was nearly completed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was nearly completed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something is close to being finished but not quite done yet. Example: "The construction of the new bridge was nearly completed when the unexpected storm hit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

With that, the to-do list was nearly completed.

The New York Times

Construction of the fair was nearly completed by 1975, when the civil war began.

The New York Times

On Thursday, Derek G. Pannell, chief of Noranda, said the due diligence process by China Minmetals was nearly completed.

The New York Times

Vote counting was nearly completed in the major cities, including the capital, Tehran, although no official results will be announced until the end of the week, officials said.

The New York Times

Increasing the sense of disbelief for many here in South Carolina, the board filed the case just as the new plant was nearly completed.

The New York Times

It had seemed that testimony was nearly completed because earlier this week Judge Barrios told lawyers for both sides to prepare for closing arguments.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Both of the projects are nearly completed.

The New York Times

For example, the 325-megawatt Caithness plant is nearly completed.

The New York Times

It is nearly completed and had been scheduled to open this fall.

The New York Times

But yesterday, the Court of Appeals ruled that the lawsuit was irrelevant since the building is nearly completed.

The New York Times

The project started last August and is nearly completed.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was nearly completed" to indicate a state where something is very close to being finished but requires a few final steps. This phrase effectively communicates progress without implying full completion.

Common error

Avoid using "was nearly completed" if the task is actually finished. Using it when the task is done can mislead your audience. If it's complete, state it directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was nearly completed" functions as a descriptive element in a sentence, indicating the state of a project, task, or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively conveys that something is close to its final stage but not fully realized. The phrase is often followed by additional information explaining the delay or outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was nearly completed" is a useful way to describe something that is close to being finished but not quite there yet. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and its widespread use across various sources, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While it is versatile and suitable for different contexts, it's important to use it accurately, avoiding the assumption of full completion when the task is truly still in progress. Consider alternatives like "was almost finished" or "was close to completion" depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey. The phrase's frequency and neutral register make it a reliable choice for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was virtually completed

Indicates completion to a greater degree; 'virtually' implies only minor details remain.

was almost finished

A more common and slightly less formal way to express near completion.

was nearing completion

Focuses on the process of approaching completion rather than the state.

was on the verge of completion

Emphasizes the imminence of completion; 'verge' suggests being very close.

was close to completion

Directly indicates proximity to the completed state.

was in the final stages

Highlights that the concluding parts are being executed.

was approaching full completion

Slightly more descriptive and emphasizes the extent of completion.

was drawing to a close

More metaphorical; indicates the ending of a process or project.

was substantially completed

Highlights that the major components are done, with only minor things left.

was all but done

Informal way of saying only small details remained to be completed.

FAQs

How can I use "was nearly completed" in a sentence?

You can use "was nearly completed" to describe a project, task, or construction that is very close to its final stage. For example, "The building "was nearly completed" when the funds ran out".

What's the difference between "was nearly completed" and "was completed"?

"Was nearly completed" indicates that something is very close to being finished but not entirely so. "Was completed", on the other hand, signifies that the task or project is entirely finished and requires no further action.

What can I say instead of "was nearly completed"?

You can use alternatives like "was almost finished", "was close to completion", or "was on the verge of completion" depending on the context.

Is "was nearly completed" formal or informal?

"Was nearly completed" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, phrases like "was substantially completed" might be preferred.