totally competent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "totally competent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is fully capable or skilled in a particular area or task. Example: "After reviewing her work, I can confidently say that she is totally competent in her role as a project manager."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He's a guy — Jimmy's a guy, not a metrosexual — he's a guy and totally competent".

The New York Times

"A lot of these kids are writing essays that are barely comprehensible, yet we're telling them that they're totally competent.

The New York Times

Moran's music swung, and it veered — like a musical motorcycle ride with a supremely confident, totally competent driver at the handlebars.

The New Yorker

There was, they said, "no major depression or other mood disorder which affected her thinking" and she was "totally competent" to make the decision to end her life, a judgment which seems to me at odds with their own diagnoses.

The Guardian

It's a fine song, the exact type of thing that Waka Flocka should be making its chorus, provided by totally competent R&B singer Trey Songz, is about how he doesn't really care about anything, and its verses, provided by Flocka, are also about he doesn't really care about anything.

Vice

It was not expected that the family members would be totally competent in diabetes management by the end of hospitalisation.

BMC Pediatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

She is entirely pretty and entirely competent.

The New York Times - Arts

Treating justifiably unhappy people as if they were suffering from the clinical grip of depression leads to the conclusion that you're either a totally fulfilled, competent and happy person – or suffering from a condition that is largely out of one's control.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

All perfectly competent actors.

TechCrunch

Regardless the nature of this plasmid mixture, it was totally used to transform competent E. coli JM109 DE3) cells.

AMB Express

A totally alert and conceptually competent RD patient sincerely believes that (a) she is having a pain experience, and that (b) her pain experience is not painful at all.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "totally competent" when you want to emphasize a complete and thorough level of skill or ability, leaving no doubt about someone's capabilities.

Common error

Be cautious of overusing intensifiers like "totally" with already strong adjectives. Consider whether "competent" alone is sufficient to convey your intended meaning, as overuse can dilute the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally competent" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to describe someone or something possessing a high degree of skill and capability. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase is correct and usable in English, emphasizing the extent of competence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

12.5%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "totally competent" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes someone or something with a high level of skill and capability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its function as a compound adjective. While not exceptionally common, it finds usage in diverse contexts, including news, science and general discourse. For situations demanding alternatives, consider options like "completely capable" or "fully qualified" to tailor your message effectively. Be mindful of overusing intensifiers like "totally" to maintain impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely capable

Emphasizes overall ability and readiness; it is a broader term than focusing solely on competence.

fully qualified

Highlights meeting the necessary criteria and training, particularly for a specific role or task.

utterly proficient

Stresses a high level of skill and expertise, possibly implying mastery.

highly skilled

Focuses on the possession of advanced skills, applicable across various fields.

absolutely adept

Highlights natural talent and quickness in learning and performing.

thoroughly versed

Emphasizes deep knowledge and experience, especially in a specific subject or area.

eminently capable

Adds a sense of distinction and suitability for demanding tasks.

entirely equal

Implies capability to fulfill the requirements.

perfectly fitted

Highlights appropriateness to fulfill certain tasks.

supremely able

Implies that someone is highly talented.

FAQs

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

You can use "totally competent" to describe someone's ability in a particular task or area. For example, "She is "totally competent" in project management" or "He is a "totally competent" surgeon".

What are some alternatives to "totally competent"?

Some alternatives to "totally competent" include "completely capable", "fully qualified", or "highly skilled". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "competent" or "totally competent"?

While both are correct, "totally competent" emphasizes a complete or absolute level of competence. Use "totally competent" when you want to strongly highlight someone's capabilities. However, avoid overuse as it can reduce its impact.

What is the difference between "competent" and "totally competent"?

"Competent" means having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully. "Totally competent" amplifies this, suggesting a complete and thorough mastery or capability.