utterly voluntary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly voluntary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that an action or decision is completely optional and not imposed by any external force. Example: "Participation in the survey is utterly voluntary, and you can choose to opt out at any time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Or perhaps because of the gender switch-up, it's assumed that any sex is utterly voluntary.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He quotes Napoleon's memoirs to show how deeply the Frenchman admired Washington and how utterly baffled he was by his voluntary relinquishment of power.

The Economist

"Hohaia's version of events at St Helens between the Grand Final in 2014 and his voluntary resignation without notice six months later is utterly inaccurate and malicious," a club statement read.

The Guardian - Sport

The message worked and seemed utterly harmless because it was playing off of lots of thick but voluntary social discipline.

Huffington Post

Utterly glorious.

The Guardian - Travel

Utterly ridiculous.

Independent

A: Utterly.

The New Yorker

Utterly absurd.

The New York Times

Utterly mediocre".

Independent

Utterly devastated.

Independent

"Yes, utterly.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly voluntary" to strongly emphasize that an action or participation is entirely of one's own free will, leaving no room for doubt or external influence.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly voluntary" in highly formal or legal documents where a more precise and less emphatic term like "entirely optional" or "completely discretionary" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly voluntary" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun. The adverb "utterly" intensifies the adjective "voluntary", emphasizing the complete and unforced nature of something. As noted by Ludwig, it correctly conveys that something is entirely of one's own free will.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "utterly voluntary" is a grammatically sound and emphatic way to express that something is completely unforced and of one's own free will. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While "utterly voluntary" is more common in News & Media, it is relatively rare overall. For formal contexts or legal writing, consider alternatives like "entirely optional" or "completely discretionary". Using "utterly voluntary" effectively means employing it to strongly emphasize the lack of any obligation or external pressure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entirely optional

Replaces "voluntary" with "optional", focusing on the lack of obligation, while "entirely" reinforces the completeness of the choice.

completely unforced

Emphasizes the absence of any external pressure or coercion.

absolutely discretionary

Highlights that the decision is based on one's own judgment and choice, reinforced by "absolutely".

thoroughly willing

Shifts the focus to the internal state of willingness, intensified by "thoroughly".

perfectly volitional

Uses the more formal term "volitional" to describe the act of willing, with "perfectly" emphasizing its completeness.

genuinely chosen

Focuses on the authenticity of the choice, indicating that it's not a facade.

unreservedly elected

Implies a more formal or deliberate selection, done without hesitation.

freely determined

Highlights the independence in making the decision.

unquestionably consensual

Emphasizes agreement and lack of doubt about the voluntary nature.

decided without compulsion

Focuses on the absence of any force or obligation influencing the decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "utterly voluntary" to emphasize that participation or an action is completely optional and not forced. For example: "Participation in this survey is "utterly voluntary"; you are not obligated to answer any questions."

What phrases are similar to "utterly voluntary"?

Similar phrases include "completely optional", "entirely voluntary", and "absolutely discretionary". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "utterly voluntary" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "utterly voluntary" might be perceived as less formal than alternatives like "entirely optional" or "completely discretionary" in formal or legal contexts.

Which is more emphatic, "utterly voluntary" or "entirely voluntary"?

"Utterly voluntary" is more emphatic because "utterly" intensifies the voluntary nature to a greater degree than "entirely". Both are correct, but "utterly" adds a stronger sense of freedom from coercion.