in toto

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in toto" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is being considered as a whole or in its entirety. Example: "The committee reviewed the proposal in toto before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So, what was announced in toto?

Independent

project, that of Encyclopaedia Brittanica, in toto.

The New Yorker

He responded, in toto, "Oh, right".

The New York Times

"I object to Sunday sport in toto," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

In "Toto Dies," she juxtaposed everyday chit-chat with distant tidings of war in Iraq.

The New York Times - Arts

A legend near the top of the page read "Composed in toto on September 26, 2006".

The New York Times

Our statistics show 1 dancing school to every 9 blind tigers - 412 in toto.

The New Yorker

And for a show less than two hours long, in toto, there was an intermission.

The New Yorker

And then I am going to react, and we will react, in toto".

The New York Times

Another ditty, titled "Companion," runs, in toto, "We are sitting here together, my digestion and I.

The New Yorker

Not surprisingly, it would also repeal the health care legislation "in toto".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in toto" when you want to convey a sense of completeness or totality in a formal or academic context. It adds a touch of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in toto" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound pretentious or out of place. Opt for simpler alternatives like "completely" or "entirely".

Linguistic Context

"In toto" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action or consideration is complete or total. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in expressing that something is done entirely or that a topic is considered as a whole.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "in toto" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that means "completely" or "entirely". As Ludwig AI correctly indicates, its usage lends a formal or academic tone to writing. It appears most commonly in scientific and news media contexts, serving to emphasize the comprehensive nature of an action or consideration. While appropriate in formal writing, it should be used sparingly in casual conversation. Consider alternatives such as "completely" or "entirely" in less formal settings. "In totality" is also a good alternative with a perfect interchangeability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in totality

Similar to "in toto", emphasizing that everything is being included or considered.

completely

Emphasizes the thoroughness of an action or state, leaving nothing undone or partial.

entirely

Highlights the wholeness and indivisibility of something, stressing that no part is excluded.

wholly

Stresses the absolute and undivided nature of something, similar to 'entirely' but often more emphatic.

totally

Highlights the comprehensive nature of something, implying that all aspects are included or affected.

in its entirety

Suggests that something is being viewed or considered in its complete and unabridged form.

altogether

Implies a comprehensive summing up, often used when calculating a final amount or considering all factors.

fully

Indicates that something is done to the greatest extent possible, with no limitations or reservations.

as a whole

Focuses on considering something as a single unit, rather than its individual parts.

on the whole

Implies a general overview or summary, considering all factors but not necessarily in exhaustive detail.

FAQs

What does "in toto" mean?

"In toto" is a Latin phrase that means "completely" or "entirely". It indicates that something is being considered as a whole.

When should I use "in toto"?

Use "in toto" in formal or academic writing when you want to emphasize that something is being considered in its entirety. It is generally not appropriate for casual conversation.

What are some alternatives to "in toto"?

Some alternatives to "in toto" include "altogether", "completely", "entirely", "fully", "wholly", "totally", "as a whole", "in its entirety", "on the whole" and "in totality".

Is "in toto" formal?

Yes, "in toto" is a formal phrase. It is more commonly used in academic, scientific, or legal contexts than in everyday conversation.