a total scam

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a total scam" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to indicate that something is a complete fraud or hoax. For example: "I heard that company was offering free vacations, but it turned out to be a total scam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

That's still a total scam.

Independent

"It was just a total scam," he said.

The New York Times

At that age, you're so binary with the recognition of hypocrisy, so we were, like, This is a total scam".

The New Yorker

Like the fact that custom picture frames, while insanely expensive, can be considered a "home investment," whereas storage units are a total scam.

The New Yorker

In the early days of the Web, everyone noticed that there were a lot of people browsing Web pages, so a lot of companies set up sites to advertise their products, and then reported back that "this Internet thing" was a total scam.

Forbes

And, it turns out -- a total scam.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

This survey is quite literally a complete and total scam.

TechCrunch

The crisp test Shane Osborn, Jay Rayner and Erich Müller give their verdicts: Walkers Salt & Shake, (24g, 98p for pack of six) Jay Rayner, the Observer's restaurant critic I know these: a total marketing scam.

The Guardian

Businesses that are total scams don't usually approach us for coverage and brag about how much money they are raking in.

TechCrunch

It's almost enough to convince you that mineral water isn't a total and utter scam.

The Guardian - Travel

BONUS SCAM: Trading stocks is a totally rigged scam.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a total scam", ensure the context clearly indicates that the subject is indeed fraudulent or deceptive. Provide evidence or reasoning to support your claim for increased credibility.

Common error

Avoid overusing "a total scam" as it can weaken your writing and sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a complete fraud" or "a deceptive scheme" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a total scam" functions as a noun phrase acting as a predicate nominative or a subjective complement, describing something that is completely fraudulent or deceptive. This usage is confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a total scam" is a common and readily understood expression used to describe something that is completely fraudulent or deceptive. According to Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase, often serving to express strong disapproval and caution others. While grammatically correct, its use is generally confined to neutral-to-informal contexts like news and general discourse, with limited appearances in formal academic or scientific writing. For increased impact, make sure to support your claim with supporting evidence to strengthen the description. When more formal language is required, alternatives such as "a complete fraud" or "a deceptive scheme" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complete fraud

Emphasizes the deceitful nature of the situation, similar to a scam.

a complete deception

Highlights the act of misleading someone entirely.

a complete swindle

Focuses on the financial dishonesty involved.

a complete hoax

Indicates that something is a fabrication or trick.

a total rip-off

Emphasizes the overcharging or unfairness of the deal.

a rigged game

Suggests unfair manipulation to guarantee a specific outcome.

a deceptive scheme

Focuses on the planned and misleading nature of the scam.

a fraudulent operation

Highlights the illegal and dishonest actions involved.

a con job

A shorter, more informal way to describe a scam.

a sham

Implies that something presented as genuine is fake.

FAQs

How can I use "a total scam" in a sentence?

You can use "a total scam" to describe something completely fraudulent or deceptive. For example, "The online course promising instant wealth turned out to be a total scam."

What are some alternatives to saying "a total scam"?

You can use alternatives such as "a complete fraud", "a complete deception", or "a complete swindle" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a total scam" in formal writing?

While "a total scam" is widely understood, it's more suitable for informal or journalistic contexts. For formal writing, consider using more precise and professional terms like "fraudulent scheme" or "deceptive practice".

What's the difference between "a total scam" and "a rip-off"?

"A total scam" implies a deliberate act of deception to gain something, while "a rip-off" suggests being overcharged or unfairly exploited. A scam is inherently deceitful, whereas a rip-off might involve inflated prices without necessarily being fraudulent.