totally optional

USAGE SUMMARY

"totally optional" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not necessary for a particular activity or event, and is instead left up to the discretion of the particular individual. For example: "Attendance at the Saturday night party is not required, it's totally optional."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

But according to Campus Clarity, the company that administers the survey, the responses are anonymously recorded, and totally optional (a no-comment option is clearly visible next to each question), which paints a rather perplexing picture.

Huffington Post

"Totally optional".

The New York Times

Wearing it with jeans is totally optional.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The final touch – a chimney- is totally optional.

Princeton University

"Bones have become totally optional -- people don't realize they have value," Ms. McLagan said.

The New York Times

We have made some efforts to do some aggregation of people data, but thats totally optional.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

I also added, because I like it and thought it would harmonize nicely, a totally nontropical vegetable, parsnip — optional, but delicious.

The New York Times - Food

Sideburns optional.

The Guardian - Travel

Eat (optional).

The New Yorker

Intelligence optional.

The Guardian

Wear: Optional.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing choices, use "totally optional" to clearly signal that participation is not required. This avoids any ambiguity and empowers individuals to make their own decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "totally optional" to suggest something is unimportant. While it means not required, it doesn't diminish its potential value or impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally optional" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the element being described is not required. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

16%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "totally optional" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that clearly conveys something is not required. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s applicable across various contexts. When using "totally optional", keep in mind that while it indicates a lack of obligation, it doesn't necessarily diminish the value or significance of the item or activity being described. For alternatives, consider entirely discretionary or completely voluntary for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entirely discretionary

Emphasizes the freedom to choose based on one's own judgment.

completely voluntary

Highlights the absence of any compulsion or obligation.

purely elective

Focuses on the act of choosing without external pressure.

absolutely unrequired

Stresses that something is definitely not a necessity.

wholly non-compulsory

Underscores the lack of any mandatory aspect.

fully at your discretion

Indicates the decision is entirely up to the individual.

optional at will

Highlights that one can choose if and when to engage.

not obligatory in any way

Clarifies there's no mandate or expectation to do something.

something you can freely decline

Emphasizes the ability to refuse without consequence.

up to your personal preference

Suggests the choice is based on individual taste or inclination.

FAQs

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

You can use "totally optional" to indicate that something is not required. For example: "The side dishes are "totally optional", but highly recommended".

What's a more formal way to say "totally optional"?

In a more formal context, consider using phrases like "entirely discretionary" or "completely voluntary".

Is it redundant to say "totally optional"?

While "optional" alone conveys the meaning, "totally optional" emphasizes the freedom of choice. It's not necessarily redundant, but adds extra clarity.

What is the difference between "optional" and "mandatory"?

"Optional" means something is not required, while "mandatory" means it is required. Thus they are direct antonyms, so if something is not "totally optional", it is mandatory.