totally and utterly

USAGE SUMMARY

"totally and utterly" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the extent of a particular feeling or action. For example: "I was totally and utterly shocked at the news of his death."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They've failed totally and utterly".

Independent

'I am totally and utterly overwhelmed.

The Guardian - Business

"It is totally and utterly opaque.

The Guardian

Surrey totally and utterly lost the plot.

The Guardian - Sport

He was, though, totally and utterly beaten.

The Guardian - Sport

He is totally and utterly stoned most of the time.

The Economist

That does seem to be totally and utterly extraordinary.

The Guardian

I totally and utterly reject that pessimistic view.

The Guardian

I've never felt so totally and utterly gutted.

The Guardian - Sport

"I've never felt so totally and utterly gutted," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In order to modify them, we use different adverbs, such as 'absolutely'totallylly' and 'utterly'utterly

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "totally and utterly" to emphasize a feeling or state, but avoid overuse in formal writing where a more nuanced word choice might be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "totally and utterly" in highly formal contexts such as academic papers or legal documents. While grammatically correct, it can be perceived as overly emphatic or informal. Opt for a single, strong adjective to convey the same meaning with more precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally and utterly" functions as an intensifier, amplifying the meaning of the word it modifies. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies it as a correct phrase for emphasis. It serves to strengthen the descriptive impact of the adjective or verb.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "totally and utterly" is a correct and commonly used phrase functioning as an intensifier, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's primarily employed to emphasize a feeling, state, or action, making it suitable for neutral to informal contexts. While prevalent in News & Media, it should be used judiciously in formal writing to avoid sounding overly emphatic. Consider alternative phrases such as "completely and utterly" for similar emphasis. Avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity and precision. "Totally and utterly" is, therefore, best used when a strong emotional emphasis is desired but avoided in strict formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely and utterly

Replaces "totally" with "completely", emphasizing the thoroughness of the action or feeling.

absolutely and utterly

Substitutes "totally" with "absolutely", reinforcing the certainty of the statement.

wholly and utterly

Employs "wholly" instead of "totally", highlighting the entire or full extent of something.

entirely and utterly

Uses "entirely" in place of "totally", stressing the completeness and lack of exception.

thoroughly and utterly

Replaces "totally" with "thoroughly", indicating a comprehensive and detailed manner.

positively and absolutely

Changes both words to alternatives, still conveying a strong affirmative.

thoroughly and completely

Focuses on the completeness of the action, replacing both "totally" and "utterly".

in every respect

Expresses completeness from a different structural perspective.

without any reservation

Indicates a complete lack of doubt or hesitation, suggesting full agreement.

one hundred percent

Uses a numerical expression to signify total agreement or completeness.

FAQs

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

Use "totally and utterly" to emphasize the extent of an adjective or verb. For example, "I was "totally and utterly" exhausted after the marathon", or "The plan failed "totally and utterly"".

What are some alternatives to saying "totally and utterly"?

You can use alternatives like "completely and utterly", "absolutely and utterly", or "wholly and utterly" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "totally and utterly"?

While both words convey a similar sense of completeness, using them together amplifies the emphasis. In certain contexts, especially informal ones, this redundancy is acceptable and effective in conveying strong emotion or conviction. However, it might be seen as excessive in more formal writing.

When should I avoid using "totally and utterly" in my writing?

Avoid using "totally and utterly" in formal academic papers, legal documents, or business reports where a more concise and precise expression is preferred. In these contexts, consider using a single, strong adjective that conveys the same meaning without sounding overly emphatic.