it is nonsensical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is nonsensical" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that lacks meaning or makes no sense. Example: "The argument presented in the debate was so convoluted that it is nonsensical to anyone trying to follow along."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Daniels' touch is all over this movie, which is as sensational as it is nonsensical, with its overheated blend of sex, race and murder.

Huffington Post

Guidelines no longer state that food should be frozen on the day of purchase, which, if you think about it, is nonsensical anyway because you might have purchased it on its use-by date.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Well, obviously, it is nonsensical.

The New Yorker

This is not only morally wrong, it is nonsensical.

The Guardian

It is nonsensical for people to make that argument.

The New York Times

It is nonsensical, unaffordable, and not good value for money.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

"It was nonsensical and we can still feel its effects 50 years on.

BBC

It's nonsensical to me.

The Guardian

"In that sense, it's nonsensical.

The New York Times

"He said it was nonsensical because the correspondence was innocuous".

The New York Times

It's post-truth politics and it's nonsensical.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "it is nonsensical", ensure that the context is clear to the reader or listener, providing sufficient evidence or reasoning to support your assertion.

Common error

While "it is nonsensical" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in casual conversation, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Simpler phrases like "that doesn't make sense" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is nonsensical" functions as a declarative statement to express that something lacks logic, reason, or meaning. It serves to highlight the absurdity or irrationality of a particular idea, argument, or action, in line with Ludwig's demonstration of its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

26%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science & Research

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is nonsensical" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote something illogical or absurd. Ludwig's analysis shows it's versatile enough for neutral and formal contexts, frequently appearing in news, academic, and scientific sources. For simpler expressions, consider alternatives like "it makes no sense". Remember to use it judiciously, providing clear context to support your claim. According to Ludwig AI, "it is nonsensical" is useful for expressing disbelief and criticism, highlighting the irrationality of ideas or actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is absurd

Changes the adjective to convey a sense of ridiculousness.

it is illogical

Replaces "nonsensical" with a more formal term emphasizing the lack of logical reasoning.

it makes no sense

Uses a more straightforward and common expression to indicate a lack of understanding.

it is unreasonable

Emphasizes the lack of sound judgment or fairness.

it is preposterous

Substitutes with a word suggesting something outrageous and unbelievable.

it is ludicrous

Indicates something laughable or foolish.

it is foolish

Uses a more common and less formal term for lacking good sense.

it is idiotic

Replaces with a stronger, more negative term indicating extreme foolishness.

it is senseless

Conveys a lack of purpose or meaning.

it is fatuous

Suggests emptiness or silliness in thinking.

FAQs

What does "it is nonsensical" mean?

The phrase "it is nonsensical" means that something is illogical, unreasonable, or lacks any rational sense. It suggests that an idea, statement, or action is absurd and makes no sense.

How can I use "it is nonsensical" in a sentence?

You can use "it is nonsensical" to express disagreement or disbelief when something doesn't align with reason or logic. For instance, "It is nonsensical to deny climate change in light of overwhelming scientific evidence."

What can I say instead of "it is nonsensical"?

You can use alternatives like "it is absurd", "it is illogical", or "it makes no sense" depending on the context.

Is "it is nonsensical" a formal expression?

While "it is nonsensical" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, it leans towards a slightly more formal register. In very casual settings, simpler alternatives like "that doesn't make sense" might be more suitable.