I was totally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was totally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong degree of certainty or emphasis about a past experience or feeling. Example: "I was totally surprised by the outcome of the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I was totally overwhelmed.

The New York Times - Arts

I was totally enamored.

The New York Times - Arts

I was totally outraged.

The New York Times

"I was totally hooked".

The New Yorker

I was totally bewildered.

The New York Times

"I was totally disappointed.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was totally thrilled.

The New York Times

I was totally surprised.

The New Yorker

I was totally undriven".

The New York Times

I was totally bummed".

The New York Times - Sports

I was totally unprepared.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "I was completely" or "I was utterly" to maintain clarity while adjusting the register.

Common error

Avoid using "I was totally" excessively in formal or academic writing. While acceptable in casual contexts, it can sound informal. Opt for more precise and professional language to convey your message effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was totally" functions as an emphatic statement expressing a personal feeling or state. Ludwig's examples show its use to amplify adjectives, conveying strong emotions or conditions. It acts as a subjective intensifier.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "I was totally" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a strong personal feeling or state, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While acceptable and frequent in various contexts, particularly in news and media, it's important to consider the level of formality required. For more formal writing, alternatives like "I was completely" or "I was utterly" might be more suitable. The phrase functions as an emphatic intensifier, adding weight to the adjective or state being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I felt completely

Replaces "totally" with "completely", indicating a full and utter feeling.

I felt utterly

Uses "utterly" as a synonym for "totally", emphasizing the intensity of the feeling.

I was completely

Substitutes "totally" with "completely", conveying a sense of being entirely in a state.

I was absolutely

Employs "absolutely" instead of "totally" to express certainty and intensity.

I was entirely

Replaces "totally" with "entirely", suggesting a full and comprehensive state.

I truly was

Uses "truly" for a genuine and sincere emphasis.

I really was

Employs "really" as a straightforward intensifier.

I found myself

Shifts focus to the process of realizing one's state, rather than directly stating it.

I must say I was

Adds a layer of admission or acknowledgment to the statement.

To be honest, I was

Introduces a candid tone, highlighting the sincerity of the feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "I was totally" in a sentence?

You can use "I was totally" to express a strong feeling or state. For example, "I was totally amazed by the performance" or "I was totally unprepared for the exam".

What are some alternatives to "I was totally"?

You can use alternatives like "I was completely", "I was absolutely", or "I was utterly" to convey a similar meaning with varying degrees of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I was totally"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Totally" is an adverb that modifies the verb "was", indicating the extent or degree of the state being described.

When is it appropriate to use "I was totally" versus "I was completely"?

"I was totally" is generally more informal than "I was completely". Use "I was totally" in casual conversation or informal writing, and opt for "I was completely" in more formal contexts.