are not totally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not totally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is not completely or entirely the case, often in a context of partial agreement or acknowledgment. Example: "The results of the experiment are not totally conclusive, but they do suggest a trend worth investigating further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are not totally reassured.

The New Yorker

But those rules are not totally toothless.

Independent

The developments are not totally unrelated.

The New York Times - Sports

These stories are not totally pre-determined.

The Guardian

However, these processes are not totally under control.

Superlattices and Microstructures

But they are not totally impossible to get.

The New York Times - Food

Locho and Yama are not totally detached from modernity.

The New York Times

Small indulgences are not totally out of the question, though.

The New York Times

But they are not totally unknown to prosperous industrialized countries.

Britannica

But rentals are not totally insulated from economic forces.

The New York Times

The gain functions are not totally known, and the systems are subject to actuator faults.

Systems & Control Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by using synonyms like "are not entirely" or "are not completely" for better writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessive use of "are not totally" can make writing sound hesitant. Opt for more precise language to convey your intended meaning with clarity and impact. For example, replace "are not totally effective" with "have limited effectiveness".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not totally" functions as a qualifier, modifying a statement to indicate that it is not entirely or completely true. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses a partial negation or limitation. The phrase is commonly found across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are not totally" is a versatile qualifier used to express partial negation or limitation. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various writing styles, from news and media to scientific publications. While "are not totally" serves as a valuable tool for introducing nuance and avoiding absolute claims, writers should strive for precision and occasionally opt for alternative phrasing to prevent overuse. Common alternatives include "are not completely" and "are not entirely". The high frequency and wide applicability of "are not totally" underscore its relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not completely

Replaces "totally" with "completely", indicating a lack of full extent or degree.

are not entirely

Substitutes "totally" with "entirely", suggesting a lack of wholeness or exclusiveness.

are not fully

Replaces "totally" with "fully", implying a lack of complete development or realization.

are not wholly

Uses "wholly" instead of "totally", conveying that something is not entirely or exclusively the case.

are not absolutely

Substitutes "totally" with "absolutely", indicating the absence of an unconditional or unrestricted state.

are not perfectly

Replaces "totally" with "perfectly", suggesting the absence of flawless quality or condition.

are not altogether

Uses "altogether" instead of "totally", conveying that something is not entirely or completely the case.

are not exclusively

Replaces "totally" with "exclusively", signifying that something is not limited to only one thing or group.

are not unconditionally

Substitutes "totally" with "unconditionally", implying the absence of limitations or stipulations.

are not uniformly

Replaces "totally" with "uniformly", suggesting a lack of consistency or sameness throughout.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are not totally" in a sentence?

You can substitute "are not totally" with alternatives like "are not completely", "are not entirely", or "are not fully" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "are not totally" and "are not completely"?

While similar, "are not totally" and "are not completely" have subtle differences. "Totally" implies a lack of wholeness, while "completely" suggests a lack of entireness. The choice often depends on the specific context, though they are largely interchangeable.

Is it acceptable to use "are not totally" in formal writing?

Yes, "are not totally" is acceptable, but be mindful of overusing it. In some cases, more precise wording might enhance clarity and impact. For instance, instead of saying "the results are not totally conclusive", consider saying "the results are inconclusive".

When should I use "are not totally" instead of "are not at all"?

"Are not totally" indicates a partial lack, whereas "are not at all" suggests a complete absence. Use "are not totally" when something possesses some degree of a characteristic but not fully, and "are not at all" when it lacks the characteristic entirely.