totally dead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "totally dead" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely lifeless or without any activity or function. Example: "The battery in my phone is totally dead, I need to recharge it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"It was a multimillion-dollar painting, and it was a total loss — the painting is totally dead," Scheidemann told me.

The New Yorker

Soil is totally dead".

The New York Times

"It was totally dead," he recalled.

The New York Times - Arts

"For the first month, I was just totally dead.

The New Yorker

"My body was totally dead at the end," Santoro said.

The New York Times - Sports

Although for some business customers, Internet Explorer isn't totally dead.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) thinks now that the climate bills introduced by legislators have been declared finally, totally, utterly and completely dead, there's plenty of opportunity for bipartisan action on energy, as long as it's limited to nuclear power, electric vehicles and clean coal.

Huffington Post

But there are a few important points the Benchmark GP and defender of the not-totally-dead IPO market makes in this post.

TechCrunch

If you occasionally find yourself doubled over, clutching it in your arms, soaking it with your tears, that's totally O.K. Dead Relative's Ashes can take any amount of water, unlike that dumb orchid they made you take home from your cousin's wedding.

The New Yorker

Are Republicans totally brain dead?

Forbes

Mars, by contrast, is nearly (or perhaps totally) geologically dead and has lost much of its atmosphere.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "totally dead" to describe something that has completely ceased functioning or existing. It's suitable for both literal and figurative contexts, such as a "totally dead" battery or a "totally dead" social scene.

Common error

While "totally dead" is acceptable in many situations, it might sound too informal or colloquial for academic papers or business reports. Consider using a more formal alternative like "completely inoperative" or "entirely defunct" in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally dead" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a complete lack of function, activity, or life. Ludwig shows its versatility in describing everything from physical objects to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "totally dead" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something completely lacking in life, function, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability, showcased by numerous examples from news media, science, and general web content. While versatile, it's best to avoid this phrase in extremely formal writing, opting for more precise alternatives. Usage patterns reveal its prevalence in news and media, with less frequent appearances in formal business contexts. In summary, "totally dead" is a clear and effective way to express complete cessation or inactivity, suitable for a wide range of communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely lifeless

Emphasizes the absence of life, often in a biological context.

utterly defunct

Highlights the non-operational status, suitable for systems or organizations.

entirely inoperative

Focuses on the inability to function, typically used for machines or devices.

absolutely non-functional

Stresses the lack of functionality, applicable to a range of subjects.

stone cold dead

Adds emphasis and finality to the state of being dead.

completely finished

Suggests the end of something, whether a project or an activity.

well and truly gone

Implies a permanent absence or end, often used in emotional contexts.

irreversibly terminated

Focuses on the finality of the end, suited for formal or official scenarios.

beyond revival

Highlights the impossibility of bringing something back to life or activity.

out of commission

Indicates that something is temporarily or permanently not working.

FAQs

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

You can use "totally dead" to describe something that no longer functions or exists, such as "The car battery is totally dead" or "That idea is totally dead now".

What's a less informal synonym for "totally dead"?

Alternatives to "totally dead" include "completely lifeless", "utterly defunct", or "entirely inoperative", which are more suitable for formal contexts.

Is it correct to say "totally dead" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "totally dead" might be perceived as too informal for academic writing. Consider using more precise and formal language to maintain a professional tone.

What is the difference between "totally dead" and "completely dead"?

"Totally dead" and "completely dead" are largely interchangeable, but "totally" might carry a slightly more emphatic or informal tone compared to "completely".