complete nonsense

USAGE SUMMARY

"complete nonsense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts to describe something that is absurd or illogical. For example, "The conspiracy theory he proposed was complete nonsense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Complete nonsense.

The New York Times

It's complete nonsense.

The New York Times

What complete nonsense.

Independent

"That is complete nonsense".

The New York Times - Sports

"That's complete nonsense.

The New York Times

It's a complete nonsense.

The Guardian - Sport

"That's nonsense, complete nonsense.

The Guardian

"Changing them is complete nonsense".

The New York Times

"It's complete nonsense," he said.

The New York Times

[T]hat is complete nonsense.

The Guardian

I think it's complete nonsense".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complete nonsense" when you want to directly and emphatically dismiss an idea or statement as false or ridiculous. Its strength lies in its simplicity and clarity.

Common error

While effective, relying too heavily on "complete nonsense" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "utter rubbish" or "absolute absurdity" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete nonsense" functions primarily as an interjection or exclamation to express strong disagreement or disbelief. Examples from Ludwig show it used to dismiss claims, arguments, or ideas as false or illogical. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complete nonsense" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express strong disagreement or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While predominantly found in news and media contexts, its register is generally neutral, though more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or professional settings. The phrase serves to emphatically reject a statement or idea, dismissing it as ridiculous. For variety, consider using synonyms like "utter rubbish" or "absolute absurdity". While effective, avoid overusing the phrase to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete rubbish

Simply replaces "nonsense" with a synonym of similar intensity.

utter rubbish

Replaces "nonsense" with a stronger term, implying worthlessness.

absolute absurdity

Emphasizes the illogical or ridiculous nature of something.

blatant falsehood

Stresses the obvious and intentional nature of the lie.

total fabrication

Shifts the focus to the idea that something is invented or untrue.

patently untrue

Highlights the obvious lack of truth.

pure foolishness

Highlights the lack of wisdom or intelligence.

arrant hogwash

Uses a more colorful and informal term for nonsense.

sheer poppycock

Another informal and somewhat old-fashioned term for nonsense.

unadulterated bunkum

A more emphatic way of saying something is deceptive nonsense.

FAQs

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

You can use "complete nonsense" to express strong disagreement or disbelief. For example, "The claim that vaccines cause autism is "complete nonsense"."

What are some alternatives to saying "complete nonsense"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "utter rubbish", "absolute absurdity", or "total fabrication".

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

While "complete nonsense" is widely understood, it might be considered too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "unsubstantiated claim" or "demonstrably false".

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

Both phrases convey a similar meaning, but "utter rubbish" might be perceived as slightly stronger or more dismissive than "complete nonsense".