absolutely foul

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely foul" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extremely unpleasant or offensive, often in relation to smells, tastes, or behavior. Example: "The food at that restaurant was absolutely foul; I couldn't even finish my meal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"We absolutely foul them," he said.

The New York Times

Do you use absolutely foul language?

Harvard Business Review

So they were quite amusing mornings because sometimes the mixture was absolutely foul".

The Guardian

It was absolutely foul". While AronJanet42 wrote: "My mom has my umbilical cord, hair from my first haircut and baby teeth.

BBC

"We always name Them after celebritiesmell

Vice

"The smell was absolutely foul, as was the mood of the passengers who had to leave without their bags," one passenger told The Sun.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"Foul, absolutely, 1,000%," Heaps said.

The Guardian - Sport

"I have found absolutely no evidence suggesting foul play," Mr. Zimmerman said.

The New York Times

There were cynics who dismiss the verdict as a fudge, but Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff said he could "absolutely rule out" any deliberate foul play, such as setting the temperatures at a point that met the minimum when they were measured but allowed them to drop below that point for a competitive advantage by the time the race had started.

BBC

Wenger said that Arteta was "absolutely convinced he didn't make a foul and that it was very harsh".

Independent

Updated at 1.00pm GMT 12.54pm GMT 8 min: Rudy Gestede breaks into City's penalty area, but a) has absolutely no support from anyone; and b) fouled someone anyway.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "absolutely foul", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being described as extremely unpleasant, whether it's a smell, taste, behavior, or situation. Clarity prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely foul" in formal or professional writing. While it effectively conveys strong dislike, more refined language is usually preferable. Opt for terms like "highly objectionable" or "extremely unpleasant" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely foul" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to express a strong negative assessment. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing smells, tastes, and behaviors, indicating something is highly unpleasant or offensive.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absolutely foul" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a strong negative reaction to something unpleasant or offensive. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively common, it's advisable to consider the context. While "absolutely foul" effectively conveys strong emotions, more formal alternatives like "highly objectionable" might be more suitable in professional settings. The phrase appears most frequently in news media and scientific contexts. Understanding these nuances will enable more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly disgusting

Changes "absolutely foul" to a stronger emphasis on disgust.

completely repulsive

Emphasizes the repelling nature more directly.

thoroughly unpleasant

Replaces the intensity with a focus on general displeasure.

totally offensive

Shifts the focus to the offensive nature of something.

downright awful

A more colloquial way to express extreme negativity.

absolutely dreadful

Similar in intensity, but with a different emotional tone.

unquestionably vile

Uses a more formal and intense vocabulary.

incredibly distasteful

Focuses on the lack of taste and refinement.

simply atrocious

Highlights the shockingly bad quality.

genuinely objectionable

Emphasizes that something is unacceptable and worthy of protest.

FAQs

How can I use "absolutely foul" in a sentence?

You can use "absolutely foul" to describe something extremely unpleasant or offensive. For example, "The smell coming from the garbage was absolutely foul" or "His behavior at the meeting was absolutely foul."

What's a more formal way to say "absolutely foul"?

For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "highly objectionable", "extremely unpleasant", or "utterly disgusting" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "absolutely foul" appropriate for professional writing?

While "absolutely foul" is grammatically correct, it's generally too informal for professional writing. Opt for more neutral or sophisticated language to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "absolutely foul" and "somewhat unpleasant"?

"Absolutely foul" indicates a very strong negative reaction, whereas "somewhat unpleasant" suggests a milder level of dislike or discomfort. The choice depends on the intensity of the feeling you want to express.