wholly and utterly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wholly and utterly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the completeness or totality of a statement or feeling. Example: "I am wholly and utterly convinced that this is the right decision for our team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

And he made a point of being wholly and utterly available to Mr. Bush.

The New York Times

But Chapple, on the subject of "yellowism", said it was "wholly and utterly unacceptable to promote it by damaging a work of art".

The Guardian - Arts

Judge Roger Chapple of the Inner London Crown Court told Mr. Umanets that his actions "were entirely deliberate, planned and intentional," according to the BBC, adding that it was "wholly and utterly unacceptable" to promote the movement by damaging a work of art that had been "a gift to the nation".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Completely, totally and utterly.

BBC

This is a wholly readable and utterly persuasive attempt to get us to look at the Holocaust in a different light.

The Guardian - Books

"The Gospel According to St. Matthew," however, cemented his paradoxical reputation as a Catholic Marxist, and was perhaps the first film to emphasize the existential contradictions inherent in being at once wholly human and utterly divine.

The New York Times

"The way the evidence was presented against me – a very serious allegation of criminal conduct – was wholly unfair and utterly unwarranted by the evidence, which thankfully the tribunal acknowledges".

The Guardian

Completely and utterly.

Independent

They are completely and utterly without foundation.

Independent

"It's completely and utterly wrong".

The New York Times

They've failed totally and utterly".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wholly and utterly" to add emphasis when you want to express a strong feeling or belief. This phrase is particularly effective in formal writing or speeches where you want to make a memorable impact.

Common error

Avoid using "wholly and utterly" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound unnatural or pretentious in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler, more direct language like "completely" or "totally" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wholly and utterly" functions as an intensifier, used to emphasize the completeness or totality of a statement. It is typically employed to express strong agreement, disagreement, or conviction. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage in enhancing the force of an assertion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wholly and utterly" is a valid and impactful expression used to emphasize completeness or totality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for adding emotional weight to statements. While it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, its formal tone suggests reserving it for writing where you want to make a significant impression. Remember to use it judiciously, as overuse can diminish its effect. Consider alternatives such as "completely and totally" or "entirely and absolutely" for similar emphasis with potentially different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely and totally

Emphasizes both completeness and totality, similar to the original phrase.

entirely and absolutely

Highlights the extent and certainty of something.

fully and completely

Stresses the fullness and thoroughness of an action or state.

totally and absolutely

Indicates a state of being with no exceptions or limitations.

thoroughly and completely

Emphasizes the exhaustive nature of an action or condition.

unreservedly and entirely

Implies a lack of reservation and complete commitment.

absolutely and unequivocally

Reinforces certainty and clarity without any doubt.

without any reservation

Focuses on the absence of doubt or hesitation.

in every respect

Indicates that something is true or complete in all aspects.

to the fullest extent

Highlights the maximum degree or scope of something.

FAQs

How can I use "wholly and utterly" in a sentence?

You can use "wholly and utterly" to emphasize a statement or feeling. For example: "I am "wholly and utterly" convinced that this is the best course of action."

What phrases are similar to "wholly and utterly"?

Alternatives include "completely and totally", "entirely and absolutely", or "fully and completely". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "wholly and utterly" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "wholly and utterly" might sound overly formal in everyday conversation. Simpler words like "completely" or "totally" are generally more suitable.

What is the difference between "wholly and utterly" and "completely"?

"Wholly and utterly" provides a stronger emphasis than "completely". While "completely" indicates that something is fully done or true, "wholly and utterly" adds an emotional intensity and sense of totality that elevates the expression.