To totally understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To totally understand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the desire or need to grasp something completely or thoroughly. Example: "To totally understand the complexities of this theory, one must study the foundational principles first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

His former life, Mr. Perry said, has allowed him to "totally understand when people are not receptive to what I'm doing".

The New York Times

You don't need to totally understand "There's more fun at a Glasgow funeral than at an Edinburgh wedding" to find it funny.

The New York Times

To improve numerical modeling capacity to simulate the groins impacts, it is necessary to totally understand the shoreline evolution along time and its relationship with the cross-shore profiles shape.

Coastal Engineering

What better way to totally understand a character?

Huffington Post

"That's because she wants to totally understand it, know everything about it," Bajtelsmit says.

Vice

I was really fascinated about how he spoke to her and how clear and concise he was and how she seemed to totally understand every single thing he said".

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

We still need more research to help us totally understand this trick.

Huffington Post

I said, "Clearly this is your family, this belongs to you and I totally understand if you don't want to record this song with us and I almost feel somewhat weird about even asking".

Huffington Post

They just want to party, which I totally understand, as sex is the "in" thing again, the way it used to be in the early 80s.

Vice

We all eventually learn to rationalize, if not totally understand, failures and disappointments.

The New York Times - Sports

I just want to say that I totally understand where they are coming from.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "To totally understand" when emphasizing the necessity of complete and thorough comprehension, especially in complex or nuanced situations. For example: "To totally understand quantum physics, one must first master classical mechanics."

Common error

Avoid using "To totally understand" in situations where a simpler phrase like "to understand" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose and unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "To totally understand" functions as an infinitive phrase that often introduces a clause expressing a purpose or a condition. Ludwig examples show it used to set the stage for necessary actions or deeper explorations of a topic.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "To totally understand" is a grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to emphasize the need for a complete and thorough comprehension. Ludwig AI identifies its function as a purpose connector. While generally neutral in register, it leans toward formal usage due to the emphasis on thoroughness. It’s most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When writing, use it judiciously to avoid wordiness, and favor simpler alternatives like "to fully grasp" or "to completely comprehend" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To fully grasp

Emphasizes comprehension and retention of information.

To completely comprehend

Highlights thorough and comprehensive understanding.

To have a profound understanding

Highlights a deep and significant level of comprehension.

To thoroughly appreciate

Suggests a deep understanding that includes valuing the nuances.

To gain a complete insight

Focuses on acquiring a deep and comprehensive perspective.

To have a full awareness

Emphasizes being entirely conscious and informed.

To comprehensively perceive

Focuses on the act of perceiving and understanding all aspects.

To achieve total familiarity

Implies extensive knowledge and comfort with a subject.

To impeccably apprehend

Suggests a flawless and accurate understanding.

To deeply internalize

Highlights incorporating understanding into one's core beliefs.

FAQs

How can I use "To totally understand" in a sentence?

You can use "To totally understand" to emphasize the need for a complete and thorough comprehension of a subject. For example, "To totally understand the implications of this policy, we need more data".

What are some alternatives to "To totally understand"?

Some alternatives include "to fully grasp", "to completely comprehend", or "to thoroughly appreciate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "To totally understand"?

It's appropriate when emphasizing the importance of complete comprehension, especially in complex, nuanced, or critical contexts. For less critical contexts, "to understand" might be enough.

What is the difference between "To totally understand" and "To understand"?

"To totally understand" emphasizes the completeness and thoroughness of comprehension, while "to understand" simply indicates comprehension. The former is more emphatic and suggests a deeper level of understanding.