totally ignorant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "totally ignorant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who lacks knowledge or awareness about a particular subject or situation. Example: "Despite the evidence presented, he remained totally ignorant of the facts surrounding the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

I was totally ignorant.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The people complaining are just totally ignorant about art".

The New York Times

"But they are totally ignorant about the realities of surrogate motherhood".

The New York Times

Is the Arlene Iuliano you quote totally ignorant of improvements in her own backyard?

The New York Times

For a third, the favorite imaginary candidate, Michael Bloomberg, turns out to be totally ignorant about the economic crisis.

The New York Times

They seemed to possess a silent but absolute knowledge of certain issues, but to be totally ignorant about others.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

After a segment catching up "Today" viewers on Randi Zuckerberg's accidentally viral Facebook photo, the hosts of NBC's morning news show demonstrated just how acceptable it's become to be totally, utterly ignorant of the social network's privacy settings.

Huffington Post

I was staring into that black nothingness – and horror of horrors, understood that it was not nothingness: there were shapes swimming about, things happening, creatures at large out there, and I was about to be pitched in among all that, unprepared, ignorant, totally incapable of coping.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was totally misguided and ignorant.

Vice

Atchugarry possesses a special calm humility, one that is not confounded by presumption, totally gracious, and ignorant of pride.

Huffington Post

The other seven films are all standard ignorant, cliched, macho, brutal, brainless, gung-ho, numb-knuckle, totally male-dominated, exhilarating toss.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "totally ignorant" to express a complete lack of knowledge or understanding, but consider the context to ensure it doesn't come across as overly harsh or judgmental. Alternatives like "completely uninformed" or "utterly clueless" may be more appropriate in certain situations.

Common error

While "totally ignorant" is acceptable, it might sound too informal or accusatory in professional or academic contexts. Opt for phrases like "completely unaware" or "lacking comprehensive knowledge" to maintain a more neutral and objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally ignorant" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of complete lack of knowledge or awareness. It emphasizes the extent of ignorance. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "totally ignorant" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase to describe a complete lack of knowledge. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and prevalence across various sources, predominantly in news and media. While effective in conveying a strong sense of ignorance, writers should consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "completely uninformed" in professional or academic settings. Remembering these insights will help you use this phrase effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely uninformed

Emphasizes the absence of information, suggesting a state of not being informed at all.

utterly clueless

Highlights a complete lack of understanding or awareness, often implying a more casual or humorous context.

entirely unaware

Focuses on the lack of awareness, suggesting a state of not knowing or realizing something.

wholly unacquainted

Indicates a complete lack of familiarity or experience with something.

patently oblivious

Stresses an obvious lack of awareness, often implying a failure to notice something important.

profoundly benighted

Suggests a state of intellectual or moral darkness, implying a deep lack of understanding.

blissfully unconscious

Implies a happy lack of awareness, often used when ignorance is considered a benefit.

perfectly naive

Highlights a lack of experience or knowledge, often suggesting innocence or simplicity.

absolutely unversed

Indicates a complete lack of skill or knowledge in a particular subject.

densely uncomprehending

Focuses on the inability to understand, suggesting a lack of intelligence or insight.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "totally ignorant"?

To be "totally ignorant" means to be completely lacking in knowledge or understanding about a particular subject or situation. It implies a state of being uninformed or unaware.

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

You can use "totally ignorant" to describe someone's lack of knowledge. For example: "He was "totally ignorant" of the company's history."

What can I say instead of "totally ignorant"?

You can use alternatives like "completely uninformed", "utterly clueless", or "entirely unaware" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "uninformed" or "totally ignorant"?

"Uninformed" is generally more polite and neutral. "Totally ignorant" can sound harsh or accusatory, so choose the phrase that best fits the situation and your desired tone.