a complete lie

USAGE SUMMARY

"a complete lie" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not true or has been fabricated. For example, "He told me he was a millionaire, but it turns out to be a complete lie."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"That's a complete lie.

Independent

It was a complete lie.

The New Yorker

It's also a complete lie.

The Washington Post

He said: "It is a complete lie.

The Guardian - Film

Dixon considered "Uncle Tom's Cabin" to be a complete lie.

The Washington Post

"The most successful picture is a complete lie," he said.

The New York Times

But the story was not a complete lie.

The New York Times

"This is a complete lie and I deny that".

The New York Times

Cinema is a complete lie, but somewhere there may be truth".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He told a reporter it was part of his training a complete lie.

Vice

That was a complete lie from what I can tell, the side effects are far more serious.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a complete lie", ensure the context clearly supports the assertion. Provide evidence or reasoning to strengthen your claim and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid casually labeling statements as "a complete lie" without providing any supporting evidence. This can undermine your credibility and make your argument seem weak. Always offer a reason why the statement is false.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complete lie" functions as a noun phrase that serves as a predicate nominative or object complement. Ludwig examples showcase its role in directly contradicting or refuting statements deemed untrue, such as dismissing allegations or claims.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Reference

4%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a complete lie" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphatically denote something as entirely false. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is commonly found in News & Media and Wiki sources. To use it effectively, always ensure you have sufficient evidence or reasoning to support your assertion. While this phrase can be used in both formal and informal contexts, avoid overuse without proper justification to maintain credibility. Alternatives such as "utterly false" or "total fabrication" can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly false

Highlights the absolute lack of truth in the statement.

wholly untrue

Similar to 'utterly false', focusing on the absence of truth.

a blatant untruth

Stresses the obvious and shameless nature of the lie.

a total fabrication

Emphasizes the constructed or invented nature of the falsehood.

devoid of truth

Highlights the total absence of truth in the statement.

a downright falsehood

Emphasizes the direct and unequivocal nature of the lie.

pure fiction

Suggests the statement belongs to the realm of imagination, not reality.

entirely misleading

Highlights the deceptive effect of the statement, leading to wrong conclusions.

nothing but lies

Expresses that everything said is untrue and deceptive.

a pack of lies

Indicates multiple falsehoods bundled together.

FAQs

How can I use "a complete lie" in a sentence?

You can use "a complete lie" to describe something that is entirely untrue. For example: "His claim that he was working was "a complete lie", as he was actually at the beach".

What are some alternatives to saying "a complete lie"?

Alternatives include phrases like "utterly false", "total fabrication", or "pure fiction", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a complete lie" or "a total lie"?

Both ""a complete lie"" and "a total lie" are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What's the difference between "a complete lie" and "a half-truth"?

"A complete lie" is entirely false, while a half-truth contains some element of truth but is still misleading. A half-truth might be more deceptive because it mixes truth with falsehood.