this is totally optional

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "this is totally optional" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this sentence when you are offering someone a choice that is not mandatory or required. For example, "You don't have to buy this product, this is totally optional."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This is totally optional, since it's a bad idea.

WikiHow

You can do this, but this is totally optional.

WikiHow

This is totally optional; it just saves clean up time in the long run.

WikiHow

Remember this is totally optional, and if you don't want to do this, there is no pressure.

WikiHow

If you want to make the test harder, try to make your undercover penguin a member if you can (this is totally optional), and your regular penguin is optional for membership too, but membership is a nice thing to have.

WikiHow

Lastly, you might want to place an attractive flower on top such as a hibiscus to be the center of attention, but this is totally optional as these flowers might not be available.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

You can then manually select and remove pictures, but this step is totally optional.

TechCrunch

This part is totally optional.

WikiHow

Some may also have a keyboardist for extra effect, but this, and everything else, is totally optional.

WikiHow

This increases the intimacy, especially if you're both naked (but that's totally optional).

WikiHow

And the meat or fish is totally optional; the chew and flavor are of course welcome, but this could be a fine vegan risotto.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is totally optional" to clearly communicate that an action or item is not required, allowing for flexibility and personal choice. Consider the context to determine if a more formal or informal phrasing is appropriate.

Common error

While "totally" emphasizes the optional nature, it can sound informal. In professional or academic writing, consider using phrases like "this is entirely optional" or "this is optional" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is totally optional" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that something is not required. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples show it used to express choice in various situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

29%

News & Media

25%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is totally optional" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey that something is not required. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's more appropriate for informal settings. The phrase appears most commonly in Wiki, News & Media and Academic contexts. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "this is entirely optional". Use it to empower choice and avoid unnecessary pressure. Overall, it's a straightforward way to communicate flexibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is completely voluntary

Replaces "optional" with "voluntary", emphasizing the freedom of choice.

this is not mandatory

Uses a more formal tone by stating directly that something is "not mandatory".

this is at your discretion

Indicates that the decision is left to the individual's judgment.

this is up to you

Offers a more casual and direct way of saying something is optional.

you are not obligated to do this

Explicitly states there is no requirement or obligation.

this is elective

Emphasizes the element of choice, particularly in structured environments like education.

this is not compulsory

Similar to "not mandatory", but can be slightly stronger in tone.

participation is voluntary

Focuses on the act of participating and clarifies that it is not required.

doing this is your call

Implies a personal decision-making power regarding the action.

this is non-essential

Highlights that something is not crucial or needed.

FAQs

What does "this is totally optional" mean?

The phrase "this is totally optional" means that something is not required and is left to your discretion. You have the choice to do it or not.

What can I say instead of "this is totally optional"?

You can use alternatives like "this is completely voluntary", "this is not mandatory", or "this is up to you" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "this is totally optional" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "this is totally optional" is more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using "this is entirely optional" or similar phrases for a more professional tone.

How do I use "this is totally optional" in a sentence?

You can use "this is totally optional" to indicate that a particular action or item is not required. For example, "Attending the meeting is totally optional; it won't affect your performance review."