is totally pointless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is totally pointless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something lacks purpose or significance. Example: "The new policy introduced by the management is totally pointless and does not address any of the existing issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Russia, all in the red, are defending the goal to the right which, if you are relying entirely on this MBM for coverage, is totally pointless information.

The Guardian - Sport

"From a technical point of view, this is totally pointless because Google Maps works flawlessly here — you can even get a clear snap (with accurate coordinates) of places you're not supposed to see".

The New York Times - Tech

Which is totally pointless.

Vice

Citing gun control in other countries like Australia is totally pointless.

Huffington Post

Lindemann says, "Yes, the exhibition deals with the car as a lasting symbol of power, but also an aging hulk of overweight metal that is totally pointless.

Vice

Even on the days where I was like, "This is totally pointless," or days when people said stuff that didn't gel with me, I just said, "One foot in front of the other".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"It's totally pointless now.

The New Yorker

It's totally pointless and even distracting, but very cool indeed.

The New York Times - Tech

It's totally pointless because within days [of clearing an area] other foxes will move in.

The Guardian

They have no real footing in maths academia and are totally pointless (two-way tables do the job just as well) yet they have appeared on the new programme of study from the Department for Education out of nowhere.

The Guardian

Johnson said the planned strike, due to start on Tuesday night over the closure of ticket offices, was "totally pointless and debilitating", adding he was quite prepared for his negotiators to meet the RMT union if they called off the strike.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is totally pointless," consider the audience and adjust your language accordingly. In formal settings, you might opt for a more nuanced expression, such as "lacks practical application" or "offers limited utility," to convey the same sentiment with greater tact.

Common error

Avoid using "is totally pointless" in formal or academic writing. While it's acceptable in casual conversation, more sophisticated language, such as "lacks efficacy" or "provides no discernible benefit", is more suitable for professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is totally pointless" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes a subject as lacking purpose, value, or effectiveness. Ludwig AI identifies this phrase as grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is totally pointless" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey that something lacks purpose or value. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to consider the context and audience. This phrase appears commonly in news and media, but more formal language might be preferable in academic or business settings. Alternatives like "is completely futile" or "serves absolutely no purpose" can provide a similar meaning with a slightly different tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is completely futile

Emphasizes the lack of any useful result or effect.

is utterly meaningless

Highlights the lack of significance or importance.

is entirely worthless

Focuses on the absence of value or merit.

serves absolutely no purpose

Directly states the lack of any function or reason.

is of no use whatsoever

Underscores the complete lack of utility.

is a complete waste of time

Highlights the inefficiency and futility.

is absolutely unproductive

Stresses the failure to produce any positive outcome.

is simply nonsensical

Indicates a lack of logic or reason.

is nothing but a sham

Implies deception and a lack of genuine value.

is an exercise in futility

Highlights the pointlessness and ineffectiveness of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "is totally pointless" in a sentence?

You can use "is totally pointless" to describe something that lacks purpose or value. For example, "Trying to argue with him "is totally pointless" because he never listens."

What are some alternatives to "is totally pointless"?

Alternatives include "is completely futile", "is utterly meaningless", or "serves absolutely no purpose". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is totally pointless" too informal for academic writing?

Yes, "is totally pointless" is generally too informal for academic writing. Consider using phrases like "lacks practical application" or "offers limited utility" instead.

What's the difference between "is pointless" and "is totally pointless"?

"Is totally pointless" is simply a stronger, more emphatic version of "is pointless". The addition of "totally" intensifies the feeling that something lacks value or purpose.