Cool MateFlat out vs Totally
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Flat out
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Totally
Top 2,000 (common)B1adverb
Most formal: Totally
| Flat out | Totally | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //flæt aʊt//🇺🇸 //flæt aʊt// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈtəʊtəli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈtəʊtəli/"]/ |
| Meaning | Completely and without stopping | Completely or very much. |
| Example | I am working flat out to finish this project on time. | I totally agree with your opinion on the matter. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B1 |
| Part of speech | adverb | |
| Collocations | run flat out, work flat out, drive flat out, be flat out busy, go flat out | totally agree, totally awesome, totally different, totally in love |
| Antonyms | - | partially, somewhat |
| Common mistakes | Using 'flat out' in overly formal contexts., 'Flat out' confused with its literal meaning, thinking it's only about physical flatness., Misusing it for less intense situations. | 'Totally' is sometimes confused with 'complete.', Learners may use 'totally' in formal situations when it sounds too casual., Sometimes misused to modify nouns directly. |
| Usage notes | Used informally to describe doing something to the fullest or without exception. Avoid in formal writing. | Use 'totally' to emphasize an absolute degree of something. It's neutral but can sound informal in some contexts. Avoid in very formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Flat out vs Totally
What's the difference between Flat out and Totally?
Flat out: Completely and without stopping Totally: Completely or very much.
Which is more formal: Flat out and Totally?
Totally is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Flat out: I am working flat out to finish this project on time. Totally: I totally agree with your opinion on the matter.
Can I use Flat out and Totally interchangeably?
Not always. Flat out and Totally are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.