completely dry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely dry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has no moisture or is entirely free of liquid. Example: "After several hours in the sun, the clothes were completely dry and ready to be folded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet you remain completely dry!...$9.99"...$9.99

The New Yorker

Completely dry hydrogen chloride is very unreactive.

Britannica

"At Thanksgiving time, my pantry ran completely dry," she said.

The New York Times

Pat completely dry, and transfer to a clean dry bowl.

The New York Times - Food

The mid-90s weren't completely dry for Madonna.

The Guardian - Music

They should be freshly picked and completely dry.

The New York Times

Mind you, it's not a completely dry story.

BBC

Keep blotting until the area is completely dry.

Forbes

Pat completely dry.

Los Angeles Times

Blot with paper towels to completely dry.

Huffington Post

Let the medication absorb and completely dry.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to dry an item, specify "completely dry" to avoid any ambiguity. For example, "Ensure the surface is completely dry before applying the adhesive."

Common error

Avoid using "completely dry" when the context already implies thorough dryness. For instance, instead of saying "the desert is completely dry", simply state "the desert is arid" to avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely dry" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It specifies the degree or state of dryness. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

31%

News & Media

30%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "completely dry" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It serves to emphasize the thoroughness of dryness across various contexts, from instructional guides to scientific descriptions. While versatile, avoid redundant usage where dryness is already implied. Ludwig's analysis shows it appears most commonly in Wiki and News & Media sources, indicating a neutral register. When instructing someone, specifying "completely dry" can prevent ambiguity, ensuring a clear understanding of the required state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

totally dry

Emphasizes the completeness of the dryness, similar to "completely dry".

absolutely dry

Similar to "completely dry", stressing the absolute nature of the dryness.

fully dried

Highlights the process of drying being finished.

thoroughly dried

Similar to "fully dried", emphasizing the thoroughness of the drying process.

bone dry

Implies an extreme level of dryness, often used figuratively.

arid

Describes a dry climate or environment.

desiccated

Suggests a state of being thoroughly dried out, often for preservation.

parched

Indicates extreme dryness, often associated with thirst or lack of water.

without moisture

States the absence of moisture, a more literal description.

free from dampness

Emphasizes the absence of dampness or humidity.

FAQs

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

You can use "completely dry" to describe the state of something that has no moisture left. For example, "Make sure your hands are completely dry before handling electrical equipment."

What's a synonym for "completely dry"?

Alternatives to "completely dry" include "totally dry", "fully dried", or "bone dry", depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "completely dry"?

While grammatically correct, using "completely dry" might be redundant in contexts where dryness is already implied. Choose a more concise word if possible, such as "arid" or "desiccated".

What does it mean when something is "completely dry"?

When something is "completely dry", it signifies the total absence of moisture. This is often crucial in contexts where moisture can cause damage or interfere with a process.