hoax

USAGE SUMMARY

"hoax" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to an activity or statement that is intended to be deceptive or fraudulent. For example: "The police quickly uncovered the email hoax claiming that a plane had crashed in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I sometimes wonder, do we just not allow ourselves to be angry anymore because it's too much," said artist Tayo Ogunbiyi, who was angrily accused of perpetuating "a hoax" when she launched an exhibition celebrating both the Chibok girls' lives and the horror they were enduring.

The Guardian

Primark has promised to investigate, and may hope the labels will turn out to be a hoax.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, it has also been reported the shirt for sale is a hoax.

The Guardian - Sport

Bob Carter is associated with at least ten different groups around the world that all reckon human-caused climate change is either some kind of hoax or a beat-up.

The Guardian

The votes saw virtually the entire Senate – except for a lone hold-out, Mississippi Republican Roger Wicker – vote that climate change was real and not a hoax.

The Guardian

Jezebel called out its futility, long before it was outed as a hoax: Last summer's viral ALS Ice Bucket challenge has given way to this year's contender for 'worst way to make anyone aware of anything while showing off your body', the aptly named 'Hold a Coke With Your Boobs Challenge'.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

No confirmation or denial of a hoax was forthcoming, but the station had stopped broadcasting the theft in its news bulletin.

The Guardian

The Russian prime minister Dmitry Medvedev's well-known love for technology led to embarrassment on Thursday as hackers reportedly accessed his Twitter account and unleashed a barrage of hoax tweets.

The Guardian

Some Twitter users were sceptical of the content in the letter, suggesting a potential hoax, but a Labour source has confirmed to the Observer that the letter "did come from us".

The Guardian

Rather appropriately, it turns out that there is an anagram of Nessisteras rhombopteryx, pointed out in the Daily Telegraph a few days later: "Monster hoax by Sir Peter S".

The Guardian

On Monday a member of staff at the tourist centre had denied the disappearance was a hoax, telling Guardian Australia she "wished it was".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "hoax", clearly state the intention behind the deception and its potential impact on those who were deceived.

Common error

Avoid labeling genuine mistakes or misunderstandings as a "hoax". Ensure there is clear evidence of intentional deception before using the term.

Linguistic Context

The word "hoax" primarily functions as a noun, referring to something intended to deceive or trick. It can also function as a verb, meaning to deceive someone. Ludwig shows its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "hoax" is a frequently used and grammatically sound term, primarily functioning as a noun to denote something intended to deceive. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, the word often appears in news and media contexts, serving to expose or report on deceptive activities. While its register is generally neutral, careful usage is advised to ensure accuracy and avoid misinterpretations. Related terms like "deception", "fraud", and "sham" offer similar meanings, though with subtle nuances. In essence, "hoax" effectively communicates the presence of intentional trickery or falsehood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deception

This alternative refers to the act of deceiving someone, similar to a "hoax", but is a more general term.

fraud

Like "hoax", "fraud" implies intentional deceit, especially for financial or personal gain.

sham

"Sham" suggests something fake or not genuine, sharing the deceptive aspect of a "hoax".

fake

"Fake" is a simple term for something not genuine, resembling a "hoax" in its lack of authenticity.

imposture

"Imposture" involves pretending to be someone else, a specific type of "hoax".

ruse

"Ruse" is a clever trick or deception, similar to the cunning nature of a "hoax".

trickery

"Trickery" generally refers to the use of tricks to deceive, encompassing the deceptive intent of a "hoax".

deceit

"Deceit" is the act of misleading or misrepresenting, akin to the intent behind a "hoax".

swindle

"Swindle" implies cheating someone out of money or property, a specific type of "hoax" with financial implications.

masquerade

"Masquerade" involves concealing one's true identity or nature, a deceptive tactic found in some "hoaxes".

FAQs

How can I use the term "hoax" in a sentence?

You can use "hoax" to describe something intended to deceive or trick. For example, "The news story turned out to be a "hoax" designed to spread misinformation."

What are some alternatives to the word "hoax"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "deception", "fraud", "sham", or "trickery" to describe a similar concept.

What distinguishes a "hoax" from a simple mistake?

A "hoax" involves intentional deception, while a mistake is an unintentional error. The key difference lies in the deliberate intent to mislead.

Is "hoax" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "hoax" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, ensure that your usage is precise and supported by evidence to avoid misinterpretation.