I detest this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I detest this" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong dislike or aversion to something in a clear and emphatic manner. Example: "After trying the new dish, I must say, I detest this flavor combination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"I detest this woman.

The New York Times

I detest this fear.

The New Yorker

Unsurprisingly, I detest this reading, and much prefer what poets have to say.

Independent

As much as I detest this phrase, your quandary is "a teachable moment".

The New York Times

This rejection further embittered him: "I detest this town so much that I hate to go out into the streets, or to have people see me".

The New York Times - Books

"Where do I begin, to tell the story of how great a love can be... .. Officially, I detest this theme from "Love Story," but right now it doesn't seem so bad, as two inanimate bugs, made of wood and magnets, come to life.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"I detest the vogue for resurrection in fiction," Gibbons says.

The Guardian - Books

"I detest the ultra-feminine or the ultra-masculine," Jil Sander told me in Milan.

The New Yorker

I detest the details.

Huffington Post

I detest the phrase "going postal".

Huffington Post

Speaking at an event organised by Lancashire police, Mr Afzal said: "I absolutely detest this word 'witch-hunt'.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "I find this distasteful" or "I have a strong aversion to this."

Common error

While "I detest this" is a valid expression, using it too frequently in everyday conversation can sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Reserve it for situations where you truly want to emphasize your strong feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I detest this" functions as an expression of strong personal dislike or aversion. It clearly communicates the speaker's negative sentiment toward a specific object, idea, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

14%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I detest this" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey strong dislike. Ludwig AI confirms this. While not overly common, it is found in various contexts, primarily in News & Media sources. If you want to express a similar sentiment, you could use alternatives, like "I despise this" or "I loathe this", but consider your audience and the context to ensure your message is appropriate. While it's fine to use, avoid overusing this phrase in casual conversation, as it can come across as overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I despise this

Indicates a strong feeling of dislike, similar to detest, but perhaps with a sense of looking down upon it.

I abhor this

Suggests a feeling of repugnance and moral aversion, stronger than detest.

I loathe this

Emphasizes intense dislike and disgust, similar to detest but potentially more visceral.

I can't stand this

Expresses an inability to tolerate something, indicating strong annoyance or aversion.

I hate this

A simpler and more common way to express strong dislike.

This is repulsive to me

Focuses on the feeling of disgust or revulsion caused by something.

This is distasteful to me

Suggests something is unpleasant and offensive to one's sensibilities.

I have a strong aversion to this

Highlights a deep-seated dislike and desire to avoid something.

I find this repugnant

Emphasizes a feeling of strong disgust and aversion.

I am repulsed by this

Indicates a strong feeling of disgust and aversion leading to a desire to turn away.

FAQs

What does "I detest this" mean?

The phrase "I detest this" means you strongly dislike or hate something. It expresses a feeling of aversion or repugnance.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "I detest this"?

It's appropriate to use "I detest this" when you want to express a strong feeling of dislike. However, consider the context, as it can come across as quite strong. More moderate alternatives are preferable if you want to be polite.

What are some alternative phrases to "I detest this"?

You can use alternatives like "I despise this", "I loathe this", or "I hate this" to express similar feelings with varying degrees of intensity.

Is "I detest this" too strong for professional communication?

In many professional contexts, "I detest this" might be too strong. Consider using more moderate phrasing such as "I dislike this" or "I have reservations about this" to maintain a professional tone.