“Completed”: how to say it politely
Why it can fall flat
“completed”
Your reader may hear a bare “completed” as curt or cold, since it doesn't say what is finished or what comes next. Usually you want to confirm the work is done and point to where it is or what to do now.
Say this instead
- 01
The Q3 report is finished and saved in the shared folder. Let me know if you'd like anything changed.
Boss · Chat
Suits a boss who wants a quick status, because it says what is done and where to find it.
- 02
The slides are finished and uploaded. You can pick them up whenever you're ready.
Coworker · Chat
Useful when a colleague is waiting on your part, since it tells them they can move on.
- 03
Hi Niamh, The copy edits you asked for are now done. I've attached the updated file for your review. Best regards, Michelle
Client · Email
Fits a client who asked for specific changes, as it names the work and hands over the file.
- 04
The new rota is done and in the shared calendar, so you can check your shifts now.
Someone you manage · Chat
Helps when a team member needs to act on the finished work, because it points them to it.
- 05
Hi Elliot, your repair is finished and ready for collection any time before 6 pm. Thanks for waiting.
Customer · SMS
Good for customers who want to know what to do next, and the thanks keeps it warm.
- 06
Hello Amelia, I've finished the assessment and attached my answers. Please confirm they've reached you. Kind regards, Dev
Recruiter / HR · Email
Right for a hiring process where the recruiter needs clear proof that your part is submitted.
- 07
Hi Derek, to confirm: all the supplier invoices are processed as of today, and nothing is outstanding on my side.
Boss · Email
Handy as an end-of-task update when your boss needs to know nothing is left open.
- 08
Finished the stock count. The numbers are in the shared sheet if you want to check them.
Coworker · SMS
Practical when you're away from your desk and a colleague needs a short, clear update.
Examples
Hi Neha, The vendor contract review is finished. I've marked my changes in the attached document, and the two payment-term points are highlighted for you to look at. Thanks, Rohan
Hi Sara, the training deck is finished and saved in the team folder. Shout if you want any slides changed before Thursday.
What to avoid
- Sending “completed” alone when the reader may not know which task you mean.
- Adding an exclamation mark or a long explanation to a simple update, since one clear sentence is enough.
- Leaving out where the finished work is or what the reader should do next.
- Stiff phrases like “please be advised” also hurt, because plain words work better.