completely the opposite

USAGE SUMMARY

"completely the opposite" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate that the opposite of a certain idea or statement is true. For example, "I thought I was the most qualified applicant, but it turns out I wasn't even close - it was completely the opposite!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's completely the opposite".

The New York Times

Here is completely the opposite.

Independent

In Spain, it was completely the opposite.

The New York Times - Food

But the result was completely the opposite.

The New York Times

Oakland County went completely the opposite way.

The New Yorker

This is completely the opposite to me.

The Guardian - Film

This year, it's completely the opposite.

The New York Times - Sports

And it's completely the opposite now.

The Guardian

"I'm completely the opposite of Lady," Sylla says.

The Guardian - Film

"Well, it was completely the opposite," she said.

The New York Times

Completely the opposite are Lindsey and Stephen Musgrove from Surrey.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider the nuance. While "completely the opposite" is impactful, alternatives like "entirely the reverse" might suit a more sophisticated tone.

Common error

Avoid using "completely the opposite" when a situation is only partially reversed or when there are other factors at play. Overusing this emphatic phrase can make your writing seem less precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely the opposite" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express that the situation or outcome is the direct reverse of what was expected or previously stated. Ludwig confirms the correct and widespread usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "completely the opposite" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that the reverse of a statement or expectation is true. As Ludwig confirms, its purpose is to provide a clear and emphatic contradiction. The phrase is widely used in various contexts, especially in News & Media, with neutral tone, making it a versatile choice for both formal and informal writing. While its directness is valuable, remember that overuse can make your writing appear less nuanced. Consider exploring alternatives like "entirely the reverse" or "diametrically opposed" for a more refined tone. According to Ludwig's analysis, being mindful of these nuances will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entirely the reverse

Emphasizes a complete turnaround or change to the alternative point.

absolutely the contrary

Highlights the opposition as being absolute and without exception.

diametrically opposed

Indicates opposition as being on opposite extremes or ends of a spectrum.

exactly the reverse

Highlights a precise or mirror-image reversal of the original concept.

at opposite ends

Suggests a separation or distinction between two extremes.

poles apart

This phrase emphasizes the extreme difference or divergence.

quite the contrary

Presents a milder, yet direct, contradiction to a previous statement.

just the opposite

Offers a straightforward and simple way to express opposition.

a complete turnaround

Suggests a full reversal of direction or opinion.

the antithesis

Implies a direct contrast, representing the exact opposite.

FAQs

How can I use "completely the opposite" in a sentence?

Use "completely the opposite" to indicate a full reversal or contradiction of a previous statement or expectation. For example, "I expected the movie to be boring, but it was "completely the opposite"; it was fascinating."

What are some alternatives to "completely the opposite"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "entirely the reverse", "absolutely the contrary", or "diametrically opposed" to express a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "completely the opposite" or "exactly the opposite"?

Both "completely the opposite" and "exactly the opposite" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the desired emphasis; "completely" emphasizes totality, while "exactly" emphasizes precision.

What's the difference between "completely the opposite" and "somewhat different"?

"Completely the opposite" indicates a full contradiction, while "somewhat different" suggests a partial divergence. Use "completely the opposite" when the situation is entirely reversed; use "somewhat different" when there are only some changes.