Navigating between “complete” and “completed” can be tricky, but fear not! I’m here to shed light on their proper usage. Both words are commonly used, but they serve different purposes. Let’s dive into the nuances of these terms to ensure you never mix them up again.
Understanding when to use “complete” as an adjective and “completed” as the past participle form of the verb is crucial for effective communication. While they may seem interchangeable, each has a distinct meaning. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to seamlessly incorporate these words into your vocabulary.
Where to Use “Complete” and Where to Use “Completed”?
In communication, it’s crucial to understand the correct usage of “complete” and “completed” to convey your message effectively. Here’s a breakdown of where to use each term:
- Complete:
- Use “complete” as an adjective when describing something that is whole or full. For example, “My work here is complete.”
- It indicates that something contains all the parts or pieces and is whole.
- Completed:
- Use “completed” as a verb when talking about something that has been finished. For instance, “This task has been completed.”
- It refers to the action of making something whole or perfect.
Remember, the distinction lies in using “complete” as an adjective for the state of wholeness and “completed” as a verb for the action of finishing something. By grasping this difference, you can accurately express your ideas and avoid confusion in your writing.
When looking for the precise term to use in your sentence, consider whether you are describing the state of entirety or the action of finishing a task. Correctly applying “complete” and “completed” enhances the clarity and impact of your message.
“Complete” vs. “Completed” Table For Better Understanding
| “Complete” Sentences | Meaning | “Completed” Sentences | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| She needs to complete the report by Friday. | Referring to the action of finishing a task or assignment. | She has completed her degree in computer science. | Indicating the past action of finishing or accomplishing something. |
| He wants to complete the construction project before the deadline. | Referring to fulfilling or finalizing a project or task. | The team has completed the renovation of the building. | Referring to the action of finishing a specific project or activity. |
| They plan to complete the renovation by next month. | Referring to the intended action of finishing a process or activity. | She has completed her training program and is ready to start her new job. | Indicating the past action of fulfilling a training requirement. |
| She aims to complete the marathon within four hours. | Referring to achieving or finishing a physical challenge or event. | He has completed the manuscript for his new novel. | Indicating the past action of finishing writing a book or document. |
| The students must complete the assignment by the end of the week. | Referring to fulfilling an academic requirement or task. | The project team has completed the first phase of development. | Indicating the past action of finishing a stage or phase of a project. |
| He is determined to complete his thesis before the end of the semester. | Referring to fulfilling an academic or research requirement. | She has completed the registration process for the conference. | Indicating the past action of finishing a registration procedure. |
| She needs to complete her training before she can start her new job. | Referring to fulfilling a prerequisite or qualification. | The students have completed the course and are now eligible for certification. | Indicating the past action of fulfilling a course requirement. |
| They aim to complete the merger by the end of the fiscal year. | Referring to the intended action of finalizing a business transaction. | He has completed his internship and gained valuable experience. | Indicating the past action of finishing an internship program. |
| She wants to complete the application before the deadline. | Referring to fulfilling a form or document submission requirement. | The team has completed the installation of the new software. | Indicating the past action of finishing an installation process. |
| He plans to complete his residency training next year. | Referring to fulfilling a medical training program requirement. | She has completed her volunteer work at the local shelter. | Indicating the past action of finishing a volunteer commitment. |
| She hopes to complete her manuscript by the end of the month. | Referring to the intended action of finishing writing a book or document. | He has completed the research for his dissertation. | Indicating the past action of finishing a research process. |
| They need to complete the registration process before they can participate. | Referring to fulfilling a procedural requirement for participation. | The company has completed the acquisition of its competitor. | Indicating the past action of finishing an acquisition process. |
| He aims to complete the renovation of his house by next spring. | Referring to the intended action of finishing a home improvement project. | She has completed the design phase of the project and is ready to move to the next stage. | Indicating the past action of finishing a phase or stage of a project. |
| She plans to complete her certification exam next month. | Referring to fulfilling a qualification or examination requirement. | He has completed the repair work on his car and it is now in good condition. | Indicating the past action of finishing repair or maintenance work. |
| They need to complete the final round of interviews before making a decision. | Referring to fulfilling a series of procedural steps in a hiring process. | The team has completed the analysis of the data and is ready to present the findings. | Indicating the past action of finishing data analysis for a project. |
| She hopes to complete her master’s degree within the next two years. | Referring to fulfilling an academic program requirement. | He has completed the construction of his new house and is ready to move in. | Indicating the past action of finishing construction work on a property. |
| They aim to complete the fundraising campaign by the end of the quarter. | Referring to the intended action of finalizing a charitable effort. | She has completed the requirements for her professional certification. | Indicating the past action of fulfilling certification requirements. |
| She needs to complete the training program before she can be promoted. | Referring to fulfilling a developmental requirement for advancement. | The team has completed the development of the new product and is preparing for launch. | Indicating the past action of finishing product development. |
| He plans to complete the application process for the scholarship by next month. | Referring to fulfilling a procedural requirement for financial aid. | She has completed the paperwork for her visa and is ready to travel. | Indicating the past action of finishing paperwork for a travel document. |
| She hopes to complete her rehabilitation within six months. | Referring to fulfilling a physical or therapeutic process. | He has completed the training course and is now qualified for the job. | Indicating the past action of finishing a training program. |
In this table, “Complete” is used to indicate the intended action of finishing something, while “Completed” is used to indicate the past action of having finished
Usage of “Complete”
Definition of “Complete”
When it comes to the word “complete,” it serves as an adjective describing something that is whole, full, or lacking nothing. According to The Cambridge Dictionary, the term “complete” signifies having all parts or elements, finished, or having all the required characteristics or skills, consummate or perfect in kind or quality.
Examples of Using “Complete”
- The puzzle is complete (adjective).
- The project is complete (adjective).
- The form is complete (adjective).
- A complete victory.
- The complete subject of the sentence.
How To Use “Complete” In A Sentence
To use “complete” correctly in a sentence, remember to apply it as an adjective to describe the entirety or state of something. For instance:
- My work here is complete.
- The project is complete.
- The form is complete.
Remember, “complete” serves to denote wholeness, fullness, or perfection in something.
Usage of “Completed”
When it comes to the word “completed,” it’s important to understand its precise definition and how to use it appropriately in sentences. Let’s delve into the details:
Definition of “Completed”
“Completed,” as a verb in the past participle form of “complete,” refers to the action of finishing something or making it whole or perfect. It indicates that a task or activity has been brought to a conclusion. Using “completed” correctly in a sentence can provide clarity about the status of an action or project.
Examples of Using “Completed”
- She has completed her degree in psychology.
- Please complete the survey before leaving.
- The construction of the new building was completed on time.
- He needs to complete his training before starting the new job.
- The chef has completed the preparation of the meal.
How To Use “Completed” In A Sentence
When incorporating “completed” in a sentence, ensure that it aligns with the past tense of the action or task being described. For instance, I completed the project yesterday uses the past tense verb “completed” correctly. Additionally, when constructing passive voice sentences, consider phrases like the project was completed yesterday to maintain grammatical accuracy. By grasping these nuances, one can effectively apply “completed” in various contexts to communicate the successful conclusion of an activity or objective.
Guidelines for Choosing Between “Complete” and “Completed”
When deciding whether to use “complete” or “completed” in a sentence, it’s essential to consider the context and the tense of the action being described. As a rule of thumb, “complete” is typically utilized as an adjective to describe something that is whole or finished, while “completed” is the past participle form of the verb “complete,” indicating the action of finishing or concluding a task. Here are some guidelines to help you make the right choice between the two:
- Use “complete” when referring to the state of wholeness or entirety of an object or task:
- Example: “The project is complete and ready for review.”
- Utilize “completed” when emphasizing the action of finishing or concluding a task in the past:
- Example: “She has completed all the assigned readings for the week.”
- Pay attention to the verb tense in the sentence to determine whether to use “complete” or “completed”:
- Example: “I completed the training program last week.”
- Consider the continuity of action:
- Use “complete” to indicate a continuous state of being whole or finished: “The puzzle is complete.”
- Use “completed” when highlighting the past action of finishing something: “She completed the marathon.”
Remember, choosing between “complete” and “completed” depends on the specific context and the grammatical structure of your sentence. By following these guidelines, you can ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.
Conclusion
Understanding the nuances between “complete” and “completed” is crucial for precise communication. By recognizing their distinct roles as an adjective and past participle verb form, writers can convey their intended message effectively. Context and verb tense play pivotal roles in determining the appropriate usage of these terms. Ensuring alignment between the state of the task and the verb tense enhances the clarity and accuracy of written content. By applying these guidelines, writers can confidently navigate the choice between “complete” and “completed” in their sentences, contributing to coherent and polished writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between “complete” and “completed”?
- The term “complete” is used as an adjective to describe wholeness, while “completed” is the past participle form of the verb indicating the action of finishing a task.
When should I use “complete” and when should I use “completed”?
- Use “complete” to describe the state of wholeness, and “completed” to refer to the past action of finishing a task or project.
Is there a difference when something is complete versus when it is completed?
- When something is “complete,” it signifies wholeness, while “completed” refers to the action of finishing a task.
What defines a complete and correct sentence?
- A complete sentence must have a subject and a verb. The verb should be in a “finite” form.
How can I express that something is finished?
- Use “completed” to emphasize that the task or project has been successfully finished or concluded.
Can you use “complete” or “completed” interchangeably?
- While they are similar, “complete” focuses on wholeness and “completed” emphasizes the action of finishing a task. Choose based on context.
