be a total tool

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a total tool" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in informal contexts to describe someone who is acting foolishly or obnoxiously. Example: "I can't believe he would say something like that; he really is just being a total tool."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The S.B.I. lab was shown to be a total tool for the state's prosecutors".

The New Yorker

Depending on what criteria you give at the beginning of the game, your virtual boyfriend could be a total tool (check out the screen grab to the right).

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And the more fortunate your circumstances, the more ridiculous you should find yourself, unless you're a total tool.

Independent

He's a total, total genius.

Vice

Be a total Christian.

WikiHow

Be a total flake.

WikiHow

But the narrative pacing is all wrong: disaster would have been much more impactful, I think, had it struck before we realised what a total tool this man was.

The Guardian

Especially with their heterogenic diversity of stem cells, the image-based evaluation, which measures every single cell in the culture vessel, can be a powerful tool for total cell evaluation.

Biotechnology and Bioengineering

In this way, the ratio of fragment/intact CK18 (i.e., caspase-cleaved to total CK18) may be a helpful tool in quantifying apoptosis and necrosis during various pathological conditions.

BMC Gastroenterology

The results show that packaging's that reduce food waste can be an important tool to reduce the total environmental impact, even if there is an increase in impact from the packaging itself.

Journal of Cleaner Production

The relationship between hospitalization and death cases observed by us and in USA and Canada [11] appears to be an ideal tool to assess the total number of case in the community.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be a total tool" sparingly and in informal settings where strong language is appropriate. Consider your audience and the potential for offense.

Common error

Avoid using "be a total tool" in formal writing or professional communication. Opt for more polite and professional alternatives to maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a total tool" functions as a predicative expression, where "tool" serves as a derogatory noun. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English and typically used in informal contexts to describe someone acting foolishly or obnoxiously.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be a total tool" is an informal and derogatory expression used to describe someone acting foolishly or obnoxiously. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability for informal contexts. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to consider the audience and setting, opting for more professional language in formal situations. The phrase appears more frequently in News & Media and Wiki, and its related phrases include "act like a fool" and "be a complete jerk". Use it judiciously and with awareness of its potentially offensive nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be a complete jerk

Highlights the unpleasant and inconsiderate behavior.

be a total idiot

Emphasizes extreme foolishness or stupidity.

act like a fool

Focuses on the foolish behavior rather than the inherent character.

be such an ass

A more vulgar way of expressing similar sentiment.

behave obnoxiously

Emphasizes the offensive and unpleasant behavior.

be completely inept

Emphasizes a lack of skill or competence.

behave foolishly

Focuses on the lack of sense or judgment in one's actions.

be utterly incompetent

Stresses a complete lack of ability.

be a pain in the neck

Highlights the annoying and irritating quality.

be a nuisance

Focuses on being annoying or troublesome.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is a "be a total tool"?

Saying someone "be a total tool" means they are acting foolishly, obnoxiously, or inconsiderately. It's a strong, informal way to criticize someone's behavior.

What can I say instead of "be a total tool"?

You can use alternatives like "be a complete jerk", "act like a fool", or "be utterly incompetent" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "be a total tool" appropriate in professional communication?

No, "be a total tool" is not appropriate for professional communication. It's too informal and potentially offensive. Use more professional language to criticize someone's behaviour.

How to use "be a total tool" in a sentence?

You can use "be a total tool" in a sentence like, "I can't believe he said that; he's really being a total tool right now".