Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
are completely terrestrial
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "are completely terrestrial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe entities or organisms that exist solely on land, without any aquatic or aerial characteristics. Example: "The species we are studying are completely terrestrial, thriving in various land habitats."
✓ Grammatically correct
Encyclopedias
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Others are completely terrestrial.
Encyclopedias
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Data of terrestrial lava domes, terrestrial rootless cones, and terrestrial pingos are not completely compiled in Fig. 8; however, their morphology are completely different from the that of the mud volcanoes and the targeted mounds of this study, so that they are readily discernable even if they have morphometric parameters to those of the studied mounds.
Although similar to terrestrial basalts, the mare basalts have much higher abundances of iron and are completely lacking in minerals altered by water.
Wiki
They are now considered to have been entirely terrestrial animals.
Wiki
Spotify doesn't even broadcast into space since it's a completely terrestrial data-based music service, and the lines in the crop circle aren't identical to the logo.
News & Media
Despite having limbs rather than fins, early tetrapods were not completely terrestrial because their eggs and larvae depended upon a moist aquatic habitat.
Encyclopedias
That is completely, completely unfair.
News & Media
"I was completely, completely shocked.
Formal & Business
Even though this research has greatly restricted the possible properties of planets around Barnard's Star, it has not ruled them out completely; terrestrial planets would be difficult to detect.
Wiki
These additional HD Radio channels don't come close to replicating the immense programming variety on XM and Sirius, but they do narrow the competitive gap, especially when HD Radio is, like all terrestrial radio, completely free once you've bought a receiver.
News & Media
There are four terrestrial snakes known to occur in Galapagos.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing species or organisms, use "are completely terrestrial" to clearly indicate that they live exclusively on land and have no aquatic or aerial adaptations. This helps avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "are completely terrestrial" when describing organisms that spend part of their life cycle in water or air. Ensure the description accurately reflects the organism's entire habitat range.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "are completely terrestrial" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to specify the habitat or lifestyle of a particular organism or entity. It asserts an exclusive association with land, as confirmed by Ludwig.
Frequent in
Encyclopedias
20%
News & Media
20%
Science
20%
Less common in
Wiki
20%
Formal & Business
20%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "are completely terrestrial" is a descriptive term used to specify that an organism or entity exists solely on land, without any aquatic or aerial characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various domains, including encyclopedias, news media, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the subject's exclusive association with land to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "are exclusively land-based" or "exist solely on land" can be used for variety, while maintaining clarity.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
are exclusively land-based
Replaces "completely terrestrial" with a focus on land as the sole habitat.
are entirely earthbound
Emphasizes the connection to Earth, suggesting no aquatic or aerial existence.
are wholly terrestrial in nature
Adds emphasis with "wholly" and specifies the inherent terrestrial characteristic.
exist solely on land
Simplifies the phrasing to focus on the exclusive habitat.
are strictly terrestrial
Highlights the adherence to a terrestrial lifestyle with "strictly".
are solely land-dwelling
Replaces 'terrestrial' with 'land-dwelling' for a slightly more descriptive tone.
are fully adapted to land
Focuses on the adaptation aspect, implying exclusive suitability for land.
are absolutely terrestrial
Adds intensity to the terrestrial nature with "absolutely".
are purely terrestrial
Uses "purely" to emphasize the absence of aquatic or aerial elements.
are confined to terrestrial environments
Highlights the restriction to land-based environments.
FAQs
How can I use "are completely terrestrial" in a sentence?
You can use "are completely terrestrial" to describe animals, plants, or even structures that exist solely on land. For example, "The tortoises on the island are completely terrestrial, having no need to enter the water".
What are some alternatives to "are completely terrestrial"?
Alternatives include "are exclusively land-based", "exist solely on land", or "are entirely earthbound" depending on the context.
Is it correct to say "is completely terrestrial" or "are completely terrestrial"?
"Is completely terrestrial" is used for singular subjects, while "are completely terrestrial" is used for plural subjects. For example, "This species is completely terrestrial" versus "These species are completely terrestrial".
What is the difference between "are terrestrial" and "are completely terrestrial"?
"Are terrestrial" implies a general association with land, while "are completely terrestrial" emphasizes that there is no association with aquatic or aerial environments. The latter specifies an exclusive land-based existence.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested