a hoax

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hoax" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is intended to trick or deceive people. For example: - The news of the celebrity's death turned out to be a hoax. - The advertisement for a miracle weight-loss product was revealed to be a hoax. - The politician's promise of free healthcare was exposed as a complete hoax.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

To prove a hoax?

The New Yorker

It's a hoax!

The New York Times

Sorry, but it's a hoax.

Independent

"That's a hoax," he said.

The New York Times

"A hoax!" the professor announced.

The New Yorker

" 'A hoax,' the teacher said".

The New Yorker

This is not a hoax.

The New York Times

Call climate change a hoax.

The New York Times

Is it all a hoax?

The Economist

Climate change is a hoax.

The New York Times

Global warming is a hoax.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about something being "a hoax", provide evidence or context to support the claim. Simply stating something is a hoax without justification can weaken your argument and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a hoax" as a dismissive label without explaining why something is considered deceptive. Overuse can dilute the impact and make your writing seem less credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hoax" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or object of a verb. It identifies something as being a deceptive or fraudulent scheme. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a hoax" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that serves to identify something as deceptive or fraudulent. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and prevalence. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for a variety of writing styles. When using "a hoax", it's crucial to provide supporting evidence and avoid overuse to maintain credibility. Related phrases include "a deception", "a sham", and "a fraud", which offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deception

Focuses on the act of deceiving someone, highlighting the misleading nature of the situation.

a sham

Emphasizes the falseness and pretense of something presented as genuine.

a trick

Highlights the element of cunning and skillful deception involved.

a fraud

Emphasizes the illegal or criminal aspect of the deception.

a fabrication

Focuses on the creation of something false or invented.

a ruse

Highlights the strategic and planned nature of the deception.

a fake

Emphasizes that something is not genuine or authentic.

a pretense

Focuses on the act of pretending or feigning something.

a put-on

Suggests a lighthearted or playful deception.

a con

Implies a deliberate and often elaborate scheme to deceive someone for personal gain.

FAQs

How can I use "a hoax" in a sentence?

You can use "a hoax" to describe something that is intended to trick or deceive people, like "The news of the celebrity's death turned out to be "a hoax"" or "The advertisement for a miracle weight-loss product was revealed to be "a hoax"".

What are some alternatives to "a hoax"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a deception", "a sham", or "a fraud" to describe something that is not genuine.

Is it correct to say "that was a hoax"?

Yes, "that was "a hoax"" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate that something was a deceptive or misleading act.

What is the difference between "a hoax" and "a prank"?

"A hoax" typically involves a more elaborate and deceptive scheme intended to mislead a larger audience, whereas "a prank" is usually a simpler, often humorous trick played on someone.