Completeness vs completion is a topic that often confuses people. While they may seem interchangeable, there is a subtle difference between the two. In this article, we will explore the meaning of completeness and completion, and when to use each term.
Completeness and completion are both related to the idea of being finished or whole. However, completeness refers to the state of being fully formed or having all necessary parts, while completion refers to the act of finishing or bringing something to a close.
For example, a puzzle that is complete has all of its pieces in place, while a puzzle that is complete has been fully assembled. Similarly, a project that is complete has been finished, while a project that is complete has all of its necessary components.
Throughout this article, we will dive deeper into the nuances of these two terms and explore how they can be used in different contexts. By the end, you will have a better understanding of the difference between completeness and completion and be able to use each term with confidence.
Completeness
Completeness is the state of being whole or entire. It refers to the quality of being complete or including all necessary parts, elements, or steps. In other words, completeness implies that nothing is missing or lacking in a particular thing or situation. For instance, a complete set of instructions includes all the steps required to accomplish a task, leaving no room for ambiguity or confusion.
Completion
Completion, on the other hand, refers to the act of finishing or bringing something to an end. It is the state of being done or accomplished. Completion is often used in the context of achieving a goal or objective. For example, completing a project means that all the tasks associated with the project have been finished, and the project is ready for delivery or implementation.
While completeness and completion are related concepts, they differ in their focus. Completeness emphasizes the quality of being whole or entire, while completion emphasizes the accomplishment of a task or objective.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to writing, using the right words in a sentence is crucial to ensure that the message is conveyed accurately. In this section, we will discuss the proper usage of the words completeness and completion.
How To Use Completeness In A Sentence
Completeness refers to the state of being whole or containing all the necessary parts. It is often used to describe something that is comprehensive or thorough. Here are some examples of how to use completeness in a sentence:
- The report was praised for its completeness and attention to detail.
- She felt a sense of completeness when she finally finished the puzzle.
- The project cannot be considered complete until it achieves a level of completeness that meets our standards.
As you can see from these examples, completeness is often used to describe something that is exhaustive or all-encompassing. It can also be used to describe a feeling of wholeness or satisfaction.
How To Use Completion In A Sentence
Completion, on the other hand, refers to the act of finishing something or bringing it to a conclusion. It is often used to describe the final step in a process or the achievement of a goal. Here are some examples of how to use completion in a sentence:
- The completion of the project was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.
- He was awarded a certificate of completion for successfully finishing the course.
- The completion of the merger was a major milestone for the company.
As you can see from these examples, completion is often used to describe the act of finishing something or achieving a goal. It is a term that is commonly used in business, education, and other fields where projects or tasks need to be completed.
More Examples Of Completeness & Completion Used In Sentences
In order to further clarify the difference between completeness and completion, let’s take a look at some examples of how these words can be used in sentences.
Examples Of Using Completeness In A Sentence
- The completeness of the report was impressive, as it covered every aspect of the project.
- She took great care to ensure the completeness of the data before presenting it to the team.
- The completeness of the instructions made it easy for even a novice to follow.
- He was impressed by the completeness of the research, which left no stone unturned.
- The completeness of the investigation was crucial in determining the cause of the accident.
- Without the completeness of the data, the analysis would have been incomplete and inaccurate.
- The completeness of the inventory was verified by cross-checking it against the records.
- The completeness of the project plan ensured that nothing was overlooked.
- The completeness of the documentation was essential for compliance purposes.
- The completeness of the contract was confirmed by both parties before signing.
Examples Of Using Completion In A Sentence
- The completion of the project was celebrated with a team dinner.
- Her sense of accomplishment was overwhelming upon the completion of the marathon.
- The completion of the renovation was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.
- The completion of the merger was a significant milestone for the company.
- The completion of the training program was marked by a graduation ceremony.
- He was relieved at the completion of the exam, which he had been preparing for months.
- The completion of the construction project was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
- The completion of the book was a long-awaited achievement for the author.
- The completion of the software development was followed by a rigorous testing phase.
- The completion of the painting was met with critical acclaim from art critics.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the terms completeness and completion, many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Let’s take a look at some of the most common mistakes people make and why they are incorrect.
Using Completeness When You Mean Completion
One of the most common mistakes people make is using completeness when they actually mean completion. Completeness refers to the state of being complete or whole, while completion refers to the act of finishing something. For example:
- Incorrect: The completeness of the project was celebrated by the team.
- Correct: The completion of the project was celebrated by the team.
In the above example, the correct word to use is completion because it refers to the act of finishing the project, not the state of the project being complete.
Using Completion When You Mean Completeness
On the other hand, some people use completion when they actually mean completeness. This mistake is less common but can still lead to confusion. For example:
- Incorrect: The completion of the puzzle was impressive.
- Correct: The completeness of the puzzle was impressive.
In this example, the correct word to use is completeness because it refers to the state of the puzzle being complete or whole, not the act of finishing the puzzle.
Offering Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the difference between completeness and completion. Here are some tips to help you use these terms correctly:
- Think about whether you are referring to the state of being complete or the act of finishing something.
- If you are referring to the state of being complete, use completeness.
- If you are referring to the act of finishing something, use completion.
- Double-check your usage to ensure you are using the correct term.
By following these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure that your communication is clear and effective.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between completeness and completion, it’s important to consider the context in which they are being used. Depending on the situation, one may be more appropriate than the other.
Completeness
Completeness refers to the state of being whole or having all necessary parts. It is often used in the context of data or information, where having all the necessary information is crucial. For example, in a research paper, it’s important to have a complete set of data to draw accurate conclusions. In this context, completeness is essential.
However, in other contexts, completeness may not be as important. For instance, when giving a brief overview of a topic, it may be more important to focus on the key points rather than providing a complete picture. In this case, focusing on completion may be more appropriate.
Completion
Completion, on the other hand, refers to the act of finishing or bringing something to a conclusion. It is often used in the context of tasks or projects. For example, when working on a project, it’s important to focus on completing each task in order to finish the project on time. In this context, completion is essential.
However, in other contexts, completion may not be as important. For instance, when discussing a topic in-depth, it may be more important to focus on the completeness of the information rather than completing the discussion within a certain timeframe. In this case, focusing on completeness may be more appropriate.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between completeness and completion might change:
| Context | Completeness vs Completion |
|---|---|
| Research Paper | Completeness – having all necessary data is crucial to draw accurate conclusions |
| Project Management | Completion – finishing each task is essential to finish the project on time |
| Marketing Campaign | Both – having a complete understanding of the target audience is important, but completing the campaign on time is also crucial |
As you can see, the choice between completeness and completion depends on the context in which they are being used. It’s important to consider the situation and determine which approach is more appropriate.
Exceptions To The Rules
Identifying Exceptions
Completeness and completion are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. While the rules for using these terms are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they may not apply.
One exception is when referring to the completeness of a physical object or entity. In this case, completeness refers to the state of being whole or having all of its parts. Completion, on the other hand, refers to the act of finishing or bringing something to an end. For example, a puzzle may be complete when all of its pieces are present, but it is not necessarily completed until it has been assembled.
Another exception is when referring to the completeness of a process or task. In this case, completeness refers to the state of having been done thoroughly or exhaustively. Completion, on the other hand, refers to the act of finishing or accomplishing the task. For example, a report may be complete if it contains all of the necessary information, but it is not necessarily completed until it has been reviewed and approved by the appropriate parties.
Offering Explanations And Examples
To further illustrate these exceptions, consider the following examples:
| Example | Completeness | Completion |
|---|---|---|
| A puzzle | All of its pieces are present | It has been assembled |
| A report | It contains all of the necessary information | It has been reviewed and approved |
| A project | All of the necessary tasks have been done thoroughly | It has been delivered to the client |
In each of these examples, completeness and completion have distinct meanings and cannot be used interchangeably. It is important to understand these exceptions to ensure that these terms are used correctly and effectively in communication.
Practice Exercises
One of the most effective ways to improve your understanding and use of completeness and completion is to practice using them in sentences. Here are some practice exercises to help you get started:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Complete the following sentences by filling in the blank with either completeness or completion:
- Without __________, the project will not be successful.
- The __________ of the report was delayed due to technical difficulties.
- She felt a sense of __________ after finishing the marathon.
- The __________ of the puzzle took longer than expected.
- He emphasized the importance of __________ in the sales pitch.
Answer Key:
- completeness
- completion
- completion
- completion
- completeness
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:
- The __________ of the project was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.
- a. completeness
- b. completion
- a. completeness
- b. completion
- a. completeness
- b. completion
Answer Key:
- b. completion
- b. completion
- a. completeness
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of completeness and completion in your writing and communication.
Conclusion
Completeness and completion are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings in the context of grammar and language use. While completeness refers to the state of being whole or entire, completion refers to the act of finishing something.
This article has explored the differences between these two terms and provided examples of how they can be used in various contexts. It is important to understand the nuances of language use, as it can impact how our messages are received and understood by others.
Key Takeaways
- Completeness refers to the state of being whole or entire, while completion refers to the act of finishing something.
- Completeness is often used in the context of grammar and syntax, while completion is more commonly used in the context of tasks or projects.
- Understanding the difference between these two terms can help us communicate more effectively and avoid confusion or misunderstandings.
As you continue to learn about grammar and language use, it is important to pay attention to the details and nuances of language. By doing so, you can improve your communication skills and ensure that your messages are clear, concise, and effective.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.