totally engrossed

USAGE SUMMARY

"totally engrossed" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means completely absorbed or deeply involved in something. Example: Sarah was totally engrossed in her new book, she couldn't put it down until she finished the whole thing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

I was totally engrossed in it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But then you notice, there's always some kid, my son, completely there for it, totally engrossed.

Independent

Three dimensions have been made into two; it's inconceivable that he wasn't totally engrossed by this phenomenon.

The New York Times - Books

Stan was totally engrossed in thinking about how to position the firm in rapidly changing markets; he was focussed on strategy.

The New Yorker

But when these found materials are combined with sound, projected image and light to create an imagined environment, children are totally engrossed in the experience.

The Guardian

I was totally engrossed in my self-testing procedure, and it was not until I was exiting the train that I realized my audience.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

He is wholly engrossed.

Independent

A subject has entirely engrossed them.

The New York Times

I adopted their manner whether entirely engrossed or dispassionately disconnected.

The Guardian - Music

For the next hour, I was completely engrossed in it.

Vice

Eyes wide, the usually excitable boys were completely engrossed.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "totally engrossed" to convey a sense of complete immersion and focus. It works well when describing someone's reaction to an engaging activity, performance, or piece of content.

Common error

While "totally engrossed" effectively conveys strong engagement, avoid overuse of intensifiers like "totally", "completely", or "utterly". Varied vocabulary adds nuance and prevents monotony. Consider using related phrases such as "deeply involved" or "utterly captivated" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally engrossed" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of complete absorption or deep involvement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples show it describing a person's state when focused on something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Ludwig AI confirms that "totally engrossed" is a correct and usable phrase signifying complete absorption. It functions as an adjective phrase and is most commonly found in News & Media. While versatile, varied vocabulary improves writing; consider alternatives such as "completely absorbed", "deeply involved", or "utterly captivated". Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely absorbed

Focuses on the absorption aspect, emphasizing the state of being entirely occupied.

wholly absorbed

Similar to 'completely absorbed' but with a slightly stronger emphasis on totality.

deeply involved

Highlights the level of engagement and participation in an activity or situation.

utterly captivated

Emphasizes the charm and fascination that holds someone's attention completely.

wholly consumed

Suggests that all of someone's energy and focus is directed towards a single thing.

thoroughly immersed

Emphasizes the depth of involvement, as if one is submerged in the experience.

entirely preoccupied

Highlights that someone's mind is fully occupied with thoughts about something.

absolutely fascinated

Focuses on the intense interest and attraction towards something.

completely rapt

Suggests a state of intense focus and delight, almost to the point of being transported.

intensely focused

Emphasizes the concentration and dedication applied to a specific task or subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "totally engrossed" to describe someone being completely absorbed in an activity. For example: "She was "totally engrossed" in the movie that she didn't hear the phone ring."

What are some alternatives to "totally engrossed"?

Alternatives include "completely absorbed", "deeply involved", or "utterly captivated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "totally engrossed" formal or informal?

"Totally engrossed" is suitable for both neutral and informal contexts. For more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "completely absorbed" or "deeply involved".

What's the difference between "totally engrossed" and "slightly interested"?

"Totally engrossed" describes a state of complete absorption and deep interest, while "slightly interested" indicates a mild or superficial level of curiosity. They represent opposite ends of the engagement spectrum.