totally false

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "totally false" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a statement or claim that is completely untrue or inaccurate. Example: "The rumor that he won the lottery is totally false; he hasn't even bought a ticket."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

This is totally false.

The Economist

That's totally false.

The Guardian

"That was totally false.

Independent

That is totally false.

The New York Times - Arts

"That's totally false," said Ledecky.

Independent

"That's totally false," Mueller said.

The New York Times - Sports

The accusations were totally false.

The Guardian

"Harry Reid's charge is totally false.

The New York Times

The first myth is almost totally false.

The New Yorker

Any suggestion otherwise is totally false".

The New York Times

MR. BUSH That's just totally false.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider your audience and the context. In more formal settings, alternatives like "completely untrue" or "entirely incorrect" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "totally false" in highly formal or academic writing where more nuanced and precise language is preferred. Opt for phrases like "wholly inaccurate" or "completely unsubstantiated" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "totally false" is to act as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something is entirely untrue or inaccurate. This is supported by Ludwig AI, confirming its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "totally false" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is completely untrue. Ludwig AI validates its usability, indicating it is suitable for a wide array of contexts, particularly in news and media. While effective for conveying strong disagreement, more formal alternatives such as "completely untrue" or "entirely incorrect" may be preferred in certain settings. When using "totally false", consider your audience and the level of formality required to ensure your message is both clear and appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Completely untrue

Emphasizes the lack of truth in a statement; more formal.

Entirely incorrect

Highlights the inaccuracy of the statement; similar in formality.

Patently untrue

Suggests that the falsity is obvious and easily recognized; more emphatic.

Utterly baseless

Indicates a complete lack of foundation or evidence; conveys strong disbelief.

Simply not true

A straightforward and direct way to deny the truth of something; more casual.

Absolutely wrong

Emphasizes the incorrectness of something; fairly common.

A complete fabrication

Suggests that something has been invented or made up; implies deception.

Dead wrong

An emphatic way of saying someone is completely wrong; very informal.

Pure fiction

Indicates something is entirely imaginary and not based on reality; implies creativity.

Devoid of truth

Highlights the absence of any truth; formal and literary.

FAQs

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

You can use "totally false" to express that a statement or claim is completely untrue. For example: "The rumor that he won the lottery is "totally false"; he hasn't even bought a ticket."

What are some alternatives to saying "totally false"?

You can use alternatives like "completely untrue", "entirely incorrect", or "patently untrue" depending on the context.

Is "totally false" appropriate for formal writing?

While "totally false" is widely understood, it might be perceived as informal in certain academic or professional settings. Consider using alternatives such as "completely untrue" or "wholly inaccurate" in formal contexts.

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

"Totally false" indicates that something is entirely untrue, while "partially false" suggests that only some aspects of it are incorrect. Therefore, "totally false" implies a complete fabrication, whereas "partially false" allows for some degree of accuracy.