Completely vs Fully: Decoding Common Word Mix-Ups

Are you completely sure you know how to use the words completely and fully? Many people use these two words interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. In this article, we will explore the differences between completely and fully, and when to use each one.

We should define each word. Completely means to the fullest extent or degree; totally. Fully means entirely or wholly. While both words imply a sense of completeness, completely suggests a more thorough or exhaustive sense of completeness, while fully suggests a more general sense of completeness.

So, which one is the proper word to use? It depends on the context. If you want to emphasize the thoroughness or exhaustiveness of something, use completely. For example, “I completely cleaned the house before the guests arrived.” If you want to emphasize the entirety or wholeness of something, use fully. For example, “I am fully committed to this project.”

In this article, we will explore the nuances of these two words and provide examples of how to use them correctly in different contexts. By the end of this article, you will have a complete understanding of the differences between completely and fully.

Define Completely

Completely is an adverb that means to the fullest extent or degree, without exception or omission. It implies that something has been done thoroughly and entirely, leaving no room for further action or improvement. For example, if a task is completed completely, it means that all aspects of the task have been addressed and nothing has been left undone.

Define Fully

Fully is also an adverb that means to the fullest extent or degree, without exception or reservation. It is often used interchangeably with completely, but there are subtle differences in their meanings. Fully implies that something has been done to the maximum extent possible, without any further capacity for improvement or enhancement. For example, if a glass is filled fully, it means that it cannot hold any more liquid.

Here is a table summarizing the differences between completely and fully:

Completely	Fully
Thoroughly and entirely	To the maximum extent possible
Without exception or omission	Without exception or reservation
Leaves no room for further action or improvement	Cannot be improved or enhanced any further

In conclusion, while completely and fully are similar in meaning, they have subtle differences that can affect how they are used in context. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right word for your writing and convey your message more effectively.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word in a sentence is crucial to convey your message accurately. The words “completely” and “fully” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that can affect the clarity of your writing.

How To Use “Completely” In A Sentence

“Completely” means to the fullest extent or totally. It is often used to emphasize the degree to which something has been done or changed. Here are some examples:

• The room was completely empty.
• She completely forgot about the meeting.
• He completely transformed his body through exercise.

When using “completely,” it is important to ensure that the degree of completion is clear. Avoid using it in situations where the degree is ambiguous or subjective.

How To Use “Fully” In A Sentence

“Fully” means completely or entirely. It is often used to indicate that something is complete or whole. Here are some examples:

• The project is fully funded.
• She fully understands the instructions.
• He fully supports the new policy.

When using “fully,” it is important to ensure that the meaning is clear and unambiguous. Avoid using it in situations where it could be interpreted as incomplete or partial.

Overall, using “completely” and “fully” correctly can enhance the clarity and precision of your writing. By understanding their distinct meanings and using them appropriately in your sentences, you can effectively convey your message to your audience.

More Examples Of Completely & Fully Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide you with some examples of how to use completely and fully in a sentence. These examples will help you understand the context in which these words can be used and how they can enhance your writing.

Examples Of Using Completely In A Sentence

• The project was completely finished on time.
• The restaurant was completely empty when we arrived.
• She completely forgot about the meeting.
• The car was completely destroyed in the accident.
• The book completely changed my perspective on life.
• He completely ignored my advice.
• The room was completely dark.
• The idea was completely absurd.
• The company was completely restructured.
• The cake was completely burnt.

Examples Of Using Fully In A Sentence

• The team was fully prepared for the game.
• The room was fully decorated for the party.
• The report was fully analyzed by the team.
• The car was fully loaded with luggage.
• The company was fully committed to the project.
• The patient was fully recovered from the surgery.
• The device was fully charged before use.
• The book was fully illustrated with pictures.
• The team was fully aware of the risks involved.
• The project was fully funded by the government.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “completely” and “fully,” people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Completely” Instead Of “Fully”

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “completely” instead of “fully” when they want to emphasize that something is done to the fullest extent possible. For example:

• Incorrect: The project was completely finished.
• Correct: The project was fully completed.

The word “completely” means that something is done in its entirety, while “fully” means that something is done to the fullest extent possible. Therefore, using “completely” in this context is incorrect because it implies that there is nothing left to do, which may not be the case.

Using “Fully” Instead Of “Completely”

Another common mistake people make is using “fully” instead of “completely” when they want to emphasize that something is done to the fullest extent possible. For example:

• Incorrect: The glass was fully empty.
• Correct: The glass was completely empty.

The word “fully” means that something is done to the fullest extent possible, while “completely” means that something is done in its entirety. Therefore, using “fully” in this context is incorrect because it implies that the glass is still partially full, which may not be the case.

Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes, it’s important to understand the distinct meanings of “completely” and “fully.” Here are some tips:

• Use “completely” when referring to something that is done in its entirety.
• Use “fully” when referring to something that is done to the fullest extent possible.
• If you’re not sure which word to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re using “completely” and “fully” correctly and effectively in your writing.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between “completely” and “fully,” context is key. The decision to use one over the other can depend on the specific situation in which they are being used, and the intended meaning behind the words.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “completely” and “fully” might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Preferred Word
Emotional State	I am completely exhausted.	Fully
Physical State	The glass is completely empty.	Fully
Completion of a Task	I have fully completed the project.	Completely
Agreement or Understanding	I completely understand your point of view.	Fully

In the first two examples, “fully” is preferred because it conveys a sense of completeness or totality. In the third example, “completely” is preferred because it emphasizes the thoroughness of the completed task. In the fourth example, “fully” is preferred because it conveys a sense of agreement or understanding without the added emphasis of “completely.”

Overall, the choice between “completely” and “fully” depends on the specific context in which they are being used. By understanding the nuances of each word, we can choose the one that best conveys our intended meaning.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using completely and fully are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where their usage may not be as clear-cut. Let’s take a closer look at these exceptions and offer explanations and examples for each case.

1. Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic expressions are phrases that have a meaning different from the literal definition of the words used. In some cases, these expressions may use either completely or fully, but not both.

Idiomatic Expression	Correct Usage	Incorrect Usage
Completely out of the question	It’s completely out of the question to expect me to work for free.	It’s fully out of the question to expect me to work for free.
Fully aware	I am fully aware of the consequences of my actions.	I am completely aware of the consequences of my actions.

2. Emphasis On Different Parts Of Speech

In some cases, using completely or fully can change the emphasis of a sentence by placing emphasis on different parts of speech. Depending on the intended emphasis, one may be more appropriate than the other.

• Completely: emphasizes the verb or action
• Fully: emphasizes the state or condition

For example:

• “I completely forgot about the meeting.” (emphasizes the forgetting)
• “I fully understand the situation.” (emphasizes the understanding)

3. Regional Or Personal Preference

Finally, it’s worth noting that the usage of completely and fully can vary based on regional or personal preference. For example, in British English, fully is often used in place of completely in certain contexts.

Ultimately, the key is to be consistent in your usage and to ensure that your choice of word accurately conveys the intended meaning.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of completely and fully is through practice. Here are some exercises to help you do just that:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Complete the following sentences using either completely or fully:

1. I am ________ exhausted after running the marathon.
2. The cake was ________ delicious.
3. He ________ forgot about the meeting.
4. The project is ________ finished.
5. She was ________ unaware of the situation.

Answer Key:

1. fully
2. completely
3. completely
4. fully
5. completely

Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word

Choose the correct word (completely or fully) to fill in the blank:

1. The sun was ________ obscured by the clouds.
2. I ________ agree with your assessment of the situation.
3. She was ________ absorbed in her book.
4. The room was ________ decorated for the party.
5. He ________ ignored my advice.

Answer Key:

1. completely
2. fully
3. completely
4. fully
5. completely

By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of completely and fully in sentences.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between completely and fully, it is clear that these two adverbs are not always interchangeable. Completely implies a sense of totality, while fully suggests completeness or saturation. It is important to use these adverbs correctly to avoid confusion or misinterpretation in communication.

When it comes to grammar and language use, paying attention to small details like adverb usage can greatly improve one’s writing and speaking abilities. Continuing to learn and practice proper grammar and language use can lead to clearer communication and more effective expression of ideas.