but completely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but completely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a totality or thoroughness in a statement, often contrasting with a previous idea. Example: "I understand your concerns, but completely dismissing the proposal is not the best approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He is tough but completely open-minded.

Independent

But completely unacceptable.

The New York Times

But completely unconscious?

The New York Times

But Completely opposite, Standing adverseness.

The New Yorker

I was rendered speechless but completely impressed.

The New York Times

It's really sad but completely unsurprising".

The Guardian - Film

It's a simple story, but completely satisfying.

The New York Times - Books

It is briefly arresting but completely preposterous.

The Guardian - Arts

Huge police presence, but completely peaceful.

The Guardian

"It's one idea, but completely different ways to achieve it".

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But not completely.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but completely" to introduce a contrasting element that emphasizes the thorough or total nature of the subsequent statement. It's effective when you want to highlight a significant difference or reversal.

Common error

Avoid using "but completely" in very simple sentences where a more concise conjunction like "but" alone would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but completely" functions as a conjunction phrase that introduces a contrast while emphasizing the exhaustive or total nature of the subsequent statement. It serves to highlight a significant difference or reversal, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

31%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but completely" is a conjunction phrase used to introduce a contrast while emphasizing the exhaustive nature of the subsequent statement. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It functions to highlight significant differences or reversals, as demonstrated by the examples provided by Ludwig. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts. It is commonly found in News & Media and Science sources. When using "but completely", avoid overuse in simple sentences where a simpler conjunction would suffice to maintain conciseness and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but totally

Replaces "completely" with "totally", offering a more informal and direct emphasis on totality.

yet entirely

Replaces "but" with "yet", implying a slightly stronger sense of contrast, and "completely" with "entirely", keeping a similar sense of totality.

yet utterly

Uses "yet" to introduce a contrast and "utterly" to emphasize the complete or extreme nature of the following statement.

however fully

Uses "however" for a more formal contrast and "fully" to indicate completeness, resulting in a slightly more sophisticated tone.

however perfectly

Replaces "but" with "however" to suggest contrast and "completely" with "perfectly" with suggests ideal.

though thoroughly

"Though" is a more casual alternative to "but", and "thoroughly" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the action or state.

though wholly

Uses "though" for a more casual alternative to "but", and "wholly" to emphasize the completeness or undivided nature.

while absolutely

"While" sets up a contrast, and "absolutely" provides a strong emphasis on the completeness or certainty of what follows.

while entirely

"While" sets up a contrast, and "entirely" emphasizes the completeness of what follows, similar to "completely".

but in every respect

This alternative maintains the contrast with the "but" and replaces "completely" with a longer phrase that emphasizes all aspects being considered.

FAQs

How can I use "but completely" in a sentence?

Use "but completely" to introduce a contrasting idea that emphasizes the thorough or total nature of the subsequent statement. For example, "The plan was risky, but completely necessary".

What are some alternatives to "but completely"?

Alternatives include "yet entirely", "however fully", or "though thoroughly", depending on the desired tone and level of formality.

Is there a difference between "but completely" and "but totally"?

"But completely" and "but totally" are quite similar, with "but totally" being slightly more informal. The choice depends on the context and your desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "but completely" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize a contrast while also highlighting the exhaustive or comprehensive nature of the following statement. Avoid using it in contexts where a simpler conjunction like "but" is sufficient.