like totally

USAGE SUMMARY

'like totally' is not a correct or formal English expression.
It is mostly used among informal speech among young people. An example sentence would be, "He was, like totally, shocked when he found out his results."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I didn't like today.

The New York Times

We'd like 9,000 words, please.

The New York Times - Books

Or like Christmas in the trenches.

Independent

And I like today.

HuffPost

That was like, yesterday.

HuffPost

They must have liked 2012.

The New York Times - Arts

He likes winter.

Huffington Post

It seems like yesterday.

Independent

It tasted like Christmas.

The New Yorker

"It was like Christmas".

The New York Times - Sports

Not like today".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "like totally" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more standard adverbs like "absolutely" or "completely" to maintain clarity and credibility.

Common error

Relying heavily on phrases like "like totally" can make your writing sound immature and unprofessional. Vary your language and use stronger verbs or more precise adjectives instead of intensifiers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like totally" functions as an adverbial intensifier, aiming to amplify the meaning of the word or phrase it modifies. However, it's important to note, as indicated by Ludwig, that this expression is not considered correct in standard English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "like totally" is categorized as an incorrect and informal expression, primarily used in casual speech among younger demographics. According to Ludwig, it is not suitable for formal writing or professional communication. Instead, more appropriate alternatives such as "absolutely", "completely", or "definitely" can be used to convey emphasis with greater clarity and professionalism. Avoiding overuse of intensifiers like "like totally" will enhance the maturity and precision of your writing, making it more impactful and credible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely

This is a straightforward and universally accepted term for agreement or emphasis, suitable for most contexts.

completely

A more formal way to indicate that something is entirely the case, lacking the informality of the original phrase.

definitely

Indicates certainty or agreement, but is more standard and less exaggerated than "like totally".

totally

Shares the "totally" element, but lacks the "like", making it more grammatically acceptable although still informal.

for sure

An informal expression of agreement or certainty, slightly more polished than "like totally".

indeed

A formal term expressing agreement, suitable for professional and academic settings.

certainly

Expresses a strong affirmation or agreement in a more formal manner.

without a doubt

Emphasizes certainty, replacing the informal tone with a more assertive one.

undoubtedly

A more sophisticated synonym for "certainly", suitable for formal writing.

verily

An archaic term for "truly", used for humorous effect or in historical contexts.

FAQs

What does "like totally" mean?

The expression "like totally" is an informal phrase used to emphasize a statement or express strong agreement. It's often used in casual conversation among younger people.

Is it okay to use "like totally" in an essay?

No, it's generally not appropriate to use "like totally" in academic writing or essays. More formal alternatives, such as "absolutely" or "definitely", are more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "like totally"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "completely", "absolutely", or "definitely". These options provide emphasis without sounding overly informal.

How can I make my writing sound more formal?

To make your writing sound more formal, avoid using slang or colloquial expressions like "like totally". Instead, opt for precise language and standard grammatical structures.