When it comes to the English language, there are often words that seem interchangeable, but in reality, have distinct differences in meaning. This is the case with the words “completely” and “totally”. While they may seem like synonyms, they actually have unique definitions that set them apart.
So, which one is the proper word to use? The answer is that it depends on the context in which you are using them. “Completely” means to do something in a thorough or exhaustive manner, leaving no room for doubt or uncertainty. “Totally”, on the other hand, means to do something in a way that is absolute or complete, without any exceptions or qualifications.
For example, if you were to say “I completely cleaned the kitchen”, it would mean that you cleaned every inch of the kitchen and left no part untouched. If you were to say “I totally cleaned the kitchen”, it would mean that you cleaned the entire kitchen, including all of the appliances and surfaces, without leaving anything out.
Throughout the rest of this article, we will explore the differences between “completely” and “totally” in more detail and provide examples of how to use them properly in different contexts.
Define Completely
Completely is an adverb that means to the fullest extent or degree, leaving nothing undone or unaccomplished. It implies that something has been done thoroughly and in its entirety, without any omissions or exceptions. This word is often used to emphasize the completeness of an action or process. For example, if someone says they completely cleaned their house, it means that they cleaned every room and every surface, leaving nothing untouched.
Define Totally
Totally is an adverb that means completely and absolutely, without any reservations or exceptions. It implies that something is done in its entirety, leaving nothing out. This word is often used to emphasize the completeness or finality of a situation or action. For example, if someone says they totally disagree with a statement, it means that they have no agreement with any part of it and have a completely different point of view.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right words in a sentence can make a big difference in how your message is received. In this section, we’ll explore how to properly use the words “completely” and “totally” in a sentence.
How To Use “Completely” In A Sentence
“Completely” is an adverb that means “to the fullest extent or degree.” Here are a few examples of how to use “completely” in a sentence:
- I completely forgot about our meeting yesterday.
- The storm completely destroyed the town.
- She completely transformed her body through exercise and diet.
As you can see from these examples, “completely” is used to emphasize the extent or degree of something. It’s often used to describe a drastic change or a total lack of something.
How To Use “Totally” In A Sentence
“Totally” is an adverb that means “completely; in every way.” Here are a few examples of how to use “totally” in a sentence:
- I totally agree with you.
- The new restaurant is totally amazing.
- He totally misunderstood the instructions.
Like “completely,” “totally” is used to emphasize the completeness or entirety of something. However, “totally” is often used to describe a positive experience or a complete understanding of something.
It’s important to note that “completely” and “totally” are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences in their meanings. By understanding the nuances of these words, you can use them more effectively in your writing and communication.
More Examples Of Completly & Totally Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use “completly” and “totally” in sentences. These examples will help you understand the meaning of these words and how they can be used in different contexts.
Examples Of Using “Completly” In A Sentence
- The project was completly finished on time and within budget.
- She was completly unaware of the situation.
- The restaurant was completly empty when we arrived.
- He was completly focused on his work.
- The movie was completly different from what I expected.
- She was completly exhausted after the long run.
- The book completly changed my perspective on life.
- The car was completly destroyed in the accident.
- The room was completly dark when we entered.
- He was completly honest about his mistake.
Examples Of Using “Totally” In A Sentence
- I totally agree with your opinion.
- The company’s decision was totally unexpected.
- The new product is totally worth the price.
- He was totally unaware of the situation.
- The movie was totally amazing.
- She was totally committed to her job.
- The plan was totally flawed from the beginning.
- He was totally engrossed in the book.
- The room was totally silent except for the ticking clock.
- The team was totally unprepared for the game.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “completely” and “totally,” people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately to convey the intended message.
Mistakes To Avoid
- Using “completely” to mean “totally”: While “completely” means “to the fullest extent” or “wholly,” it does not convey the same meaning as “totally.” For example, saying “I am completely tired” does not mean the same thing as saying “I am totally tired.” The former implies that you are tired to a great extent, while the latter implies that you are completely exhausted.
- Using “totally” to mean “completely”: Similarly, “totally” means “entirely” or “completely,” but it cannot be used in all contexts where “completely” is appropriate. For instance, saying “I am totally in agreement” does not convey the same meaning as saying “I am completely in agreement.” The former implies that you are in complete agreement, while the latter implies that you are in agreement without any reservations.
- Using “completely” or “totally” as intensifiers: Another common mistake is using “completely” or “totally” as intensifiers to modify adjectives or adverbs that do not require them. For example, saying “I am completely happy” is redundant because “happy” already conveys a sense of completeness. Similarly, saying “I totally ran quickly” is incorrect because “ran quickly” already conveys a sense of totality.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, it is important to understand the nuances of these words and use them appropriately. Here are some tips:
- Understand the meanings of “completely” and “totally”: Take the time to look up the definitions of these words and understand the contexts in which they are appropriate to use.
- Read and listen to examples: Pay attention to how these words are used in context by reading and listening to examples in books, articles, and conversations.
- Practice using them correctly: Try using these words in your writing and speech, and ask for feedback from others to ensure that you are using them appropriately.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between “completely” and “totally,” context is key. Both words are adverbs that mean “in a complete manner,” but they can have different connotations depending on the situation in which they are used.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “completely” and “totally” might change:
| Context | Example Sentence | Preferred Adverb |
|---|---|---|
| Emphasis on Exhaustion | I am completely/totally exhausted after running a marathon. | Either “completely” or “totally” would work in this context, as both convey a strong sense of exhaustion. |
| Emphasis on Perfection | The cake was completely/totally perfect. | “Completely” is the better choice in this context, as it emphasizes that every aspect of the cake was flawless. |
| Emphasis on Compliance | The company is completely/totally compliant with all regulations. | “Totally” is the better choice in this context, as it emphasizes that there are no exceptions or deviations from the regulations. |
As you can see, the choice between “completely” and “totally” can depend on the specific emphasis or nuance you want to convey in your writing. By considering the context in which you are using these words, you can ensure that your writing is clear, precise, and effective.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the usage of “completely” and “totally” is generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where the rules might not apply. Here are some explanations and examples for each case:
1. Idiomatic Expressions
Idiomatic expressions are phrases that have a figurative meaning that differs from the literal meaning of the words used. In some cases, the use of “completely” or “totally” in these expressions might not follow the usual rules.
Examples:
- “Totally stoked” (meaning: extremely excited)
- “Completely bonkers” (meaning: completely crazy)
2. Regional Variations
The usage of “completely” and “totally” might vary depending on the region or dialect. In some cases, one of the words might be preferred over the other.
Examples:
- In British English, “completely” is more commonly used than “totally”.
- In some regions of the United States, “totally” might be used more frequently than “completely”.
3. Emphasis And Tone
While “completely” and “totally” can be used interchangeably in some cases, the choice of word might depend on the desired emphasis or tone.
Examples:
- “I completely disagree with you” (emphasizing the degree of disagreement)
- “I totally understand where you’re coming from” (conveying a more casual or empathetic tone)
Overall, while there are some exceptions to the rules for using “completely” and “totally”, these cases are relatively rare. In most cases, following the standard usage guidelines will be sufficient.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of “completely” and “totally” in sentences is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to get you started:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Complete the following sentences by filling in the blank with either “completely” or “totally”.
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| The storm destroyed ___________ everything in its path. | completely |
| I am ___________ exhausted after running that marathon. | totally |
| The company’s new policy is ___________ unacceptable to many employees. | totally |
| She ___________ forgot about her doctor’s appointment. | completely |
Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word
Choose the correct word to complete the following sentences.
- The restaurant was ___________ full, so we had to wait for a table.
- After the car accident, the vehicle was ___________ totaled.
- He was ___________ unaware of the danger he was in.
- The project was ___________ finished on time.
Answers:
- totally
- completely
- totally
- completely
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of “completely” and “totally” in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context of the sentence and choose the word that best fits the meaning you are trying to convey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the proper use of “completely” versus “totally” can significantly improve one’s writing and communication skills. Here are the key takeaways from this article:
- Both “completely” and “totally” mean “entirely” or “wholly,” but they have different connotations and contexts.
- “Completely” is more formal and emphasizes the process of reaching a state of completion or perfection.
- “Totally” is more casual and emphasizes the result or outcome of a situation.
- Using the wrong word can affect the tone and clarity of a sentence, so it’s important to choose the right one based on the intended meaning and context.
As you continue to learn about grammar and language use, remember to pay attention to the nuances of words and how they can impact your writing. By mastering the subtleties of language, you can become a more effective communicator and writer.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.