full on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'full on' is not considered acceptable in written English.
In spoken English, it is used to emphasize something that someone is doing enthusiastically or to describe something as intense. For example, "She's full on studying for her final exams."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The full on?

The New Yorker

She's on — full on.

The New Yorker

"He's full on commitment, man.

Independent

It should be full on".

The New York Times

Ms. Hampton said, "I was full on".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Then full-on crying.

The New York Times

A full-on Taliban revival?

The New York Times

It was really full-on.

Independent

Full-on body checking is prohibited.

The New York Times - Sports

Full-on, straight up, no chaser.

Independent

"It's a full-on charm offensive".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For formal writing, replace "full on" with more precise and professional alternatives like "completely", "intensely", or "thoroughly".

Common error

Avoid using "full on" in formal reports, academic papers, or business communications. Its informality can detract from the seriousness and professionalism of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full on" functions as an intensifier, modifying nouns or verbs to emphasize the degree or manner of an action or state. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's often used to highlight enthusiasm or intensity. Examples include "full-on crying" and "full-on charm offensive".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "full on" is an acceptable, albeit informal, way to express intensity, enthusiasm, or completeness, primarily in spoken English. Ludwig AI indicates that it is less suitable for formal written contexts where alternatives like "completely" or "intensely" are more appropriate. The phrase appears mostly in news and media sources, suggesting its common, yet informal, usage. While grammatically acceptable in certain contexts, overusing "full on" in formal settings should be avoided to maintain a professional tone. Consider replacing it with more precise and formal alternatives when writing academic papers or business communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all-out

"All-out" suggests maximum effort or commitment, mirroring the enthusiastic sense of "full on".

out-and-out

This phrase indicates something being complete or thorough, much like "full on" in certain contexts.

completely

This adverb indicates a total or absolute degree, similar to "full on" when used to emphasize completeness.

totally

Similar to completely, "totally" implies a complete or absolute extent.

flat out

Implies maximum speed or effort, similar to "full on" when describing intense activity.

intensely

This adverb conveys a high degree of feeling or strength, reflecting the intensity aspect of "full on".

with great intensity

Expresses a high degree of strength or emotion, aligning with the intensity aspect of "full on".

wholeheartedly

Conveys the idea of doing something with complete enthusiasm and commitment.

in full swing

Describes something that is at its peak activity or progress.

thoroughly

This adverb suggests that something is done completely and carefully.

FAQs

How can I use "full on" in a sentence?

You can use "full on" to describe something done with enthusiasm or something intense, like, "She's "full on studying" for her exams" or "It was a "full on party" last night".

What phrases can I use instead of "full on"?

Alternatives to "full on" include "completely", "intensely", or "all-out", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "full on" in written English?

While "full on" is commonly used in spoken English, it's often considered too informal for formal written English. Consider using more formal alternatives in professional writing.

What's the difference between "full on" and "intense"?

"Full on" often implies both intensity and enthusiasm or commitment, whereas "intense" primarily focuses on the degree of strength or feeling. "Full on" is also more informal.