a shit that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shit that" is grammatically correct but may be considered informal or vulgar in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is expressing disdain or frustration about a particular situation or object. Example: "I can't believe he would say a shit that ridiculous in front of everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

But playing someone who's 'rargh!' and lets it all out, who doesn't give a shit – that's easier in a way".

Independent

I believe intact families, parents that give a shit, that want to know if you're doing your homework, those are what create better school systems.

Huffington Post

A shit that affected the fundamental workings of a multi-million pound aircraft, but a simple shit nonetheless.

Vice

A shit that came out of Ringo Starr's body would apparently be worth $826 on the open market.

Vice

Still, you really have to wonder if it's purely a lack of compulsion to give a shit that has resulted in an increase of over 200percentt in something like chlamydia.

Vice

I don't give a shit, that's up to you.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

That's because I threw out a lot of shit that had been lying around for a while.

TechCrunch

During the press conference after the game, when asked to recall a specific play, Brady said, smiling, "There was a lot of shit that happened tonight".

The New Yorker

And then, pointing to another hill, "That's where we shot Rambo 3, what a crock of shit that was.

The Guardian - Books

The sad squeaky sound went infinitely sharp, and Cahill realized he'd been intending to push the dog's nose against a pile of shit that was not his.

The New Yorker

There's been a lot of shit that's happened, but we're going to have to make the best of it and give each other space.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a shit that", consider your audience and the context. While it can be effective for emphasis in informal settings, it's generally best to avoid it in formal writing or professional communications.

Common error

A common mistake is using "a shit that" in contexts that require a more professional or respectful tone. Always assess the audience and purpose of your writing to ensure the language is appropriate. Using a more neutral alternative like "something that" or "a thing that" may be a better choice.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "a shit that" is to act as a modifier, expressing strong negative sentiment or dismissal towards the noun it refers to. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically correct but considered informal.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a shit that" is a grammatically correct but vulgar expression used to convey strong negative feelings. Ludwig AI indicates its informality, making it best suited for casual contexts. While it appears in various sources, including News & Media, it should be used with caution in professional or formal settings. Consider using alternatives like "something that's awful" or "utter garbage" to express disapproval in a more appropriate manner. The authoritative sources using this phrase are Huffington Post, Vice, The Guardian, The New Yorker and Independent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something that's awful

Replaces the vulgar term with a more polite expression to indicate something bad.

utter garbage

Emphasizes the low quality or worthlessness of something.

a terrible thing

Substitutes the original phrase with a more generic but less offensive term.

a piece of trash

Highlights the worthlessness and disposability of something.

total rubbish

Focuses on the lack of value or truth in something.

a load of nonsense

Replaces the vulgarity with a more descriptive term focusing on lack of sense.

a wretched thing

Emphasizes the unpleasant and regrettable nature of the subject.

a foul matter

Highlights the unpleasant and offensive nature.

a complete disaster

Focuses on the catastrophic nature of the situation.

pure bunk

Replaces the vulgar term with a more lighthearted expression meaning nonsense.

FAQs

What does "a shit that" mean?

The phrase "a shit that" is an informal and vulgar way of expressing strong dislike, disbelief, or dismissal towards something. It emphasizes the speaker's negative feelings about the subject.

When is it appropriate to use "a shit that"?

It's appropriate in very informal contexts, such as casual conversations with close friends, or in creative writing where a character's voice requires strong, uncensored language. However, it is best avoided in professional, academic, or formal settings.

What can I say instead of "a shit that"?

You can use alternatives like "something that's awful", "a terrible thing", or "utter garbage" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a shit that"?

Yes, the phrase "a shit that" is grammatically correct, following the structure of an article followed by a noun and a relative pronoun. However, its vulgarity makes it unsuitable for many formal contexts.