is nonsense

USAGE SUMMARY

"is nonsense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is foolish or illogical. For example, "Claiming that the earth is flat is nonsense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The claim is nonsense.

The Economist

This argument is nonsense.

Independent

That is nonsense.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, that is nonsense.

The New York Times

Actually, this is nonsense.

The Economist

It is nonsense.

The New York Times - Sports

But this is nonsense.

The Economist

This, frankly, is nonsense.

The Guardian - Business

Which is nonsense, really.

The Guardian - Film

That, too, is nonsense.

The New York Times

Otherwise it is nonsense.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is nonsense" to directly and clearly express disagreement or disbelief. It is most effective when refuting specific claims or ideas.

Common error

While "is nonsense" is widely understood, it might be too informal for academic papers or high-level business communications. Consider using more formal alternatives like "is unfounded" or "is a fallacy" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is nonsense" functions as a predicate adjective, where "is" is a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective phrase "nonsense". It directly expresses a strong disagreement or refutation, indicating that something lacks merit or logic. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is nonsense" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to directly dismiss or refute a claim. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. While prevalent in news and media, its informality may make it less suitable for formal or academic contexts. Consider alternatives such as "is unfounded" or "is a fallacy" in more formal settings. When used appropriately, "is nonsense" serves as a clear and concise way to express disagreement or disbelief.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is ridiculous

Emphasizes the absurdity and unreasonableness of something.

is absurd

Highlights the illogical and inconsistent nature of something.

is ludicrous

Similar to 'ridiculous' but suggests something is laughable or comical.

is preposterous

Indicates something is utterly absurd and beyond belief.

is rubbish

A more informal way to dismiss something as false or worthless.

is hogwash

Suggests something is foolish and insincere.

is a fallacy

Indicates a flaw in reasoning or logic.

is unfounded

Highlights the lack of evidence or basis for a claim.

is simply not true

Directly contradicts a statement, emphasizing its falsity.

holds no water

Implies that an argument or idea is weak and doesn't stand up to scrutiny.

FAQs

How do I use "is nonsense" in a sentence?

You can use "is nonsense" to directly refute a statement or idea you believe is false or illogical. For example, "The claim that vaccines cause autism is nonsense."

What can I say instead of "is nonsense"?

You can use alternatives like "is ridiculous", "is absurd", or "is a fallacy" depending on the context.

Is "is nonsense" too informal for professional writing?

While widely understood, "is nonsense" can be perceived as informal. In professional or academic contexts, consider more formal alternatives such as "is unfounded" or "lacks merit".

What's the difference between "is nonsense" and "is untrue"?

"Is nonsense" implies that something is illogical or doesn't make sense, while "is untrue" simply means something is not factual. You'd use "is nonsense" when dismissing an idea as absurd, and "is untrue" when correcting a factual inaccuracy.