Completely surreal

USAGE SUMMARY

"Completely surreal" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe experiences or situations that feel dreamlike or bizarre. An example could be: "The entire event felt completely surreal, as if I were in a movie." Alternative expressions include "utterly surreal" and "totally surreal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"Completely surreal".

The New York Times - Arts

It was completely surreal".

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's completely surreal," said Mills.

The Guardian - Sport

This still sounds completely surreal.

The Guardian

All of it was completely surreal.

The New York Times - Arts

It was, said DiFeo "completely surreal".

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Then, like a minute or so -- I don't know what the time span was, but suddenly there was this amazing explosion, and it was completely and totally surreal.

The New York Times

"It was totally surreal.

Independent

A completely serene, surreal moment in utter, chaotic hell.

The New York Times

On the second day, as my parents sat in my tiny studio apartment along with my biological family and the room became filled with a constant din of voices and even laughter, I realized that what mattered most now was that we were all part of this surreal, rare and completely amazing experience.

HuffPost

"On the one hand you are so completely bewildered that something so surreal and incomprehensible could happen," he said.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "completely surreal", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and intended impact of your writing. Overusing it may diminish its effect.

Common error

Avoid using "completely surreal" merely as a strong adjective; reserve it for situations genuinely characterized by dreamlike or bizarre qualities to maintain its impact and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely surreal" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its quality. It intensifies the adjective "surreal", indicating a high degree of unreality or dreamlike quality. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing events, experiences, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "completely surreal" is used to describe something that feels unreal, dreamlike, or bizarre. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media. When using "completely surreal", reserve it for situations genuinely characterized by dreamlike qualities to maintain its impact. Some alternatives include "totally unreal" and "utterly bizarre". Avoid using it as a simple intensifier to prevent dilution of its meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Totally unreal

Emphasizes the lack of reality, similar to 'surreal' but with a stronger assertion of unreality.

Utterly bizarre

Focuses on the strangeness and oddity of the situation, highlighting its unconventional nature.

Absolutely dreamlike

Conveys the sense of being in a dream, emphasizing the disconnect from reality.

Entirely fantastic

Highlights the imaginative and extraordinary nature of the experience.

Surreal and disorienting

Adds the element of confusion and disorientation to the surreal experience.

Beyond belief

Expresses astonishment and disbelief at the situation.

Like a waking dream

Similiar to "absolutely dreamlike" but this expresses a surreal experience happening in real life.

Unbelievably strange

Highlights the unusual and peculiar nature of the event.

Incredibly odd

Focuses on the peculiarity and unconventionality of the situation.

Completely Kafkaesque

Invokes the feeling of anxiety and alienation, often associated with bureaucratic or nightmarish scenarios.

FAQs

How can I use "completely surreal" in a sentence?

You can use "completely surreal" to describe experiences that feel dreamlike or bizarre. For example: "The entire event felt "completely surreal", as if I were in a movie."

What are some alternatives to "completely surreal"?

You can use alternatives like "totally unreal", "utterly bizarre", or "absolutely dreamlike" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "completely surreal"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Completely" is an adverb that modifies the adjective "surreal", forming a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "completely surreal"?

It's appropriate to use "completely surreal" when describing situations or experiences that are so bizarre, dreamlike, or illogical that they feel detached from reality. However, avoid overusing it to maintain its impact.