a complete mockery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complete mockery" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that is utterly ridiculous or disrespectful, often in a context where something is being made fun of or not taken seriously. Example: "The way they handled the event was a complete mockery of the original purpose it was meant to serve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"This is a complete mockery," she said.

The Guardian

"This is not only a complete waste of money, but also a complete mockery of the WA government's commitment to improving the scientific understanding of white sharks.

The Guardian

Birgitta Jónsdóttir, an MP for the Movement party, has called Kennedy's activities "a complete mockery of democracy" and challenged the UK police to hand over details of his operation in Iceland.

The Guardian

Tapping banks for highways makes a complete mockery of the "user pays" principle that is supposed to guide highway spending.

Forbes

If Britain did continue its membership of the single market and customs union it would make a "complete mockery" of last year's referendum result, he wrote.

BBC

It will make a complete mockery of elections and might well be the end of the ballot as a means of instituting government in Kenya.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Defending himself at trial, Mr. Allen's character denounces the proceedings as a travesty -- a travesty of a mockery of a sham of a mockery of a travesty of two mockeries of a sham.

The New York Times

Every totalitarian country has a constitution the Soviet constitution was a mockery not because its "norms" were not respected but because the ruling party had complete contempt for the premises it was based on.

The New Yorker

Granting a copyright in a monkey-taken photograph would be a mockery of the incentive purpose of the law.

Duke University

He made a mockery of a reporter's menstrual cycle.

The Washington Post

Eurozone ministers now insist upon unconditional surrender: a national abasement that makes a mockery of democracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a complete mockery" to express strong disapproval or to highlight the absurdity of a situation or action. It is best used when something is being treated with disrespect or is not taken seriously.

Common error

Avoid using "a complete mockery" in highly formal or professional writing where a more nuanced or diplomatic tone is required. Opt for alternatives like "a serious misrepresentation" or "a significant failing" to maintain professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complete mockery" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as a predicate nominative or object complement. According to Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct expression used to describe something considered utterly ridiculous or disrespectful.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a complete mockery" is a grammatically sound and expressive way to convey strong disapproval or to highlight the absurdity of a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's deemed correct and usable in written English. While commonly found in news and media, its usage in more formal contexts should be carefully considered. When aiming to criticize something's ridiculousness, "a complete mockery" serves effectively, though alternatives like "a total travesty" or "an utter farce" may be more suitable depending on the intended nuance and the formality of the context. While the phrase appears primarily within news outlets and academic works, and the expression is approved by Ludwig, remember to consider the occasion for the most suitable phrasing to ensure your tone aligns with the intended readership.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a total travesty

This phrase implies a gross misrepresentation or distortion of something, often with legal or moral implications.

an utter farce

This suggests that a situation or event is absurd and ridiculous, lacking any real seriousness or value.

a complete sham

This indicates that something is fake, deceptive, and intended to mislead.

a ridiculous charade

Highlights the deceptive and often theatrical nature of a situation.

a blatant absurdity

Emphasizes the obvious and nonsensical quality of something.

a pathetic joke

Suggests that something is not only laughable but also pitiable or inadequate.

a hollow pretense

Implies that something lacks substance or sincerity, serving only as an empty show.

a gross distortion

Stresses the degree to which something has been twisted or misrepresented.

an empty gesture

Highlights the lack of genuine intent or meaningful action behind something.

a shallow imitation

Indicates that something is a poor copy or substitute for something genuine.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complete mockery" to describe something that is treated with utter disrespect or is so poorly executed that it becomes laughable. For instance, "The trial became "a complete mockery" due to the biased judge".

What are some alternatives to "a complete mockery"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a total travesty", "an utter farce", or "a complete sham". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a complete mockery" too informal for academic writing?

While "a complete mockery" is acceptable in some contexts, it can be perceived as too informal for rigorous academic writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "a serious misrepresentation" or "a significant failing".

What's the difference between "a complete mockery" and "a parody"?

While both terms involve a sense of ridicule, "a parody" typically refers to a work that imitates another in a humorous way, whereas "a complete mockery" implies a more general sense of disrespect or absurdity in how something is handled or presented.