“For completeness’ sake” means adding information so that the account, explanation, or record is fully covered, even if the extra detail is not central. Alternatives include “for completeness,” “to be thorough,” and “for the sake of a complete record.”
Choose the Phrase Based on Why You Are Adding Detail
- For completeness
- To be thorough
- For the sake of completeness
- For a complete picture
- To give the full picture
- For the full record
- For the sake of a complete record
- To cover all the details
- To leave nothing out
- To make the account complete
For completeness
The simplest and most direct alternative in formal or analytical writing.
Example: For completeness, the appendix also lists the excluded studies.
To be thorough
Natural when the aim is careful coverage rather than formal record-keeping.
Example: To be thorough, we checked the figures against the original dataset.
For the sake of completeness
A conventional formal phrase with essentially the same meaning as the original.
Example: For the sake of completeness, I have included the earlier correspondence.
For a complete picture
Useful when the extra information helps the reader understand the whole situation.
Example: For a complete picture, we should also consider the earlier survey results.
To give the full picture
Less formal and especially useful in explanations or reports.
Example: To give the full picture, I’ll briefly describe what happened before the change.
For the full record
Appropriate when documenting information that should be preserved or formally noted.
Example: For the full record, the decision was approved on 14 March.
For the sake of a complete record
More formal and explicit when documentation is the main reason for including a detail.
Example: For the sake of a complete record, I have attached both versions of the minutes.
To cover all the details
Plain-language wording for everyday explanations or less formal writing.
Example: To cover all the details, we should include the delivery costs as well.
To leave nothing out
Conversational and clear when you want to emphasise that every relevant point is included.
Example: To leave nothing out, I’ll mention the two minor issues we also found.
To make the account complete
Suitable when completing a narrative, chronology, report, or explanation.
Example: To make the account complete, we should note what happened after the meeting.
“For Completeness” Is Usually Enough
In reports, academic writing, and professional emails, “for completeness” is often the cleanest choice. The longer “for completeness’ sake” is not wrong, but it rarely adds meaning.
Only include extra detail if it genuinely helps the record or understanding; “for completeness” should not become a reason to add irrelevant information.