What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incompletely
Example
The report was submitted incompletely, missing several key sections. [incompletely: adverb]
Example
She felt incompletely prepared for the exam, having only studied half of the material. [incompletely: adverb]
partially
Example
The painting was partially finished, with some areas still needing to be filled in. [partially: adverb]
Example
He only partially understood the instructions, leading to some mistakes in the final product. [partially: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Partially is more commonly used than incompletely in everyday language. Partially is a more versatile word that can be used to describe a wider range of situations, while incompletely is more specific and less commonly used.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between incompletely and partially?
Both incompletely and partially are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
