utter sincerity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utter sincerity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the completeness or totality of one's sincerity in a statement or action. Example: "She spoke with utter sincerity when she apologized for her mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

He reads out corporate mission statements with utter sincerity.

The Economist

What Trump stands for, with utter sincerity, is Donald Trump.

The Guardian

His famously asinine question about wives and servants was asked rhetorically and with utter sincerity.

The Guardian - Books

She signed off as she always did in those days, with utter sincerity, "Heil Hitler!

The New York Times - Books

But I hope that even non-believers will acknowledge the film's utter sincerity.

The Guardian - Film

— and one that suits Cheyenne, a retired rock star played with consummate oddness and utter sincerity by Sean Penn.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

These two sentences were uttered with such sincerity that I could see Tessa respond with visible happiness.

The New Yorker

Often dull, repetitive and given to bouts of massive paranoia, "Exegesis" also possesses many passages of genuine brilliance and is marked by an utter and utterly disarming sincerity.

The New York Times

Larry's sincerity, his utter lack of cynicism, sets him apart from the rest of the novel's characters, who are disconcerted by the contrast between his manner and their vaunted sophistication.

The New Yorker

He uttered the cliché with such sincerity and soulfulness that his words rang true.

Huffington Post

And not just Mr. Ford's words but the plain sincerity of the man who uttered them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utter sincerity" to highlight a particularly strong and genuine feeling or expression. It adds emphasis and can convey a sense of complete honesty and lack of pretense.

Common error

Avoid using "utter sincerity" in contexts where sarcasm or irony is intended. The phrase's inherent earnestness can clash with a sarcastic tone, creating confusion for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter sincerity" functions as a noun phrase, where "utter" acts as an intensifier modifying the noun "sincerity". Ludwig AI confirms this usage through examples from various sources, indicating its role in emphasizing the depth and completeness of sincerity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utter sincerity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for emphasizing genuine feelings or actions. Ludwig AI and its analysis of numerous examples confirm its correctness and applicability across various contexts. While versatile, avoid using it sarcastically. Consider alternatives like "profound genuineness" or "unreserved sincerity" to tailor your expression more precisely. Its presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its widespread acceptance and neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unreserved sincerity

Highlights that the sincerity is expressed without any hesitation or reservation.

profound genuineness

Emphasizes the depth and realness of the sincerity.

genuine earnestness

Replaces "sincerity" with "earnestness", highlighting a serious and heartfelt intention.

unfeigned honesty

Uses "unfeigned" to emphasize the authenticity of the honesty, suggesting it's not pretended.

wholehearted candor

Candor implies honesty and frankness, emphasizing openness and sincerity.

complete honesty

Focuses on the honesty aspect, omitting the emphasis on the depth of feeling.

real authenticity

Stresses the genuine nature of the feeling or expression.

absolute truthfulness

Shifts focus to the truthfulness aspect, indicating complete adherence to the truth.

pure ingenuousness

Ingenuousness suggests a naive and innocent sincerity.

deep conviction

Emphasizes a strong belief, rather than pure sincerity, though it implies the latter.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "utter sincerity" in a sentence?

Use "utter sincerity" when you want to emphasize the genuineness and depth of someone's feelings or actions. For example, "She apologized with "utter sincerity", leaving no doubt about her remorse."

What phrases can I use instead of "utter sincerity"?

Alternatives include phrases like "genuine earnestness", "profound genuineness", or "unreserved sincerity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "utter sincerity" or "complete sincerity"?

Both "utter sincerity" and "complete sincerity" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Utter" often emphasizes a greater degree or extent, so it might be slightly stronger, but the choice largely depends on personal preference and the context of the sentence.

Can "utter sincerity" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "utter sincerity" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and effective way to express a strong sense of genuineness and is used in reputable publications, as seen in examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.