completely penetrate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely penetrate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe something that fully goes through or enters another substance or area. Example: "The sound waves can completely penetrate the walls of the building, making it difficult to find a quiet space."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Deploy the drugs before they completely penetrate the cell, and the cancer cell fortifies its outer membrane to stave off the attack.

The Economist

Roman Catholicism does not accept the possibility of a new revelation; it believes that reason can never completely penetrate the "mystery" and that it must continue the exploration of the mystery that has already been revealed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

American troops largely ousted the Taliban from central Helmand, but were never able to completely penetrate the north, where residents have historically had little love either for the Afghan government or foreign forces.

The New York Times

Small, shallow lakes that freeze to the bottom each winter are underlain by a zone of thawed material, but the thawed zone does not completely penetrate permafrost except near the southern border of permafrost.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It should be noted that the cone would not completely penetrate into the sample mixture.

Petroleum Science

The two drill cores completely penetrate the lava; the thickness of the lava in cores AVL1 and AVL2 are 91.4 m and 91.0 m, respectively.

Earth, Planets and Space

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

From the Asuka period (A.D. 552-645) theough the late Heian (end of the 12th century), the Chinese language completely penetrated Japanese.

The New York Times - Arts

It seemed as if you were in a very hot place and at the same time completely penetrated by the same heat, so that you feel completely at one with the element you find yourself in.

The Guardian - Books

In September last year Froilán Barrios of the Confederation of Venezuelan Workers, which opposes the government, said that "oil and petrochemicals are completely penetrated by Cuban G2," the Castros' fearsomely efficient intelligence service.

The Economist

However, the droplet completely penetrated the fabric over a period of one day.

Applied Surface Science

For comparison, a few of the specimens are those with completely penetrated groove welds.

Journal of Constructional Steel Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "completely penetrate", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being penetrated and what is doing the penetrating. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "completely penetrate" in overly abstract or metaphorical situations where a simpler, more direct phrase would be clearer. For example, instead of "The idea completely penetrated his mind", consider "He fully understood the idea."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely penetrate" functions as a verb phrase, where "completely" modifies the verb "penetrate", emphasizing the thoroughness of the action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

22%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "completely penetrate" is a grammatically correct and common expression used to describe something that fully enters or passes through another object or substance. As Ludwig AI validates, it’s suitable for various contexts, ranging from scientific discussions to news reports. The phrase appears most frequently in scientific contexts, followed by news media and wiki sources. While “penetrate” often implies thoroughness, the addition of “completely” emphasizes the extent of the action. When writing, ensure the context clearly defines what is being penetrated to avoid ambiguity, and avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts where simpler language would be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fully permeate

Replaces "penetrate" with "permeate", emphasizing diffusion throughout.

thoroughly infiltrate

Substitutes "penetrate" with "infiltrate", suggesting a subtle or gradual entry.

entirely pierce

Uses "pierce" instead of "penetrate", highlighting a sharp or pointed entry.

wholly permeate

Emphasizes completeness using "wholly" with "permeate".

deeply permeate

Focuses on the depth of the penetration or permeation.

totally saturate

Changes the verb to "saturate", indicating complete filling or absorption.

utterly pervade

Replaces "penetrate" with "pervade", stressing a widespread effect.

fully invade

Uses "invade" to suggest forceful entry throughout something.

absolutely enter

Highlights the action of entering completely.

irrevocably affect

Shifts the focus to the effect of penetration, implying a lasting impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "completely penetrate" to describe something that passes entirely through or enters deeply into something else. For example, "The laser beam can "completely penetrate" the material" or "The roots "completely penetrate" the soil."

What are some alternatives to "completely penetrate"?

Some alternatives include "fully permeate", "thoroughly infiltrate", or "entirely pierce", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "completely penetrate"?

While "penetrate" often implies thoroughness, using "completely" emphasizes the extent of the action. Whether it's redundant depends on the context; in some cases, it can add clarity or emphasis.

What's the difference between "completely penetrate" and "partially penetrate"?

"Completely penetrate" means to pass all the way through or deeply into something, whereas "partially penetrate" means to only enter or pass through a portion of it. For example, a bullet might "completely penetrate" a thin barrier, but only "partially penetrate" a thick one.