total sincerity

USAGE SUMMARY

"total sincerity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means complete honesty or authenticity. Example: I appreciated your feedback with total sincerity, as it helped me improve my writing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Sure, it helps them that I can say with total sincerity that I hope you'll go see this movie.

The Guardian - Opinion

The final score was 4 to 1. Several parents congratulated me for reviving the Cobras, but I said with total sincerity that the boys deserved all the congratulations.

The New York Times

MH Scandi-pop stars are known for their ability to craft intelligent, future-facing pop, but perhaps key to the scene's legacy is the total sincerity of its performers.

The Guardian - Music

We can't expect other people to make us happy, I informed my readers with total sincerity and earnestness, and we should live in the moment and stop obsessing about the future.

The New York Times - Magazine

Jon Gordon, the Miramax executive whose head Mr. Affleck vaulted over, explains afterward in a tone of total sincerity that it was unfair "for Ben to put Harvey in a position where he had to make a decision without having all the information at his fingertips".

The New York Times

I blurted "God is Good!" out loud, with total sincerity, then had to excuse myself to have a breakdown in the men's bathroom.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The touch of irony known to pervade vaporwave's aesthetic is nowhere to be found either; future funk opts for total poptimist sincerity.

Vice

The bluesy and gospel-infused "Tender" was a rare crack in the band's cockeyed humor, with a simple chorus of "Love's the greatest thing" landing with total, believable sincerity (though of course, he followed it up with a funny musical ad lib about ending Donald Trump's electoral career).

Los Angeles Times

You may have watched a manipulative boss climb the greasy pole through nothing more than superficial charm and a total lack of sincerity, you may even have been unfortunate enough to have worked for one.

Independent

WNO's Lulu last year showed that Lothar Koenigs is a wonderfully accomplished conductor of the Second Viennese School, and every layer of Schoenberg's orchestral score emerges with total clarity and sincerity.

The Guardian - Music

He sings with such beauty and humility that although we can't understand his words (there are no surtitles) he convinces us that we do, so total is his sincerity.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "total sincerity" to emphasize the depth and genuineness of a feeling or statement. It conveys a stronger sense of honesty than simply saying "sincerity".

Common error

While "total sincerity" is generally acceptable, overuse in highly formal writing can sound slightly dramatic. Consider using more nuanced language to express honesty in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "total sincerity" functions as an intensifier to the noun "sincerity", emphasizing the completeness and genuineness of the feeling or expression. Ludwig confirms its correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

9%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "total sincerity" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to convey a strong sense of honesty and genuineness. As Ludwig highlights, it emphasizes the depth of feeling, making it more impactful than simply stating "sincerity". While suitable for various contexts, including news and media, it's essential to avoid overuse in overly formal settings. Alternative phrases like "complete honesty" or "utter sincerity" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete honesty

Focuses on the honesty aspect, omitting the nuance of genuineness.

utter sincerity

Uses "utter" for emphasis, similar to "total".

genuine honesty

Highlights the authenticity of the honesty.

unfeigned sincerity

Implies that the sincerity is not pretended or artificial.

absolute sincerity

Similar to "total", emphasizing the completeness of the sincerity.

pure sincerity

Suggests sincerity that is unmixed with other emotions or motives.

heartfelt sincerity

Emphasizes the emotional depth and genuineness of the sincerity.

deep sincerity

Focuses on the intensity and profoundness of the sincerity.

true sincerity

Highlights the authenticity and truthfulness of the sincerity.

unreserved sincerity

Implies that the sincerity is expressed openly and without hesitation.

FAQs

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

You can use "total sincerity" to emphasize the genuineness of a statement or feeling. For example, "I apologized with "total sincerity" for my mistake".

What does "total sincerity" mean?

"Total sincerity" means complete honesty and genuineness in expressing one's feelings or beliefs.

Is there a difference between "sincerity" and "total sincerity"?

Yes, "total sincerity" emphasizes a deeper level of honesty and genuineness compared to just "sincerity". The addition of "total" amplifies the degree of honesty conveyed.

What are some alternatives to "total sincerity"?

Alternatives to "total sincerity" include "complete honesty", "utter sincerity", or "genuine honesty", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.