are completely helpless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are completely helpless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of total inability to act or respond effectively in a situation. Example: "In the face of the natural disaster, many residents felt they were completely helpless and unsure of what to do next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

They are completely helpless.

The New Yorker

As a result, sloths are completely helpless on the ground unless there is something to grasp.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although there are some outstanding exceptions, most young mammals are completely helpless at birth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Pinniped carnivores (walruses and seals) give birth to their young on land, but cetaceans are completely helpless out of water, on which they depend for mechanical support and thermal insulation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The authors say the caterpillars may resort to manipulation because the relationship is unbalanced; ants can live without the nectar, but caterpillars are completely helpless without their ant guards.

Science Magazine

And I see this - students turn in papers and, God knows they've had a lot of training on how to do a research paper, but the web has become a source, not just academic journals and books, the web is a source, but they are completely helpless in separating out sources that actually have some sort of training and expertise behind them from sources that are O'Reilly.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The driver, although he agreed to the prank, is completely helpless until they condescend to switch it on again.

The Guardian - Opinion

"In most instances, the patient is completely helpless," said Dr. Gibbs, who is also the director of NoThing Left Behind, a national surgical patient safety project.

The New York Times

You know you're completely helpless if a bomb should drop on your home – there is no way you could protect them.

The Guardian

I was completely helpless and they saved me.

Huffington Post

According to Vienna she was completely helpless and Jake ruined her life.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are completely helpless" to clearly convey a total lack of ability to influence a situation. Ensure that the context supports the intensity of this phrase, as it implies a significant degree of vulnerability and lack of agency.

Common error

Avoid using "are completely helpless" when the situation involves some degree of agency or potential for action. Overstating the degree of helplessness can weaken your argument and misrepresent the actual circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are completely helpless" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. Ludwig AI indicates that it attributes a state of total inability or lack of power to a subject. This describes the condition of being unable to act independently or protect oneself.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

16%

Huffington Post

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

8%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are completely helpless" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a state of total inability or lack of power. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage across various contexts, primarily in news, encyclopedias, and formal business domains. While the phrase carries a neutral register, its impact can be strong, emphasizing vulnerability and evoking empathy. When using this phrase, consider whether the situation genuinely reflects a total lack of agency to avoid overstatement. Alternatives like "are totally powerless" or "are vulnerable" can provide a more nuanced description depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are totally powerless

Emphasizes the lack of power or authority in a situation.

are utterly defenceless

Highlights the absence of protection or means of defense.

have no control

Focuses on the lack of ability to manage or direct a situation.

cannot cope

Suggests an inability to manage or deal with a challenging situation.

are at someone's mercy

Indicates dependence on another's compassion or leniency.

are in dire straits

Describes a situation of extreme difficulty or distress.

are in a fix

Highlights being in a difficult situation.

are stuck

Emphasizes being trapped or unable to progress.

are up against it

Highlights facing significant challenges or obstacles.

are in a tight spot

Indicates being in a difficult or precarious situation.

FAQs

How can I use "are completely helpless" in a sentence?

You can use "are completely helpless" to describe a situation where individuals or entities lack the ability to help themselves or influence an outcome. For example, "The refugees "are completely helpless" without international aid."

What phrases are similar to "are completely helpless"?

Similar phrases include "are totally powerless", "are utterly defenceless", or "cannot cope", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "are completely helpless"?

Yes, it can be inappropriate if the situation doesn't reflect a total lack of agency. Consider whether there are any actions the individuals can take, or any external support available before using "are completely helpless". Using a less absolute term like "are vulnerable" or "are struggling" might be more accurate.

What's the difference between "are completely helpless" and "are vulnerable"?

"Are completely helpless" suggests a total lack of ability to act or protect oneself, while ""are vulnerable"" implies susceptibility to harm but not necessarily a complete inability to act. Vulnerability suggests a weakness that can be exploited, while helplessness suggests an inability to affect the situation at all.