In the realm of communication, the words we choose carry weight. They can convey nuance, emphasize emotion, and even shape the tone of our interactions.
Among the many phrases we use to express agreement, “I Totally Agree” and “I Completely Agree” stand out. But which is more correct?
Use “I Totally Agree” for casual, Informal conversations and “I Completely Agree” for formal or professional settings.
This blog post dives into the intricacies of these phrases, exploring their semantics, usage, and cultural significance.

I Totally Agree Or I Completely Agree
Phrase | Context | Example |
---|---|---|
I Totally Agree | Casual/Informal | “I totally agree, that movie was amazing!” |
I Completely Agree | Formal/Professional | “I completely agree with your analysis.” |
Understanding the Semantics: Totally vs Completely

Definition of “Totally”
The word “totally” stems from the Latin word “totalis,” which means whole or entire.
It suggests something that is done to the fullest extent. When someone says “totally,” they emphasize the completeness of their agreement or action.
Definition of “Completely”
“Completely” originates from the Latin word “completus,” which also means full or finished.
It conveys a sense of thoroughness and entirety. Saying “completely” emphasizes that nothing is lacking in the agreement or action.
Semantic Differences and Overlaps
Both “totally” and “completely” imply full agreement, yet they carry slightly different connotations.
“Totally” often conveys a more casual, emphatic tone, while “completely” tends to sound more formal and measured.
Historical Context of Each Word
The historical usage of these words reveals shifts in language trends. “Totally” became more popular in the late 20th century, especially in informal settings.
“Completely,” however, has maintained a consistent presence in both formal and informal contexts.
Contextual Use of “I Totally Agree” in Conversations
Common Scenarios Where “I Totally Agree” Is Used
“I Totally Agree” often appears in casual conversations, social media interactions, and informal debates.
It’s a phrase that resonates well in contexts requiring enthusiastic affirmation.
Emotional Impact and Connotations
Using “totally” adds a layer of emotional intensity. It suggests a deeper level of enthusiasm and certainty.
For instance, in a friendly debate about favorite movies, saying “I Totally Agree” conveys not just agreement but also shared excitement.
Examples from Everyday Conversations
- Friendship: “I totally agree, that was the best concert ever!”
- Social Media: “Totally agree with this post, couldn’t have said it better!”
- Workplace: “I totally agree, this strategy will boost our sales.”
Informal Communication and TV Influence
Role of Television and Pop Culture in Popularizing “I Totally Agree”
Television shows, movies, and pop culture have played a significant role in popularizing the phrase “I Totally Agree.”
Characters in popular TV series often use this phrase, embedding it into everyday language.
Case Studies from Famous TV Shows and Movies
- “Friends”: Characters often use casual, emphatic language. For example, Joey’s enthusiastic agreements often include “totally.”
- “The Office”: Michael Scott’s exaggerated expressions often feature phrases like “I totally agree.”
How Informal Communication Shapes Language Trends
Informal communication, especially on social media, encourages the use of more expressive and less formal language. This trend has led to the widespread use of “totally” in everyday speech.
Is “I Completely Agree” the Formal Alternative?
Analysis of Formality in Language
“Completely” is often seen as more formal due to its thorough and precise connotation.
It’s a phrase that’s suitable for professional, academic, and formal social settings.
Situations Where “I Completely Agree” Is Preferred
- Business Meetings: “I completely agree with your assessment of the market trends.”
- Academic Discussions: “I completely agree with the findings presented in the study.”
- Formal Debates: “I completely agree with the arguments made by the previous speaker.”
Professional and Academic Usage
In professional and academic contexts, using “I Completely Agree” can convey a sense of thorough understanding and well-considered agreement.
It suggests a deeper level of analysis and reflection.
Comparing Usage Trends in Literature and Media
Data-Driven Analysis of Both Phrases in Literature
A comparison of the phrases “I Totally Agree” and “I Completely Agree” in literature reveals interesting trends.
According to Google Ngram Viewer, the usage of “completely agree” has been more consistent over the years, while “totally agree” saw a significant rise in the late 20th century.
Media Coverage and Trends Over the Decades
Media analysis shows a similar pattern. “I Totally Agree” appears more frequently in entertainment and social media contexts, whereas “I Completely Agree” is more common in news articles and formal publications.
Graphs and Charts Depicting Frequency and Context
Phrase | Literature (1800-2000) | Media (2000-2020) |
“I Totally Agree” | Moderate | High |
“I Completely Agree” | High | Moderate |
The Rise and Fall of “Totally” in Pop Culture
Timeline of the Popularity of “Totally”
- 1960s-1970s: Minimal usage, considered informal.
- 1980s: Surge in popularity, especially among teenagers and in pop culture.
- 1990s-2000s: Peak usage in TV shows and movies.
- 2010s: Slight decline as more varied expressions of agreement emerge.
Influence of Key Figures and Moments in History
Cultural icons like the Valley Girls in the 1980s and TV characters in the 1990s greatly influenced the rise of “totally.”
Decline or Resurgence in Modern Times
While its usage has declined slightly, “totally” remains popular in specific demographics, particularly among younger generations and on social media platforms.
Dissecting the Phrase “I Totally Agree With You”
Breakdown of Structure and Syntax
“I Totally Agree With You” is straightforward, emphasizing the speaker’s full agreement. The word “totally” amplifies the sentiment.
Contextual Examples and Their Effectiveness
- Casual Conversation: “I totally agree with you, that restaurant is amazing!”
- Social Media: “Totally agree with you, this issue needs more attention.”
Impact on Listener or Reader
The phrase conveys enthusiasm and strong support, making it effective in informal settings where positive reinforcement is desired.
Unpacking “I Completely Agree With You”: When to Use It
Situational Analysis
“I Completely Agree With You” is best used in situations requiring clarity and thoroughness. It’s suited for professional discussions, academic debates, and formal writings.
Comparative Examples
- Professional Setting: “I completely agree with you, these changes will improve efficiency.”
- Academic Context: “I completely agree with your interpretation of the data.”
Psychological Effects on the Audience
Using “completely” can convey a sense of reliability and well-considered judgment, often resulting in greater respect and credibility.
Variations of Agreement: Expressing Concord Differently
List of Alternative Phrases for Expressing Agreement
- “I wholeheartedly agree”
- “I am in full agreement”
- “I concur”
- “Absolutely”
- “Precisely”
Situational Use Cases for Each Variation
- Wholeheartedly: Best for emotional or passionate agreement.
- Full Agreement: Suitable for formal contexts.
- Concur: Ideal for academic and professional discussions.
- Absolutely: Works well in casual and semi-formal settings.
- Precisely: Good for technical or detailed discussions.
Pros and Cons of Each Alternative
- Wholeheartedly: Emotional but can be seen as overly dramatic.
- Full Agreement: Formal but might sound stiff.
- Concur: Professional but less common in casual speech.
- Absolutely: Versatile but can be overused.
- Precisely: Accurate but may sound too technical.
Other Ways to Convey Strong Agreement
Expressions and Idioms for Strong Agreement
- “You took the words right out of my mouth.”
- “Couldn’t have said it better myself.”
- “Exactly my thoughts.”
- “I’m with you 100%.”
Cultural Variations in Agreement Expressions
Different cultures have unique ways of expressing agreement. For instance, in Japanese, saying “Sou desu ne” (そうですね) implies strong agreement, while in Spanish, “Totalmente de acuerdo” serves a similar purpose.
Impact on Communication Effectiveness
Using varied expressions of agreement can enhance communication by making it more engaging and culturally sensitive. It shows attentiveness to the conversation and adds depth to the interaction.
How to Partially Agree Without Dismissing an Argument
Techniques for Partial Agreement
- Acknowledge the Valid Points: “I see your point about X, and I think…”
- Highlight Areas of Agreement First: “I agree with you on A, but I have a different perspective on B.”
- Use Diplomatic Language: “While I agree with some aspects, I believe…”
Examples of Diplomatic Language
- “You make a good point, and I also think…”
- “I understand where you’re coming from, however…”
- “That’s a valid argument, but we might also consider…”
Importance of Maintaining Respect in Disagreements
Respectful disagreement fosters healthy dialogue and prevents conflicts. It encourages a more productive exchange of ideas and maintains positive relationships.
Enhancing Politeness in Disagreement: Strategies and Examples
Strategies for Polite Disagreement
- Use “I” Statements: Focus on your perspective rather than blaming others.
- Acknowledge the Other Person’s Viewpoint: Show that you understand their position.
- Offer Constructive Feedback: Suggest alternatives rather than just opposing.
Examples from Professional and Personal Contexts
- Professional: “I see your approach, and I wonder if we could also consider…”
- Personal: “I understand your feelings, and here’s another way to look at it.”
Balancing Honesty with Politeness
Being honest yet polite requires a delicate balance. It involves expressing your true thoughts while being considerate of the other person’s feelings. This balance ensures clear communication without causing unnecessary friction.
What People Asks
What is the main difference between “I Totally Agree” and “I Completely Agree”?
“I Totally Agree” is casual and enthusiastic, while “I Completely Agree” is formal and precise.
Can “I Totally Agree” be used in professional settings?
It’s better to use “I Completely Agree” in professional or academic contexts for a formal tone.
Which phrase is more commonly used in everyday speech?
“I Totally Agree” is more common in informal conversations and social media.
Are “I Totally Agree” and “I Completely Agree” interchangeable?
They convey the same meaning but should be used according to the level of formality required.
How can I decide which phrase to use?
Choose based on context: “Totally” for casual chats and “Completely” for formal discussions.
Conclusion
Recap of Key Points
Throughout this article, we’ve explored the nuances between “I Totally Agree” and “I Completely Agree,” including their semantics, contextual uses, and cultural significance.
We’ve also examined various ways to express agreement and strategies for polite disagreement.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Phrase
Choosing between “I Totally Agree” and “I Completely Agree” depends on the context, audience, and desired impact. While “totally” is more casual and enthusiastic, “completely” is formal and precise.
Understanding these nuances can enhance your communication skills and help you connect more effectively with others.
Encouragement for Mindful Language Use in Communication
Language is a powerful tool. By being mindful of our word choices and understanding their impact, we can communicate more effectively and build stronger relationships.
So next time you find yourself in agreement, consider the context and choose the phrase that best conveys your message.
References
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary
- Google Ngram Viewer
- Academic Journals on Linguistics and Communication
- Popular TV Shows and Movies Scripts
By adhering to these guidelines and understanding the subtle differences between “I Totally Agree” and “I Completely Agree,” you’ll be better equipped to communicate with clarity and impact in any setting.