wholly free

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wholly free" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely or entirely free from restrictions, obligations, or costs. Example: "The event is wholly free, allowing everyone to participate without any fees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Few African elections are wholly free or fair.

The Economist

This arrangement, however, is not wholly free from objections.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Few parts of this country are wholly free of the disease.

The New Yorker

He will not be wholly free to alter legislation for the essentially state-controlled oil industate-controlled oil

The Economist

"I am wholly free from veneration of names or the cult of literary heroes".

The New Yorker

THE bizarre FILP system did not in fact get through the 1990s wholly free from assault.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

an absolute right in each person to be, at all times and in all circumstances, wholly freed from restraint.

Cornell University

Healthcare during the period was entirely free and was wholly financed by government tax revenue [7].

Health Economics Review

Fruit: 2.2--3.6 mm; smooth to tubercled, not grooved; pappus bristles white, wholly plumose, free, deciduous.

University of California, Berkeley

All the while I am fighting the ever-swelling urge to locate my phone, so that I can do something productive, feel that feeling of getting somewhere, at last, while my children sleep, wholly guilt free.

The New York Times - Magazine

(van Fraassen 1966) Of course this is not a wholly cost free line to take.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wholly free", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being freed from, to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "wholly free from debt" instead of just "wholly free".

Common error

Avoid using "wholly free" when a partial or qualified freedom is more accurate. Overstating the degree of freedom can undermine your credibility. Instead, be precise about the extent of freedom.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wholly free" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes something that is completely without restrictions, obligations, or limitations. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's used to indicate a state of complete liberation or exemption.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wholly free" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjectival phrase that signifies a state of complete and unrestricted freedom. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions to emphasize the absence of any limitations or obligations. While versatile, it appears most commonly in News & Media and Academic contexts. Remember to use "wholly free" when you need to stress total freedom and avoid overgeneralization. Consider alternatives like "completely unconstrained" or "entirely unrestricted" for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without any constraints

Directly states the absence of limitations.

completely unconstrained

Emphasizes the absence of limitations or restrictions.

entirely unrestricted

Highlights the lack of any form of restriction or constraint.

free from all obligations

Emphasizes the absence of duties or requirements.

absolutely liberated

Focuses on the sense of freedom and release from constraints.

at complete liberty

Expresses a state of unrestricted freedom and choice.

totally unbound

Implies a lack of ties or obligations.

exempt from any restrictions

Highlights the state of being excluded from limitations.

fully independent

Stresses autonomy and self-governance.

perfectly autonomous

Highlights the capacity for self-regulation and freedom from external control.

FAQs

How can I use "wholly free" in a sentence?

You can use "wholly free" to describe something that is completely without restrictions or obligations. For example, "The event is "wholly free", allowing everyone to participate without any fees."

What are some alternatives to "wholly free"?

Alternatives include "completely unconstrained", "entirely unrestricted", or "absolutely liberated", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "partially free" instead of "wholly free"?

Yes, "partially free" is correct when something is only partly free from restrictions. "Wholly free" implies complete freedom, while "partially free" suggests some limitations still exist.

What's the difference between "wholly free" and "completely free"?

While both phrases mean essentially the same thing, "wholly free" might sound slightly more formal or emphatic than "completely free". The choice often depends on the desired tone and context.