completeness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be finished

Focuses on the state of being done, shifting the emphasis from completeness to termination.

to be finalized

Emphasizes the official or formal conclusion of something.

to be whole

Highlights integrity and lack of missing parts, implying completeness in a more holistic sense.

to be comprehensive

Stresses the inclusion of all necessary elements or aspects.

to be exhaustive

Implies a thorough and detailed approach, leaving nothing unaddressed.

to be concluded

Highlights the act of bringing something to an end, emphasizing closure.

to be perfect

Suggests an absence of flaws, going beyond mere completeness to imply ideal quality.

to be fulfilled

Emphasizes the satisfaction of a requirement or condition, implying a sense of completion.

to be realized

Focuses on the achievement of a goal or plan, resulting in a state of completeness.

to be attained

Highlights the reaching of a desired level or state, suggesting a deliberate effort to achieve completeness.

FAQs

How can I use "to be complete" in a sentence?

You can use "to be complete" to describe a state of being finished or whole, such as "The project is expected "to be complete" by next month".

What's a good alternative to "to be complete"?

Alternatives include "to be finished", "to be finalized", or "to be comprehensive", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "to be complete" or "to be completed"?

Both phrases are correct, but "to be complete" emphasizes a state of wholeness, while "to be completed" focuses on the action of finishing something. The best choice depends on the context of your sentence.

Can "to be complete" describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "to be complete" can describe abstract concepts, such as "For the picture "to be complete", it needs to be institutionalized".