utterly speechless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly speechless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a state of being so surprised or shocked that one cannot find words to respond. Example: "When she revealed the surprise party, I was utterly speechless, unable to articulate my gratitude."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"I'm utterly speechless," said Sotherton.

The Guardian - Sport

This performed while I yet remained in utterly speechless torture".

The New York Times

But what I saw that night left me utterly speechless.

The Guardian - Film

There are situations, as she admits in the film, "that leave you utterly speechless.

The New Yorker

The emotional experiences that she depicts in her choreography, she says, are precisely the ones that "leave you utterly speechless.

The New Yorker

"We are utterly speechless and horrified by how the rescue operation was handled," said Leo Cao, 29, a Ph.D. candidate in information science at the University of North Carolina.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"Absolutely speechless".

The New York Times - Sports

I am absolutely speechless.

The Guardian - Film

"I'm speechless, absolutely speechless," said Phillips.

BBC

I was speechless, utterly terrified and convinced they'd both die.

Vice

I was speechless, utterly terrified and convinced that they'd both die.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly speechless" to convey a strong sense of surprise, shock, or awe when words fail to express your reaction. For example: "I was utterly speechless when I won the lottery."

Common error

Avoid using "utterly speechless" to describe mild surprise or minor inconveniences. Reserve it for truly significant moments that leave you genuinely unable to speak. Saying "I was utterly speechless when the coffee machine broke" diminishes the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly speechless" functions primarily as an intensifier (utterly) modifying an adjective (speechless). It describes a state of being so surprised, shocked, or overwhelmed that one is unable to speak. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utterly speechless" is a powerful way to express being overwhelmed to the point of being unable to speak. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and most often found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, reserve it for situations where the emotional impact is genuinely strong to avoid diluting its effect. Alternatives such as "completely lost for words" or "totally dumbfounded" can offer similar sentiments with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely lost for words

Expresses a similar sentiment of being unable to speak, but emphasizes the lack of available words.

at a complete loss for words

Similar to 'completely lost for words', but uses slightly different wording.

totally dumbfounded

Focuses on the bewilderment and surprise that leads to being speechless.

speechless with amazement

Clearly indicates that amazement is the cause of being speechless.

absolutely astounded

Highlights the amazement and wonder that renders one speechless.

simply flabbergasted

Emphasizes the astonishment and shock experienced.

unable to utter a word

Focuses on the inability to produce speech.

struck dumb

Implies a sudden and forceful onset of speechlessness.

rendered mute

Suggests a state of being made silent, implying a strong external cause.

awestruck and silent

Combines the feeling of awe with the resulting silence.

FAQs

How can I use "utterly speechless" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly speechless" to describe a situation where you are so surprised or shocked that you cannot think of anything to say. For example: "I was utterly speechless when I saw the Grand Canyon for the first time."

What's a more formal way to say "utterly speechless"?

While "utterly speechless" is suitable for most contexts, a more formal alternative could be "completely at a loss for words" or "overcome with emotion". For example: "The award recipient was "completely at a loss for words" during their acceptance speech."

What are some synonyms for "utterly speechless"?

Some synonyms include "totally dumbfounded", "absolutely astounded", and "simply flabbergasted", each emphasizing different aspects of being unable to speak.

Is it grammatically correct to say "absolutely speechless" instead of "utterly speechless"?

Yes, "absolutely speechless" is also grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning. Both "utterly" and "absolutely" function as adverbs intensifying the adjective "speechless".