Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it was bogus
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "it was bogus" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something was false, deceptive, or not genuine. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, I realized that the claim made in the article was bogus."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
16 human-written examples
Clifford said it was "bogus" for the coalition to claim its financial information which the lawsuit calls a "competitive advantage"–was confidential or a trade secret.
News & Media
"And a lot of it was bogus".
News & Media
It was bogus science all the way.
News & Media
"Right away I knew it was bogus," he said.
News & Media
I decided to come clean and told him it was bogus and one of many similar transactions.
News & Media
And Jack Gilles, director of public affairs for the Consumer Federation of America, said it was "bogus".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
44 human-written examples
"It's bogus".
News & Media
Except that it is bogus.
News & Media
It's bogus logic of course.
News & Media
It is bogus to compare the two figures.
News & Media
And now, when our continuing economic crisis is so palpably being driven by inadequate demand, it's bogus than ever.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "it was bogus" to clearly and directly express that something is fake, false, or without merit. This phrase is suitable for informal to neutral contexts where a straightforward assessment is needed.
Common error
While "it was bogus" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it in highly formal writing or professional settings where a more nuanced or sophisticated vocabulary is expected. Consider using alternatives like "it was inaccurate" or "it was misleading" for a more appropriate tone.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it was bogus" functions as a subjective assessment, labeling something as false, fake, or without value. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is commonly used to express disapproval or disbelief regarding a claim or situation. The provided examples show it in various news and media contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
85%
Wiki
7%
Academia
4%
Less common in
Science
2%
Formal & Business
1%
Reference
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "it was bogus" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable expression used to convey that something is fake, false, or lacking in value. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is well-established, especially within news and media contexts. While the expression isn't particularly formal, it finds appropriate use in neutral settings for expressing direct disapproval. When aiming for a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "it was inaccurate" or "it was misleading". The examples provided from various sources show consistent application and meaning.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it was a sham
Replaces "bogus" with "sham", implying a deceptive imitation.
it was a fraud
Substitutes "bogus" with "fraud", suggesting intentional deception for gain.
it was a hoax
Replaces "bogus" with "hoax", indicating a deliberate deception or trick.
it was untrue
Replaces "bogus" with "untrue", focusing on the lack of truth.
it was false
Substitutes "bogus" with "false", a general term for not being true.
it was fabricated
Replaces "bogus" with "fabricated", highlighting the creation of something false.
it was counterfeit
Substitutes "bogus" with "counterfeit", implying a fake version of something genuine.
it was a deception
Replaces "bogus" with "deception", focusing on the act of misleading.
it was a lie
Substitutes "bogus" with "lie", a direct statement of untruth.
it was misleading
Replaces "bogus" with "misleading", suggesting something is designed to deceive.
FAQs
How can I use "it was bogus" in a sentence?
You can use "it was bogus" to indicate that something is fake, false, or not genuine. For example: "The evidence presented in court was bogus."
What's a less informal alternative to "it was bogus"?
Alternatives such as "it was false", "it was inaccurate", or "it was misleading" can be used in more formal contexts.
Which is correct, "it was bogus" or "it is bogus"?
Both phrases are grammatically correct, but their use depends on the tense of the sentence. Use "it was bogus" for past events and "it is bogus" for present situations.
What is the difference between saying "it was bogus" and "it was a scam"?
While both indicate deception, "it was bogus" generally suggests something is fake or without merit, while "it was a scam" implies deliberate deception with the intent to defraud or cheat someone. Consider using "it was a scam" when a financial fraud has occurred.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested