total surveillance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "total surveillance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where every action or movement of individuals is monitored without exception. Example: "The government's implementation of total surveillance has raised significant concerns about privacy and civil liberties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Then it adds an inexorable push for total surveillance.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a world of total surveillance and artificial pleasures.

The Guardian - Arts

I do not believe that total surveillance should be the norm.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their children are growing up in a contradictory little world of total surveillance and endless vulnerability.

The Guardian

Harvested, captured, sold, fed into the panopticon: total surveillance, total control, total power.

The Guardian

For better and worse, free societies are fast entering the world of total surveillance.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The cameras are off and the website now displays only a blank white page.It would seem a thoroughly Orwellian absurdity that police could put him under near-total surveillance while forbidding him from surveilling himself.

The Economist

An excerpt from the post, compressed for space: It would seem a thoroughly Orwellian absurdity that police could put him under near-total surveillance while forbidding him from surveilling himself.

The New York Times

However, despite claims as to the existence of a 'total surveillance society', geographers have highlighted the importance of space in limiting the surveilling gaze.

International Encyclopedia of Human Geography

As exciting as all this technology might be, the truth is that Xinjiang's 'total surveillance state' relies on an extraordinary number of police officers to make it work.

Forbes

If software from these heavily state-influenced 'start-ups' is used to oppress populations towards the 'total surveillance' dream, thus leading to increases in revenue and capitalizations, then it becomes a frightening case of being careful what you wish for.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "total surveillance", clarify the scope and purpose of the surveillance to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether it refers to government surveillance, corporate monitoring, or something else.

Common error

Avoid using "total surveillance" without providing context. Not all readers will immediately grasp the implications, so briefly explain what is being surveilled and by whom.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "total surveillance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state or condition of being completely monitored. Ludwig AI confirms this by showcasing examples where it is used to denote pervasive monitoring by governments or organizations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

23%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "total surveillance" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a state of complete and comprehensive monitoring. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. The term often carries negative connotations, raising concerns about privacy and civil liberties. When using "total surveillance", it's essential to provide context to avoid ambiguity and ensure your audience understands the scope and implications of the monitoring being discussed. While alternatives like "complete monitoring" or "comprehensive surveillance" exist, "total surveillance" is the most frequently used term to convey this specific concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Complete monitoring

Focuses on the act of monitoring being complete.

Comprehensive surveillance

Emphasizes the breadth of the surveillance.

Full monitoring

Highlights the completeness of the monitoring process.

Ubiquitous surveillance

Emphasizes the widespread nature of the surveillance.

Blanket surveillance

Indicates surveillance that covers everything indiscriminately.

Systematic monitoring

Implies a structured and methodical approach to monitoring.

Universal monitoring

Suggests that everyone is being monitored.

Pervasive monitoring

Highlights how widespread the monitoring is.

Extensive monitoring

Emphasizes the detailed and far-reaching nature of the monitoring.

Overall supervision

Highlights that all-inclusive supervision is in place.

FAQs

What does "total surveillance" mean?

The term "total surveillance" refers to a state where all activities and communications are constantly monitored, often by governments or corporations.

What are the ethical implications of "total surveillance"?

Ethical concerns surrounding "total surveillance" often involve violations of privacy, potential for abuse of power, and chilling effects on freedom of expression.

What's the difference between "mass surveillance" and "total surveillance"?

"Total surveillance" implies a complete and comprehensive monitoring of all aspects of life, while "mass surveillance" usually refers to the monitoring of a large group of people, not necessarily encompassing every aspect of their lives.

How can I avoid being subjected to "total surveillance"?

Completely avoiding "total surveillance" may be difficult in modern society, but you can take steps to protect your privacy, such as using encrypted communication tools and being mindful of your digital footprint.