gross exaggeration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gross exaggeration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement or claim that is significantly overstated or inflated beyond reality. Example: "His claim that he ran a marathon in under two hours is a gross exaggeration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Sounds like a gross exaggeration.

The New York Times - Books

This is a gross exaggeration.

The New York Times

That is a gross exaggeration, say Turkish officials.

The New York Times

This proposition is a gross exaggeration and utterly untrue.

The New York Times

For the moment, that is a gross exaggeration.

The Economist

The popular image of persecuted left-handers across history is a gross exaggeration.

The New York Times

We have shown this is a gross exaggeration that can be traced to blog gossip.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Ballmer told The Associated Press that the description was a "gross exaggeration" of his reaction.

The New York Times

But the idea that most online reviews are deliberately deceptive is a gross exaggeration.

The Guardian - Books

And a gross exaggeration of Edward Snowden's own particular role in that.

The Guardian - Film

"To say that virtually everyone has access to the Internet is a gross exaggeration," he added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gross exaggeration" when you want to emphasize that a statement is not just slightly inflated, but significantly distorted from reality. Consider the impact on your audience, as it can be seen as a strong accusation.

Common error

Avoid using "gross exaggeration" when a simple "exaggeration" suffices. "Gross" implies a significant deviation from the truth, and overuse can dilute the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gross exaggeration" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, denoting something that has been overstated to a considerable degree. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, further supporting its grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gross exaggeration" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a statement significantly distorted from the truth. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider the strong implications of the word "gross", ensuring it accurately reflects the degree of distortion you wish to convey. Alternatives such as "blatant overstatement" or "wild hyperbole" may be appropriate depending on the nuance you aim to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blatant overstatement

Replaces "exaggeration" with "overstatement" and uses "blatant" to emphasize the obviousness of the exaggeration.

wild hyperbole

Replaces "exaggeration" with "hyperbole" and uses "wild" to suggest a more uncontrolled and imaginative exaggeration.

serious inflation of facts

Replaces "exaggeration" with a more descriptive phrase, highlighting the inflation of factual information.

extreme embellishment

Highlights the decorative and often unnecessary nature of the exaggeration.

massive distortion

Focuses on the twisting of facts rather than a simple inflation, suggesting a more deliberate manipulation of truth.

significant overestimation

Implies that something has been overestimated to a large degree.

outright fabrication

Shifts the focus from exaggeration to complete falsehood, implying the statement is entirely made up.

pure invention

Similar to "outright fabrication", emphasizing that the statement lacks any basis in reality.

complete untruth

A strong alternative, suggesting that the statement is entirely false.

unfounded claim

Focuses on the lack of evidence supporting the statement, rather than the exaggeration itself.

FAQs

How can I use "gross exaggeration" in a sentence?

You can use "gross exaggeration" to describe a statement or claim that is significantly overstated or inflated. For instance, "His claim that he ran a marathon in under two hours is a gross exaggeration".

What are some alternatives to "gross exaggeration"?

Alternatives include "blatant overstatement", "wild hyperbole", or "outright fabrication", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "exaggeration" and "gross exaggeration"?

"Gross exaggeration" implies a much larger deviation from the truth than a simple "exaggeration". "Gross" emphasizes the significant distortion of facts.

When is it appropriate to use the term "gross exaggeration"?

Use "gross exaggeration" when you want to strongly emphasize that a statement or claim is not only an exaggeration but a significant and obvious distortion of reality. Consider the impact it might have on the conversation.