Complete or completed
Dear Dr English,
I have a question on ÒcompleteÓ and ÒcompletedÓ. Which one should be used in the following sentence?
ÒWe have worked on this project since January and finally it is (complete or completed?)Ó.
Therin Supanimitkun
I have a faint memory of answering a similar question from one of our readers about this word before. But never mind, it must have been long ago and I am happy to answer the question again.
Both adjective and verb forms of complete are the same; this can lead to some confusion. The adjective Òto be completeÓ describes something as having been finished.
For example: After intense negotiations it was agreed upon to broadcast the complete documentary without any cuts.
When used as a verb, Òto completeÓ something is to finish doing, making or producing it.
The crew completed the filming of a documentary film on the life cycle of hermit crabs last month.
Now, if we look at the structure of the sentence in your question, we can see that ÒcompleteÓ in there is an adjective, therefore it should be ÒcompleteÓ.
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Sticky grains
Dear Dr English,
I am confused between Òglutinous riceÓ and Òsticky riceÓ. Which one means the rice from Northeast Thailand?
I had a serious argument with my friend over this.
Parichart Pangtian
Even though the word ÒstickyÓ describes something that is covered with a substance that can stick to other things, it is not incorrect to use it to define this particular type of rice. ÒGlutinousÓ means very sticky or glue-like; and it is also correct to use the word Òglutinous riceÓ. Both Òsticky riceÓ and Òglutinous riceÓ correctly describe this type of grain.
And itÕs time to stop spoiling your friendship on this sticky matter.
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Pulp fiction
Dear Dr English,
What type of fiction is called Òpulp fictionÓ?
Suda Megloy
Pulp fiction generally has a sensationalised story and a poor standard of writing. Pulp fiction is an informal term, describing the novels printed on rough, pulpy paper.
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