complete and utter

USAGE SUMMARY

"complete and utter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is total and absolute in nature, such as, "His success was a complete and utter surprise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was a complete and utter failure".

The New Yorker

"They are all complete and utter fools".

The New Yorker

"That's complete and utter rubbish.

The Guardian

Just complete and utter chaos".

The New Yorker

A complete and utter victory for them.

The Guardian - Film

It is complete and utter sophistry.

The Guardian

That is a complete and utter con.

The Guardian

It was a complete and utter shambles.

The Guardian - Sport

This is complete and utter nonsense.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Complete and utter rubbish," said GingerIvy.

The Guardian

It's a complete and utter lifestyle.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complete and utter" to add emphasis when describing something that is entirely and absolutely a certain way. For example, "The project was a "complete and utter" failure" conveys stronger negativity than simply saying it was a failure.

Common error

While effective for emphasis, overuse of "complete and utter" can make your writing sound less professional. Opt for more nuanced vocabulary to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete and utter" functions as an intensifier, modifying a noun to emphasize the totality or absoluteness of a particular quality or state. As Ludwig AI indicates, it suggests that something is entirely and absolutely a specific way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complete and utter" is a common and effective way to add emphasis when describing something that is entirely and absolutely a certain way. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While generally neutral, its tone can lean towards informal and is more frequently found in news and media contexts. While effective, remember that overuse can diminish the impact of the phrase and may sound less professional in formal writing, therefore, consider alternatives such as "absolute and total", "thorough and absolute" or "unqualified and thorough" for a more refined tone. Ludwig's examples highlight its prevalence in various domains, providing useful insight into its diverse application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolute and total

Replaces "complete and utter" with synonyms, emphasizing the absolute and total nature of something.

total and utter

Mirrors the structure of the original phrase but leads with "total".

utter and total

Reverses the order of "complete and utter" while maintaining the core meaning.

thorough and absolute

Suggests a deep and comprehensive quality, similar to "complete and utter".

sheer and utter

Implies something is pure and unmixed, much like the intensity of "complete and utter".

downright and utter

Emphasizes directness and unreservedness, similar to "complete and utter".

thorough and complete

Stresses the meticulous nature of something being finished, similar to "complete and utter".

absolute and unadulterated

Highlights something pure and untouched, comparable to the extremity of "complete and utter".

pure and simple

Offers a straightforward expression, synonymous with the directness of "complete and utter".

perfect and unmitigated

Indicates something flawless and without exception, close to the exhaustive nature of "complete and utter".

FAQs

How can I use "complete and utter" in a sentence?

You can use "complete and utter" to emphasize the extent to which something possesses a particular quality. For instance, "The meeting was a "complete and utter" waste of time" indicates a strong feeling of pointlessness.

What's a more formal way to say "complete and utter"?

For more formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "absolute and total", "thorough and absolute", or "unqualified and thorough". These options offer similar emphasis with a more refined tone.

Is there a difference between saying "complete failure" and "complete and utter failure"?

While "complete failure" indicates a total lack of success, adding "and utter" intensifies the statement, emphasizing the degree of failure. It's a stronger expression but can be less suitable for formal settings.

What are some synonyms for "complete and utter"?

Synonyms include phrases like "absolute and total", "total and utter", or "sheer and utter", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.