Are you confused about when to use “totality” and “totally” in your writing? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These two words can be tricky, but with a little guidance, you’ll be able to use them correctly every time.
Let’s clear up any confusion about which word is the proper one to use. The truth is, both “totality” and “totally” have their place in the English language. However, they have different meanings and uses.
“Totality” refers to the whole or entirety of something. It is often used in scientific or technical contexts, such as in astronomy to describe the complete coverage of the sun during a solar eclipse. In other contexts, it can refer to the complete set of something, such as the totality of a person’s life experiences.
“Totally,” on the other hand, is an adverb that means completely or entirely. It is used to modify verbs or adjectives, such as “I totally understand” or “She was totally exhausted.”
Now that we’ve established the difference between these two words, let’s dive deeper into their usage and explore some examples.
Define Totality
In its simplest form, totality refers to the state of being complete or absolute. It is a concept that is often used in discussions about the universe, where it refers to the entirety of everything that exists. This includes all matter, energy, and space, as well as any other aspects of existence that may be beyond our current understanding or perception. In other contexts, totality can refer to the completeness of a particular set or group of things, such as the totality of a person’s life experiences or the totality of a company’s assets and liabilities.
Define Totally
Totally is an adverb that is used to describe the degree to which something is complete or absolute. It is often used in conjunction with the concept of totality, as it can be used to emphasize the completeness or entirety of something. For example, one might say that they are totally committed to a particular cause, or that they totally agree with a particular viewpoint. In other contexts, totally can be used to describe the degree to which something is different or distinct from something else, such as when one says that two things are totally unrelated or that a particular event was totally unexpected.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the correct word in a sentence is crucial to effective communication. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “totality” and “totally” in a sentence.
How To Use “Totality” In A Sentence
“Totality” is a noun that refers to the entirety of something or the state of being complete. Here are some examples of how to use “totality” in a sentence:
- The totality of the evidence suggests that the defendant is guilty.
- She was overwhelmed by the totality of the destruction caused by the hurricane.
- He was able to grasp the totality of the concept after studying it for several hours.
When using “totality” in a sentence, it is important to ensure that the context of the sentence is clear and that the word is being used correctly. For example, “The totality of the situation” may be ambiguous and could benefit from further elaboration to clarify what is meant by “totality.”
How To Use “Totally” In A Sentence
“Totally” is an adverb that means completely or entirely. Here are some examples of how to use “totally” in a sentence:
- I totally forgot about our meeting yesterday.
- She was totally surprised by the unexpected gift.
- The new policy will totally change the way we do things.
When using “totally” in a sentence, it is important to ensure that the word is being used to modify the correct verb or adjective. For example, “I totally forgot to call her” is correct, while “I forgot to totally call her” is not.
Overall, understanding the proper usage of “totality” and “totally” can greatly improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing and communication.
More Examples Of Totality & Totally Used In Sentences
When it comes to using the words “totality” and “totally” in sentences, it’s important to understand their meanings and how they can be used in context. Here are some examples to help illustrate their usage:
Examples Of Using “Totality” In A Sentence
- The totality of the evidence presented in court convinced the jury of the defendant’s guilt.
- The storm caused damage to the totality of the town, leaving no building untouched.
- The new policy will affect the totality of the company’s employees.
- The artist’s work is a representation of the totality of his life experiences.
- The concept of totality is central to the philosophical framework of this theory.
- The totality of the project’s goals will be achieved through careful planning and execution.
- The totality of the situation was overwhelming, leaving me feeling helpless.
- Only by considering the totality of the evidence can a fair judgment be made.
- The totality of the company’s assets will be sold off to pay its debts.
- The study examined the totality of the data to identify patterns and trends.
Examples Of Using “Totally” In A Sentence
- I’m totally exhausted after working a 12-hour shift.
- The new restaurant is totally worth the wait for a table.
- I totally understand why you feel that way.
- The movie was totally different from what I expected.
- I’m totally on board with the plan you proposed.
- The idea of skydiving totally terrifies me.
- I totally forgot about our meeting this morning.
- The dress you’re wearing totally complements your hair color.
- I’m totally in love with this new book series.
- The concert was totally amazing and exceeded all my expectations.
By using “totality” and “totally” correctly in your writing, you can convey a sense of completeness or emphasis that can enhance your message. Keep in mind their definitions and how they can be used in context to ensure your writing is clear and effective.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words totality and totally, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these words have distinct meanings and should not be used in place of each other. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Totality” As An Adverb
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “totality” as an adverb, such as in the sentence “I totally agree with you.” The correct word to use in this case is “totally,” which means completely or entirely. “Totality,” on the other hand, refers to the entirety of something, such as the totality of an eclipse.
Using “Totally” To Describe A Whole
Another mistake people make is using “totally” to describe a whole, such as in the sentence “I ate totally the pizza.” The correct word to use in this case is “entirely” or “completely,” as “totally” does not convey the same meaning. “Totally” should be used to describe the degree to which something is done, as in “I totally forgot about our meeting.”
Using “Totality” To Describe A Degree
Similarly, using “totality” to describe a degree is also incorrect. For example, saying “I am in totality agreement with you” is incorrect, as “totality” does not convey the same meaning as “completely” or “entirely.” Instead, use “completely” or “fully” to describe the degree to which you agree with someone.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to understand the meanings of both words and use them appropriately. Here are some tips:
- Use “totally” to describe the degree to which something is done or the extent to which you agree with someone
- Use “totality” to describe the entirety of something
- If you’re unsure of which word to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus to ensure you’re using the correct word for the context
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “totality” and “totally,” context plays a significant role in determining which one to use. Both words have different connotations and can be used in different contexts to convey different meanings.
Choosing Between Totality And Totally
The word “totality” refers to the entirety or completeness of something. It is often used to describe a situation or event that involves all aspects or components. On the other hand, “totally” means completely or entirely and is often used to describe a state or action that is absolute or unconditional.
The choice between “totality” and “totally” can depend on the context in which they are used. For example, in a scientific context, “totality” might be used to describe the complete set of data or observations, while “totally” might be used to describe a complete transformation or change in state.
Examples Of Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “totality” and “totally” might change:
| Context | Example | Word Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Science | Astronomy | Totality |
| The totality of the solar eclipse was visible from the observation deck. | ||
| Business | Marketing | Totally |
| We totally revamped our marketing strategy and saw a significant increase in sales. | ||
| Education | Language Learning | Totality |
| The totality of the language learning experience involves not just vocabulary but also cultural immersion. |
In each of these examples, the choice between “totality” and “totally” is determined by the context in which they are used. In science, “totality” is used to describe the complete set of data, while in business, “totally” is used to describe a complete transformation. In education, “totality” is used to describe the complete language learning experience.
Exceptions To The Rules
While totality and totally have their own set of rules, there are some exceptions to these rules where they might not apply. Here are some of the exceptions along with their explanations and examples:
1. Slang And Informal Language
In informal language and slang, the rules for using totality and totally may not apply. In such cases, the words may be used interchangeably without any significant difference in meaning. For example:
- “I’m totally gonna ace this test!”
- “I’m in totality agreement with you, bro!”
Here, both totally and totality are used in an informal context to express agreement and confidence.
2. Technical And Legal Language
In technical and legal language, the rules for using totality and totally may differ from their general usage. In such cases, the words may have specific meanings that are different from their common usage. For example:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Totality of the Evidence | The entire body of evidence relevant to a legal case |
| Totally Disabled | Unable to work due to a physical or mental condition |
Here, totality and totally are used in a technical and legal context with specific meanings that are different from their general usage.
3. Idiomatic Expressions
Idiomatic expressions are phrases that have a figurative meaning that is different from their literal meaning. In such cases, the usage of totality and totally may depend on the specific expression. For example:
- “In totality” (meaning completely or entirely)
- “Totally out of the question” (meaning impossible)
Here, the usage of totality and totally is determined by the specific idiomatic expression.
Practice Exercises
To help readers improve their understanding and use of totality and totally in sentences, here are some practice exercises:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either totality or totally:
- The __________ of the situation was overwhelming.
- She was __________ unprepared for the exam.
- The __________ of the damage was beyond repair.
- He was __________ absorbed in his book that he didn’t hear me come in.
Answer key:
- totality
- totally
- totality
- totally
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
- The __________ of the situation was beyond comprehension.
- a) totality
- b) totally
- a) totality
- b) totally
- a) totality
- b) totally
- a) totality
- b) totally
Answer key:
- a) totality
- b) totally
- a) totality
- b) totally
These exercises can help readers improve their understanding and use of totality and totally in sentences. By practicing with these exercises, readers can gain confidence and avoid common errors in their writing.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between “totality” and “totally,” it is clear that these two terms have distinct meanings and uses. “Totality” refers to the entirety or completeness of something, while “totally” describes a complete or absolute degree of something.
It is important for writers to understand the nuances of language and grammar, as using the wrong word can change the meaning of a sentence entirely. By paying attention to the context and connotations of words, writers can ensure that their message is conveyed accurately and effectively.
As language is constantly evolving, it is also important for readers and writers alike to continue learning and expanding their knowledge of grammar and language use. By staying informed and practicing good writing habits, we can all improve our communication skills and achieve greater success in our personal and professional lives.
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.