totally dependent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "totally dependent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone or something relies entirely on another person or thing for support or sustenance. Example: "The child is totally dependent on her parents for emotional and financial support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They're almost totally dependent".

The New York Times

"We're totally dependent on the weather".

The New York Times - Food

"It's difficult, you're totally dependent," she says.

The Guardian

"We are totally dependent on ourselves," Mr. Allen said.

The New York Times - Health

I am totally dependent upon the affection of women.

The Guardian

But I told him: 'I'm totally dependent on you.

The New York Times

So he's totally dependent on somebody else," Irfan said.

The New Yorker

He is totally dependent on others for all his needs.

The Guardian - Opinion

He says: "It is totally dependent upon teamwork.

The Guardian

"The Palestinian Authority is totally dependent on Israel," Rubinstein said.

The New Yorker

"We're totally dependent on it, but it's also very abstracted.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "totally dependent", ensure the context clearly specifies what the subject is dependent on. For example, specify the resource, person, or system that provides support.

Common error

Avoid using "totally dependent" without providing specific details about the dependency. Vague statements can weaken your argument and leave the reader unsure of the exact nature of the relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally dependent" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of complete reliance or contingency. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is usable to describe situations where someone or something relies entirely on another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "totally dependent" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that effectively conveys complete reliance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and functional phrase in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and formal business writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what or whom the subject is dependent on to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases, such as "completely reliant" or "entirely contingent", can provide subtle variations in meaning to better suit your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely reliant

Emphasizes reliance as a state of being, similar to "totally dependent" but with a focus on trust and dependence.

fully reliant

Indicates complete reliance, synonymous with "totally dependent" with a slightly more formal tone.

utterly reliant

Similar to "totally dependent", but conveys a stronger sense of absoluteness and completeness in reliance.

entirely contingent

Highlights the conditional aspect of dependence, suggesting that something is subject to chance or external factors.

in absolute need of

Emphasizes the critical necessity of something, framing dependence as a matter of essential requirement.

wholly subject

Emphasizes being under the power or control of something else, stressing a lack of autonomy.

absolutely conditional

Focuses on the absolute necessity of certain conditions being met, highlighting dependence on specific factors.

cannot do without

Highlights the indispensability of something, framing dependence as being unable to function or exist without a particular element.

solely determined

Suggests that something is exclusively decided or influenced by a particular factor, emphasizing a singular dependency.

completely at the mercy of

Highlights vulnerability and lack of control, indicating a reliance that exposes one to potential harm or disadvantage.

FAQs

What does "totally dependent" mean?

The phrase "totally dependent" means completely reliant on someone or something for support, sustenance, or function. It indicates a state where one cannot operate or survive without the assistance of another.

What can I say instead of "totally dependent"?

You can use alternatives like "completely reliant", "entirely contingent", or "fully reliant" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "totally dependent" in a sentence?

Use "totally dependent" to describe a state of complete reliance. For example: "The patient is totally dependent on the nurse for care" or "The project is totally dependent on funding for its success."

What's the difference between "totally dependent" and "partially dependent"?

"Totally dependent" implies complete reliance, whereas "partially dependent" suggests reliance only to some extent. If something is partially dependent, it can function or exist, at least to some extent, without the other entity.