erase completely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "erase completely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of removing something entirely without leaving any trace. Example: "To ensure the document is no longer accessible, please erase completely any digital copies stored on your device."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"The stigma, as far as the safety part of this goes, is going to take awhile to erase completely," said Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor of the online travel website CruiseCritic.com.

Los Angeles Times

This is what would be expected under a vicariant mode of speciation in which the ancestral range is split almost randomly (hence partly erasing the phylogenetic signal of range size), but the resulting species maintain the geographic centroid of their ranges through time, so that range movements do not erase completely the geographic signal of speciation.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

While the effects of abuse can never be erased completely, therapy for survivors is crucial.

The Guardian - Opinion

At that moment, everything and everyone I ever knew, and all I had ever learned, was erased completely from my mind.

The New York Times - Magazine

His success is particularly marked in the case of the superlative seven-piece band that travelled with Charles in the late 1950s; within minutes of their arrival on the screen, the distinction between the real figures of the great saxophonists David "Fathead" Newman and Leroy "Hog" Cooper and the actors playing them has been erased completely.

The Guardian - Film

This backlog must be erased, completely.

Huffington Post

Yet if you take Pollitt's hand, Hillary's ugly views soften in focus, but cannot be erased completely.

Huffington Post

There can always be more, but when people say that, I feel like I've just been erased completely.

Vice

After all, gay men are not mentioned except through a movie associating them with HIV/AIDS, and lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people are erased completely from the discourse.

Huffington Post

You will receive a warning message saying that your device data will be erased completely.

WikiHow

Moreover, recent studies have demonstrated that epigenetic silencing of alleles that occurs during meiosis does not completely erase all epigenetic modification as previously thought (36, 48).

Endocrinology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "erase completely" in technical writing, specify the method of erasure to ensure clarity, for example, "erase completely using a secure deletion tool".

Common error

While technically correct, avoid using "erase completely" in very casual conversations. Simpler words like "delete" or "remove" often sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "erase completely" functions primarily as a verb modifier, specifying the manner in which the action of erasing is performed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. The adverb "completely" intensifies the verb "erase", indicating a thorough and total removal.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "erase completely" is deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig AI, serving to emphasize the thoroughness of an action. While adaptable across contexts, it is especially valuable in situations requiring precision. Alternatives such as "completely remove" and "totally eliminate" can be used based on the nuances desired. To enhance writing quality, use in technical instructions to ensure clear and comprehensive methods of erasure, however, consider simplifying this in informal context, using simpler words. It is correct and usable, but is not as frequent as simpler alternatives like "delete" or "remove". The analyzed Ludwig examples from different sources confirm that the phrase can be found in a variety of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely remove

This alternative focuses on the action of taking something away entirely. While both have similar meanings, "completely remove" is more straightforward.

totally eliminate

This option emphasizes a full and comprehensive eradication. It implies a more forceful or definitive action than "erase completely".

fully expunge

Expunge suggests a formal or legal act of blotting out or obliterating. The main difference is that "fully expunge" is often used in legal contexts.

thoroughly delete

This choice emphasizes a careful and comprehensive act of deletion. The alternative "thoroughly delete" puts stress on the level of accuracy.

wipe out entirely

The phrasal verb "wipe out" implies destruction or obliteration. "Wipe out entirely" is a bit more dramatic than "erase completely".

obliterate completely

The term "obliterate" suggests total destruction, leaving no trace. This is a reciprocal term for "erase completely".

completely eradicate

Eradicate emphasizes the removal of something undesirable or harmful. "Eradicate completely" is more commonly used in contexts such as eliminating diseases or pests.

entirely eradicate

This alternative is more formal. Emphasizes complete removal of something, often undesirable.

remove all traces of

This phrase highlights the intention of leaving nothing behind. "Remove all traces of" is more descriptive, specifying the goal.

cancel completely

This version is more suited for events or plans rather than physical objects. While both share the "completely" element, "cancel completely" implies a change of plan.

FAQs

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

You can use "erase completely" to describe thoroughly removing something. For example, "To protect your privacy, "erase completely" any sensitive data from your device before selling it".

What does "erase completely" mean?

"Erase completely" means to remove something entirely, leaving no trace behind.

What can I say instead of "erase completely"?

Alternatives include "completely remove", "totally eliminate", or "fully expunge" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "erase completely"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize the thoroughness of the removal, ensuring nothing is left behind. It fits contexts where precision is needed, like data security or technical instructions.