complete and utter nonsense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete and utter nonsense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to describe something as illogical, impossible, or absurd. For example, "When I heard that the government was planning to use fire to put out a flood, I thought it was complete and utter nonsense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

This is complete and utter nonsense.

The Guardian - Opinion

We think that is a complete and utter nonsense.

The Guardian

That the Sudanese could not ensure our security was complete and utter nonsense.

The New York Times

A senior Conservative official said that Baldwin's allegations were "complete and utter nonsense".

The Guardian

But the Mayor's spokesman said last night: "It's complete and utter nonsense.

Independent

Today, a C.I.A. spokesman, Bill Harlow, called Mr. Wise's accusation "complete and utter nonsense".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

He again ruled out a full investigation, saying a "cursory investigation into what actually occurred [would] make it abundantly clear that the allegations is complete, utter and fulsome nonsense".

The Guardian - Music

He rejected the Syrian government's claim of suicide, saying it was a "complete fiction" and "utter nonsense and I would ardently deny anything of that scenario".

BBC

Shahnawaz Khan rejected the Syrian government's claim of suicide, saying it was a "complete fiction" and "utter nonsense and I would ardently deny anything of that scenario".

BBC

And I said, "That's complete nonsense.

The New York Times

Complete nonsense.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "complete and utter nonsense" to firmly reject claims or ideas you find illogical or false. It adds emphasis and can be effective in debates or persuasive writing.

Common error

While effective for emphasis, avoid using "complete and utter nonsense" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more measured and professional language to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete and utter nonsense" functions as an emphatic interjection or a predicate adjective used to express strong disagreement or disbelief. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complete and utter nonsense" serves as a forceful way to reject something deemed illogical or false. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct. It functions as a emphatic interjection or a predicate adjective. While common in News & Media, with neutral to informal register, overuse in formal contexts should be avoided. For alternatives, consider "absolute rubbish", or "total fabrication". Its frequency suggests it is appropriate for many writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrant nonsense

This alternative uses 'arrant' to intensify the sense of something being blatant nonsense.

absolute rubbish

This alternative is a slightly less intense and more common expression of disbelief.

total fabrication

This alternative suggests that something has been invented or made up completely.

blatant falsehood

This alternative focuses on the deceptive and untrue nature of a statement.

unadulterated drivel

This alternative emphasizes the boring and meaningless quality of the nonsense.

pure fantasy

This alternative emphasizes the unrealistic and imaginative nature of something.

complete hogwash

This alternative conveys the idea that something is foolish, untrue, or exaggerated.

pure poppycock

This alternative is a more informal and lighthearted dismissal of something as nonsense.

downright preposterous

This alternative suggests that something is absurd and ridiculous.

utter balderdash

This alternative is a more old-fashioned and humorous way to dismiss something as nonsense.

FAQs

How can I use "complete and utter nonsense" in a sentence?

You can use "complete and utter nonsense" to express strong disagreement or disbelief. For example, "His claim that the Earth is flat is complete and utter nonsense."

What phrases are similar to "complete and utter nonsense"?

Similar phrases include "absolute rubbish", "total fabrication", or "pure fantasy".

Is it appropriate to use "complete and utter nonsense" in formal writing?

While the phrase is grammatically correct, it is generally best to avoid "complete and utter nonsense" in formal writing and opt for more professional language.

What's the difference between "complete and utter nonsense" and "utter nonsense"?

The phrase "complete and utter nonsense" is an intensified version of "utter nonsense". The addition of "complete" emphasizes the degree to which something is nonsensical.