totally breathtaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "totally breathtaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extremely impressive or beautiful, often in relation to scenery, art, or experiences. Example: "The view from the mountain top was totally breathtaking, leaving us speechless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We knew coral reefs were beautiful, but these macro shots of the aquatic polyps are totally breathtaking.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The whole collection is breathtaking.

The New York Times

Gov attacks in #HEgreenpaper are genuinely breathtaking in their ambition to totally end public higher education.

Independent

The latest threat is from Living Levels, a 63-metre-high tower of 36 flats and offices, which its developers, Living Bauhaus, describe as a "totally new dimension of life and living" offering "breathtaking panoramic views".

The Guardian

The biggest trends of the night in 88th Academy Awards were breathtaking Gowns and Jewelries worth millions that you're going to fall totally in love with.

Huffington Post

Totally sinful: The most famous restaurant in Naples is said to be La Sacrestia, which has breathtaking views over the bay.

The Guardian - Travel

A short stream of invective, directed at himself, ensues, and on the next point he pulls out an absolutely breathtaking backhand lob from about an inch above his own feet that leaves Nadal totally stranded.

The Guardian - Sport

Breathtaking stuff.

The Guardian - Sport

Quite breathtaking.

The Guardian - Travel

Truly breathtaking.

The New York Times

"Really breathtaking".

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "totally breathtaking" to describe experiences or sights that leave a lasting impression due to their beauty or grandeur. It's best suited for moments that evoke a strong emotional response of awe and wonder.

Common error

Avoid using "totally breathtaking" to describe everyday, ordinary things. This diminishes its impact and makes your writing sound hyperbolic or insincere. Reserve it for truly exceptional instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally breathtaking" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to emphasize its extraordinary quality. As indicated by Ludwig, it describes something exceptionally beautiful or impressive, often evoking a strong emotional response.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "totally breathtaking" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon adjectival phrase used to express strong admiration. Ludwig indicates it is best suited for describing sights or experiences that evoke a deep sense of awe. While primarily found in news and media, it's important to reserve its use for truly exceptional moments to avoid diluting its impact. Consider alternatives like "absolutely stunning" or "utterly magnificent" for variety or in more formal contexts. Overusing the phrase can diminish its power, so use it judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely stunning

Replaces "breathtaking" with "stunning", emphasizing beauty and impressiveness.

utterly magnificent

Substitutes "breathtaking" with "magnificent", highlighting grandeur and splendor.

completely awe-inspiring

Replaces "breathtaking" with "awe-inspiring", focusing on the feeling of profound respect and wonder.

absolutely incredible

Substitutes "breathtaking" with "incredible", emphasizing disbelief and amazement.

genuinely remarkable

Replaces "breathtaking" with "remarkable", highlighting the exceptional nature of something.

truly astonishing

Substitutes "breathtaking" with "astonishing", focusing on surprise and amazement.

exceptionally impressive

Replaces "breathtaking" with "impressive", emphasizing the high quality and impact.

incredibly striking

Substitutes "breathtaking" with "striking", highlighting the noticeable and impressive nature.

simply mind-blowing

Replaces "breathtaking" with "mind-blowing", conveying overwhelming amazement.

positively sublime

Substitutes "breathtaking" with "sublime", emphasizing the elevated and refined nature of something.

FAQs

What does "totally breathtaking" mean?

The phrase "totally breathtaking" describes something exceptionally beautiful, impressive, or awe-inspiring. It suggests that something is so remarkable it takes your breath away.

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

You can use "totally breathtaking" to describe scenery, art, performances, or any experience that evokes strong positive emotions due to its exceptional quality. For example: "The view from the summit was totally breathtaking."

What can I say instead of "totally breathtaking"?

You can use alternatives like "absolutely stunning", "utterly magnificent", or "completely awe-inspiring" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "totally breathtaking" formal or informal?

"Totally breathtaking" leans towards informal but is acceptable in many contexts. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "exceptionally impressive" or "remarkably beautiful".