completely and utterly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely and utterly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize an extreme of a situation, and can be used in various contexts. For example: "She was completely and utterly distraught when her pet dog passed away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Completely and utterly.

Independent

"It's completely and utterly wrong".

The New York Times

They are completely and utterly without foundation.

Independent

It's completely and utterly unacceptable".

The Guardian

It completely and utterly changes the legislation.

The Guardian

Even though I'm completely and utterly right.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She's so completely and utterly herself".

The New Yorker

"Oh completely and utterly," he said.

The Guardian - Business

Completely and utterly inappropriate was Heffernan's view.

The Guardian

They completely and utterly ruined everyone's lives.

The Guardian

"I am completely and utterly devastated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "completely and utterly" to add emphasis and convey a strong sense of totality or extremeness. It works well in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the audience and tone.

Common error

While "completely and utterly" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced and precise language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely and utterly" functions as an intensifier, modifying adjectives or adverbs to emphasize the degree or extent of a quality or action. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase serves to add weight and conviction to a statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "completely and utterly" is a commonly used phrase to emphasize a statement, conveying a strong sense of conviction or extreme emotion. As per Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently found in various contexts. It's most prevalent in news and media, while also appearing in more informal settings. Although generally acceptable, it's crucial to use it judiciously, especially in highly formal writing, to avoid sounding repetitive or unprofessional. Consider similar expressions like ""absolutely and totally"" or ""wholly and entirely"" as alternatives to achieve the desired emphasis with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely and totally

Both words emphasize the extreme nature of something, like "completely and utterly".

wholly and entirely

Indicates the totality of something, similar to "completely and utterly" but sounds more formal.

fully and unequivocally

Emphasizes that something is complete and without doubt, much like "completely and utterly".

unreservedly and unconditionally

Implies no limitations or doubts, similar to the emphatic nature of "completely and utterly".

thoroughly and comprehensively

Emphasizes the exhaustive nature of something, sharing the sense of completeness with "completely and utterly".

perfectly and faultlessly

Focuses on the flawless quality of something, similar to expressing extreme perfection like "completely and utterly".

unquestionably and undeniably

Highlights the certainty of something, offering a similar level of strong affirmation as "completely and utterly".

positively and assuredly

Implies a sense of certainty and confidence, similar to the emphatic nature of "completely and utterly".

plainly and simply

Expresses directness and lack of complexity, which, depending on the context can add emphasis in the same way as "completely and utterly".

totally and unconditionally

Stresses the totality and lack of conditions, similar to expressing the complete nature of something with "completely and utterly".

FAQs

How can I use "completely and utterly" in a sentence?

"Completely and utterly" is used to emphasize a statement. For example, "I am "completely and utterly disappointed" in the results."

What are some alternatives to "completely and utterly"?

Alternatives include "absolutely and totally", "wholly and entirely", or "fully and unequivocally". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it redundant to say "completely and utterly"?

While both words share a similar meaning, using them together amplifies the emphasis. Whether it's considered redundant depends on stylistic preference and the context. In some situations, the redundancy is effective in conveying strong emotion or conviction.

When is it appropriate to use "completely and utterly"?

It's suitable when you want to strongly emphasize a point or emotion. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact, so use it judiciously for maximum effect.