total incomprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "total incomprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a complete lack of understanding or clarity regarding a subject or situation. Example: "After the complex lecture, I was left in total incomprehension about the topic discussed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

She looked at him with total incomprehension - what is this odd boy saying to me?

The Guardian

Their attitude showed an almost total incomprehension of the reasons for American behavior in the region after Sept. 11, 2001.

The New York Times

I know it's coming soon – possibly the next time that I go down – but I dread the day that he looks at me with total incomprehension.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I vaguely remember a couple of hours of dark frustration, and a total incomprehension only partly down to my rudimentary command of German.

The Guardian

"The diehards become more and more frenzied, while everyone else looks on in total incomprehension – and in many cases are repulsed".

The Guardian

2. In moments of total incomprehension, resort to that familiar British tactic, the "phonetic-pathetic", in which you try to make a foreign word sound like an English one.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

She, too, was silent, her eyes beseeching, full of pain and incomprehension.

Independent

I believe one can only be that way through total indifference to our world, or appalling incomprehension.

The New York Times - Arts

And a significant number of them - about 1,000 in total - ran the gauntlet of protesters outside the venue to voice their anger, dismay and, in many cases, sheer incomprehension at his stance.

BBC

Fear and incomprehension.

The New Yorker

Ghaith went on feigning incomprehension.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "total incomprehension" to express a complete lack of understanding, particularly when emphasizing a strong sense of confusion or inability to grasp a concept. Ensure the context clearly indicates the subject or situation causing the incomprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "total incomprehension" when there is some level of understanding, however limited. Reserve this phrase for situations where understanding is completely absent. Use terms like 'partial understanding' or 'limited comprehension' when some grasp of the subject exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "total incomprehension" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a complete lack of understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "total incomprehension" is a commonly used noun phrase that effectively conveys a complete lack of understanding. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and is often found in news, media and scientific contexts. When writing, use "total incomprehension" to strongly express a complete inability to grasp something, but avoid using it when there's some degree of understanding present. Consider alternatives such as "utter lack of understanding" or "complete lack of comprehension" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter lack of understanding

Emphasizes the complete absence of comprehension.

complete lack of comprehension

Highlights the absence of grasping the subject matter.

absolute failure to understand

Stresses the inability to grasp the meaning.

utter bewilderment

Focuses on the state of being completely confused and disoriented.

sheer perplexity

Highlights the state of being utterly puzzled and confused.

blank confusion

Indicates a state of emptiness in understanding.

deep mystification

Implies a profound sense of being puzzled and unable to explain something.

profound lack of insight

Highlights the absence of a deeper understanding or intuition.

unmitigated confusion

Stresses the complete and unreduced state of confusion.

inability to fathom

Emphasizes the lack of capacity to comprehend or understand something.

FAQs

How can I use "total incomprehension" in a sentence?

You can use "total incomprehension" to describe a complete lack of understanding. For example, "After reading the complex manual, I was left in "total incomprehension"."

What are some alternatives to "total incomprehension"?

Alternatives include "utter lack of understanding", "complete lack of comprehension", or "absolute failure to understand", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "total incomprehension"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a complete lack of understanding. It functions as a noun phrase.

What's the difference between "incomprehension" and "total incomprehension"?

"Incomprehension" implies a lack of understanding, while "total incomprehension" emphasizes that the lack of understanding is complete. The addition of "total" strengthens the degree of the lack of understanding.