thoroughly and utterly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thoroughly and utterly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the completeness or totality of a situation or feeling. Example: "I was thoroughly and utterly exhausted after the long hike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I think he will be thoroughly and utterly destroyed".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Instead, politicians decided to order something that was almost impossible, thoroughly impractical and utterly elitist.

Independent

"Within the Recce platoon he was thoroughly professional and utterly dependable and was held in high regard by all.

BBC

Part of the reason for this is Gingrich is thoroughly unlikable among the electorate at large and utterly nonsensical in his approach to real problem-solving.

The New York Times

It is extremely easy on the eyes and is certainly well put-together, but it is also thoroughly vapid, wholly generic in its sensibility and utterly devoid of any emotional or intellectual engagement.

The New York Times - Arts

You feel thoroughly regarded, utterly looked at and enclosed.

The New York Times

And utterly Reaganesque.

The New Yorker

Completely and utterly.

Independent

Efficient, modern and utterly charmless.

Independent

Slick, chic and utterly wearable.

The New York Times

I find him an utterly hypnotic and utterly humane writer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thoroughly and utterly" to add emphasis when describing something that is complete, exhaustive, or total. It's particularly effective when highlighting the extent or degree of a condition or action.

Common error

Avoid using "thoroughly and utterly" in simple sentences where a single intensifier would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thoroughly and utterly" functions as an intensifier, strengthening the adjective or verb it modifies. As Ludwig AI states, it emphasizes the completeness or totality of something. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts to heighten the impact of the statement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "thoroughly and utterly" is a valid and useful construction in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to emphasize the completeness or intensity of a state or action, making it a strong intensifier. While suitable for various contexts, it's crucial to avoid overuse in simpler sentences. Alternatives such as "completely and totally" or "entirely and absolutely" can be used depending on the desired tone. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, highlighting its relevance in conveying information with emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely and totally

Synonymous, but may sound slightly more informal than "thoroughly and utterly".

entirely and absolutely

Similar in meaning, offering a slightly more formal tone.

wholly and completely

Highlights the exhaustive nature of the action or state.

absolutely and unequivocally

Emphasizes the lack of doubt or reservation.

fully and entirely

Focuses on the comprehensive aspect of the action or state.

utterly and irrevocably

Implies a finality and lack of possibility for change.

absolutely and positively

Common in informal speech, stressing certainty.

to the fullest extent

Highlights the degree to which something is done or experienced.

without any reservation

Emphasizes the complete and unquestioning nature of something.

in every respect

Indicates completeness in all aspects or details.

FAQs

How can I use "thoroughly and utterly" in a sentence?

The phrase "thoroughly and utterly" is used to emphasize the completeness or totality of something. For example: "I was "thoroughly and utterly" exhausted after the marathon."

What phrases are similar to "thoroughly and utterly"?

Alternatives include "completely and totally", "entirely and absolutely", or "wholly and completely".

Is "thoroughly and utterly" formal or informal?

While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, "thoroughly and utterly" can be perceived as slightly more formal. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

When is it best to use "thoroughly and utterly"?

Use "thoroughly and utterly" when you want to strongly emphasize the extent or degree of something. It's effective for describing situations, feelings, or actions that are complete and exhaustive.