fuss

USAGE SUMMARY

'fuss' is a perfectly acceptable word to use in written English.
It is used as a noun or verb, and it is often used to refer to a commotion or debate created by a lot of bickering or commotion. For example, "There was quite a fuss over the disputed parking spot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What's all the fuss about?

The Economist

So why the fuss?

The Guardian - Books

"There is such a fuss made about it," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

"Not even with the pope would there have been all this fuss," exclaimed Diana Cucereavii, a waitress in a cafe nearby.

The Guardian - Film

The day after this beginning of the end of days, I went to my first twerking class to see what all the fuss was about.

The Guardian - Opinion

The term is often a symptom of lazy thinking by a generation that hasn't played games and can't see what all the fuss is about (or, as the great Douglas Adams put it: "Anything that is in the world when you're born is normal and ordinary and is just a natural part of the way the world works.

The Guardian - Opinion

All of the senior players put their money into the pot without too much fuss, but the younger members in the squad had a decision to make.

The Guardian - Sport

I suspect in many ways we were alike in that way: "So your wife is paralysed and you've had bloody great bits knocked off you, and you've been in hospital for two or three months, but we don't really make a fuss about it, do we?" I think we both grew up in that school where you don't complain.

The Guardian

The single biggest misunderstanding surrounding depression is that we've all been a bit depressed at one time or another, so what's the fuss all about?

The Guardian - Opinion

When a well-loved character bows out of a soap, there's often a media fuss.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It is too much fuss (not to mention far too calorific) to eat midweek, and should not be rushed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fuss" to describe excessive activity or concern about something, especially when you want to convey a sense of irritation or disbelief at the level of attention being given to it.

Common error

While "fuss" is perfectly acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound informal or overly critical. Consider alternatives like "concern", "attention", or "activity", especially in formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The word "fuss" functions primarily as a noun referring to excessive concern, activity, or talk. It can also function as a verb, meaning to show excessive concern or attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, "fuss" is an acceptable word, and the examples demonstrate its versatile usage.

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, the word "fuss" is a versatile term that can function as both a noun and a verb, primarily used to describe or express disapproval of excessive activity, concern, or attention. According to Ludwig AI, "fuss" is an acceptable word for use in written English. While predominantly found in news and media contexts, as shown by Ludwig, its slightly informal and often critical tone suggests caution in highly formal or scientific writing. When in doubt, consider alternatives like "concern" or "attention", but understand that "fuss" provides a unique nuance of dismissiveness. The presence of 57 examples indicates that the word is highly common. In conclusion, "fuss" is a useful word with particular applications, particularly when you want to downplay an excessive reaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make much ado

Similar to "fuss", but often used to describe unnecessary excitement.

create a stir

This implies causing excitement or controversy.

make a commotion

This phrase implies creating a disturbance or uproar about something.

make a song and dance about

This British idiom refers to making an excessive display of concern or excitement.

get in a flap

To become agitated or excited, especially about something minor.

kick up a stink

This idiom suggests making a strong and often angry protest about something.

make a mountain out of a molehill

Exaggerating the importance of something minor.

raise a hue and cry

This phrase describes a public outcry or protest.

be in a tizzy

This idiom describes a state of nervous excitement or confusion.

get worked up

Refers to becoming agitated or anxious.

FAQs

How to use "fuss" in a sentence?

You can use "fuss" as a noun, as in "What's all the "fuss" about?" or as a verb, like "Don't "fuss" over the small details".

What can I say instead of "fuss"?

You can use alternatives like "bother", "commotion", or "ado" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "fuss about" or "fuss over"?

Both "fuss about" and "fuss over" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Fuss about" generally means to worry or be anxious about something, while "fuss over" often implies showing excessive attention or care.

Is "fuss" a formal or informal word?

"Fuss" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it tends to lean towards being slightly more informal. In very formal writing, consider using alternatives like "concern" or "attention".