Are you confused about the correct spelling of “totally” and “totaly”? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but there is a correct spelling. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two and provide you with the knowledge to use them correctly.
The proper spelling is “totally.” “Totaly” is not a word in the English language. It’s a common misspelling that has become widespread due to the prevalence of social media and texting. “Totally” means completely, absolutely, or entirely. It’s an adverb that modifies verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. For example:
“I totally agree with you.”
“The movie was totally amazing.”
“He’s totally into sports.”
On the other hand, “totaly” is not a word, and therefore, it has no definition. It’s a misspelling of “totally” that has become popular in informal writing such as text messages, social media posts, and online forums. While it may be tempting to use this spelling, it’s important to remember that it’s not a word and can make you appear uneducated or careless in professional settings.
Now that we’ve cleared up the confusion between “totally” and “totaly,” let’s dive deeper into the correct usage of “totally.” In the following sections, we’ll explore the different ways that “totally” can be used and provide examples to help you understand its proper usage.
Define Totally
Totally is an adverb that means completely, entirely, or wholly. It is used to describe a situation or action that is done without any exceptions or reservations. For example:
- “I totally agree with you.”
- “She was totally exhausted after running the marathon.”
- “The project was totally successful.”
The word totally is often used in informal conversations and is considered to be a more casual way of expressing completeness.
Define Totaly
Totaly is not a correct spelling of any word in the English language. It is a common misspelling of the word totally, which is the correct form of the adverb.
Using totaly instead of totally can be considered as a spelling error or a typo. It can affect the clarity and credibility of the written text. Therefore, it is important to use the correct spelling of totally to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to writing, proper usage of words is essential to convey the intended message effectively. One of the most commonly confused words is “totally” and “totaly.” In this section, we will discuss how to use these words in a sentence correctly.
How To Use “Totally” In A Sentence
“Totally” is an adverb that means completely or entirely. It is often used to emphasize the degree to which something is true or accurate. Here are a few examples:
- She was totally exhausted after running the marathon.
- The concert was totally amazing!
- He totally forgot about the meeting.
As you can see, “totally” is used to emphasize the degree to which something is true or accurate. It can be used to describe a person’s feelings, the quality of something, or a person’s actions.
How To Use “Totaly” In A Sentence
“Totaly” is not a word in the English language. The correct spelling is “totally.” It is important to use the correct spelling to avoid confusion and to ensure that your writing is taken seriously. Using incorrect spelling can make your writing appear unprofessional and may cause the reader to lose trust in your message.
Therefore, when writing, always double-check the spelling of the words you are using to ensure that they are spelled correctly. Using a spell-checker or a dictionary can help you avoid common spelling mistakes and improve the overall quality of your writing.
More Examples Of Totally & Totaly Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use “totally” and “totaly” in sentences. While these two words may seem similar, they have different meanings and are used in different contexts.
Examples Of Using “Totally” In A Sentence
- I am totally exhausted after running a marathon.
- The movie was totally amazing, I loved every minute of it.
- She was totally surprised when she received the award.
- He is totally committed to his job and works long hours.
- The food at the restaurant was totally delicious.
- She totally forgot about the meeting and missed it.
- The concert was totally packed with fans.
- He was totally honest about his mistake and apologized.
- The new car is totally worth the investment.
- She is totally in love with her new puppy.
Examples Of Using “Totaly” In A Sentence
- He totaly misunderstood the instructions and did it wrong.
- The company’s decision was totaly wrong and caused a lot of problems.
- She totaly underestimated the amount of work it would take to complete the project.
- The storm totaly destroyed the small town.
- He totaly ignored her advice and suffered the consequences.
- The product was totaly different than what was advertised.
- She totaly overreacted to the situation and caused a scene.
- The teacher totaly confused the students with his explanation.
- The politician’s speech was totaly misleading and untrue.
- He totaly lost his temper and yelled at his coworkers.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to the English language, there are many common mistakes that people make, especially when it comes to using similar words interchangeably. One such pair of words that are often misused are totally and totaly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:
Mistake #1: Using “Totaly” Instead Of “Totally”
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “totaly” instead of “totally”. While “totaly” may seem like a valid spelling, it is actually incorrect and not recognized by the English language. “Totally” is the correct spelling of the word and should always be used instead of “totaly”.
Mistake #2: Using “Totally” To Mean “Completely”
Another common mistake people make is using “totally” to mean “completely”. While “totally” can be used to mean “completely”, it is important to note that it can also mean “to a large extent” or “without reservation”. Therefore, it is important to use the word in the correct context to avoid confusion or ambiguity.
Mistake #3: Using “Totally” As A Filler Word
Using “totally” as a filler word is another common mistake people make. This means using the word excessively or unnecessarily in a sentence. Not only does this make the sentence sound unprofessional, but it can also detract from the overall message you are trying to convey. Instead, try to use more descriptive words or phrases to convey your message.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
Here are some tips to help you avoid making these mistakes in the future:
- Always spell “totally” correctly and avoid using “totaly”.
- Use “totally” in the correct context to avoid confusion or ambiguity.
- Avoid using “totally” as a filler word and instead use more descriptive language to convey your message.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between “totally” and “totaly,” context is key. Depending on the situation, one may be more appropriate than the other. Let’s explore some examples of different contexts and how the choice between these two words might change.
Formal Writing
In formal writing, it is generally more appropriate to use “totally” as it is the correct spelling of the word. “Totaly” is considered a misspelling and should be avoided. For example, in a research paper or business report, using “totaly” would be seen as unprofessional and could negatively impact the credibility of the author.
Informal Writing
When it comes to informal writing, such as text messages or social media posts, the choice between “totally” and “totaly” may depend on the tone the writer is trying to convey. “Totaly” may be used to add emphasis or convey a more casual tone. For example, “I am totaly down for pizza tonight!” conveys a more relaxed and enthusiastic tone than “I am totally down for pizza tonight!”
Dialect And Regional Variations
It’s worth noting that the choice between “totally” and “totaly” can also depend on dialect and regional variations. In some areas, “totaly” may be more commonly used and accepted as a variation of “totally.” However, in other areas, using “totaly” may be seen as incorrect or uneducated. It’s important to consider the audience and context when deciding which spelling to use.
Summary
Overall, the choice between “totally” and “totaly” depends on the context in which they are used. In formal writing, “totally” is the correct spelling and should always be used. In informal writing and dialects, “totaly” may be more acceptable, but it’s important to consider the tone and audience when making the choice.
Exceptions To The Rules
When The Meaning Of The Word Changes
There are certain contexts where the use of “totally” and “totaly” can change the meaning of the sentence. For instance, when “totaly” is used instead of “totally,” it could indicate a sense of completeness and finality or could be used as a slang term. In contrast, “totally” is used to indicate completeness or agreement.
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “I am totaly going to ace this test.” | In this context, “totaly” is used informally to indicate confidence or enthusiasm. |
| “I am totally going to ace this test.” | In this context, “totally” is used to indicate complete confidence or agreement. |
Regional Or Cultural Differences
The use of “totally” and “totaly” can vary depending on regional or cultural differences. For example, the use of “totaly” could be more prevalent in certain dialects or cultures, while “totally” might be more commonly used in others.
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “That movie was totaly awesome!” | In some cultures or regions, the use of “totaly” instead of “totally” might be more common in informal settings. |
| “I totally agree with you.” | In other cultures or regions, the use of “totally” might be more common in both formal and informal settings. |
Practice Exercises
Now that we’ve covered the differences between totally and totaly, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences.
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word (totally or totaly) to fill in the blank in each sentence below:
- I am _______ going to the concert tonight.
- She was _______ surprised by the news.
- The _______ cost of the project was higher than expected.
- He is _______ the best candidate for the job.
Answer Key:
- totally
- totally
- totaly
- totally
Explanation: In sentence 1, totally is the correct word because it means completely or entirely. In sentence 2, totally is also correct because it means completely surprised. In sentence 3, totaly is correct because it means the sum or entirety of something. In sentence 4, totally is correct because it means completely or absolutely.
Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence
Rewrite each sentence below using the correct form of totally or totaly:
- The cost of the project was totally unexpected.
- She was totaly unaware of the situation.
- He is totally convinced that he is right.
Answer Key:
- The total cost of the project was unexpected.
- She was totally unaware of the situation.
- He is totally convinced that he is right.
Explanation: In sentence 1, total is the correct form of the word because it refers to the sum or entirety of something. In sentence 2, totally is the correct form of the word because it means completely or entirely. In sentence 3, totally is also correct because it means completely or absolutely.
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of totally and totaly in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context and meaning of each word to choose the correct form.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct spelling of “totally” is with two “L’s” and one “Y”. The incorrect spelling, “totaly”, is a common misspelling that can be easily avoided by paying attention to the spelling of the word.
Throughout this article, we have discussed the differences between “totally” and “totaly”, including their definitions, origins, and usage. We have also explored the impact that grammar and language use can have on effective communication, and how small mistakes can detract from the overall message.
Key Takeaways
- The correct spelling of “totally” is with two “L’s” and one “Y”
- “Totaly” is an incorrect spelling and should be avoided
- Grammar and language use are important for effective communication
- Small mistakes can detract from the overall message
It is important to continue learning about grammar and language use to improve communication skills. By paying attention to details like spelling, grammar, and punctuation, we can ensure that our messages are clear and effective.
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.