completely untrue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely untrue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement or claim that is entirely false or inaccurate. Example: "The rumor that he won the lottery is completely untrue; he hasn't even bought a ticket."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Completely untrue!" I thundered.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's completely untrue.

The New York Times

All completely untrue.

The Guardian

That's completely untrue.

The Guardian - Money

It was completely untrue.

The Guardian

They are completely untrue.

The Guardian - Opinion

These are completely untrue.

The Guardian

"This is also completely untrue".

The New York Times

But it is completely untrue.

The Guardian

"It's all crap, completely untrue.

The Guardian - Books

"That's completely untrue," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "completely untrue" to directly and firmly refute a statement or claim, especially when addressing misinformation or correcting factual errors. This phrase is suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "completely untrue" is acceptable in most contexts, be mindful of using it too frequently in casual conversation, as it can come across as overly formal or aggressive. Consider using less emphatic alternatives like "not quite right" or "simply not true" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely untrue" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, typically a statement, claim, or accusation. It serves to emphatically deny the truth or validity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "completely untrue" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to emphatically deny the validity of a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media where accuracy is paramount. While versatile, it's important to consider the tone when using this phrase in casual settings. Alternatives like "utterly false" or "categorically false" offer similar emphasis, while phrases like "not quite right" provide a gentler approach. The phrase's prevalence in reputable sources underscores its reliability and effectiveness in clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly false

Emphasizes the falsity to an extreme degree.

categorically false

Highlights that there is no doubt about the falsehood.

patently false

Suggests the falsity is easily apparent or obvious.

totally incorrect

Uses a more straightforward and less emphatic way to state that something is wrong.

absolutely wrong

Emphasizes the error with an intensifier.

demonstrably false

Indicates that the falsehood can be proven.

entirely fabricated

Suggests that the statement was invented or made up.

pure fiction

Highlights the imaginative or invented nature of the statement.

a complete fabrication

Indicates the statement is entirely invented.

wholly inaccurate

Emphasizes that every part of the statement contains errors.

FAQs

How to use "completely untrue" in a sentence?

You can use "completely untrue" to refute a claim or statement, for example: "The rumor that he resigned is "completely untrue"."

What can I say instead of "completely untrue"?

Alternatives include "utterly false", "categorically false", or "patently false", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "completely untrue" or "totally not true"?

"Completely untrue" is more formal and generally preferred in written English. "Totally not true" is more informal and common in spoken language, but not less correct.

What's the difference between "completely untrue" and "partially untrue"?

"Completely untrue" means the statement is entirely false, while "partially untrue" implies that some aspects of the statement are false, but others may be accurate. You could say "The claim is "completely untrue"", or "Only some of the claim is accurate because the rest is "partially untrue"".