totally alone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "totally alone" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a state of complete solitude or isolation. Example: "After the party ended, I felt totally alone in the empty house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Does it not perhaps mean being totally alone, living in a total vacuum?

The Guardian - Film

We're totally alone.

The New Yorker

I felt totally alone.

The Guardian

I am totally alone".

The New York Times

We are totally alone.

The Guardian - Travel

France is not totally alone.

The New Yorker

We're not left totally alone.

The Guardian - Business

We are totally alone," says Makongo.

The Guardian

From that moment I was totally alone.

The Guardian

He hasn't been totally alone, though.

The New York Times - Magazine

He added: "Luckily I'm not totally alone.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "totally alone" to emphasize a feeling of complete isolation, both physically and emotionally. It is particularly effective when highlighting a sense of vulnerability or abandonment.

Common error

Avoid using "totally alone" in overly casual or informal settings where a simpler word like "alone" would suffice. Overusing intensifiers can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally alone" functions as an adverb-adjective combination. The adverb "totally" intensifies the adjective "alone", emphasizing a state of complete isolation. Ludwig confirms this usage, providing numerous examples where it describes physical or emotional solitude.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "totally alone" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize a state of complete isolation. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "completely alone" or "utterly alone" exist, "totally alone" effectively conveys a strong sense of solitude, often highlighting vulnerability or profound independence. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the desired tone and level of formality for your writing, avoiding overuse in overly casual settings. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is well-recognized and readily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely isolated

Emphasizes a lack of connection or interaction with others in addition to being alone.

utterly isolated

Highlights the feeling of being detached and separate from everyone and everything.

entirely by myself

Focuses specifically on the absence of other people, emphasizing self-reliance.

all by my own

More colloquial and emphasizes independence in being alone.

in complete solitude

Highlights the voluntary and sometimes desired aspect of being alone, emphasizing peace and quiet.

without any company

Highlights the absence of companionship, making it suitable for situations where company might be expected.

completely independent

Implies self-sufficiency and self-reliance, but not necessarily physical isolation.

left to my own devices

Suggests being alone with the freedom to do as one pleases, often implying a lack of supervision.

in a vacuum

Suggests a state of isolation from information, support, or external influences, often implying negativity.

lonely

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of being alone, focusing on feelings of sadness and isolation.

FAQs

How can I use "totally alone" in a sentence?

You can use "totally alone" to describe a state of complete isolation, like "After everyone left, I felt "totally alone" in the big house".

What phrases are similar to "totally alone"?

Similar phrases include "completely alone", "utterly alone", or "entirely by myself". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more correct to say "totally alone" or "completely alone"?

Both "totally alone" and "completely alone" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What's the difference between "totally alone" and "lonely"?

"Totally alone" emphasizes the physical absence of others. "Lonely" focuses on the feeling of sadness that can accompany being alone. One can be "totally alone" without being lonely, and vice versa.