just plain nonsense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just plain nonsense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely absurd or illogical. Example: "The idea that we can solve all our problems with a single app is just plain nonsense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mr. Rossotti, who runs the I.R.S., said the 861 position was "just plain nonsense".

The New York Times

All this Old Testament = bad/New Testament = good stuff is just plain nonsense, for both Jews and Christians alike.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sooner or later, though, ELIZA would respond in ways that were ungrammatical, confusing, or just plain nonsense.

The New Yorker

Proof of the pudding, by the way, that the oft-repeated Goldman mantra, "We are long-term greedy not short-term greedy," is just plain nonsense.

Forbes

But the idea that the resulting relationship was in any sense defined by our use of Twitter is just plain nonsense.

TechCrunch

That's just plain nonsense.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It's just a bunch of politicians being handed truckloads of cash and encouraged by both donors and voters to engage in a mad dash to the bottom, espousing ever more radical anti-immigrant, anti-woman, racist, just-plain-nonsense opinions and policies.

Vice

It's just sheer nonsense.

Huffington Post

Heloise Inc. employs 11 people, and its brisk, no-nonsense leader shuns "Ms. Cruse" in favor of just plain Heloise.

The New York Times - Style

Just plain weird.

The New York Times

Or just plain stupid.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just plain nonsense" to express strong disagreement or to dismiss an idea as completely illogical. It's best suited for informal to neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "just plain nonsense" in formal writing or professional communications. Opt for more sophisticated and respectful phrasing like "unfounded", "illogical", or "unsubstantiated claim".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just plain nonsense" functions as an idiomatic expression used to express strong disagreement or dismissal of an idea as being illogical or untrue. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The phrase serves to emphatically reject a statement or concept.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "just plain nonsense" is an idiomatic expression used to strongly dismiss something as illogical or untrue. Ludwig AI indicates its acceptability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, and is generally regarded as neutral to informal in tone. While grammatically correct, it should be used judiciously, avoiding overuse in formal settings. Related phrases include "utter rubbish" and "sheer absurdity". When using this phrase, consider its informal nature and ensure that the context is appropriate. It provides an emphatic way to reject or disagree with an idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sheer absurdity

Highlights the ridiculous and illogical nature.

complete balderdash

Implies foolishness and lack of sense.

pure foolishness

Stresses the lack of wisdom or intelligence.

utter rubbish

Emphasizes worthlessness and falsity.

absolute drivel

Highlights the meaninglessness and triviality.

total bunkum

Indicates deceptive or insincere talk.

arrant twaddle

Emphasizes trivial and nonsensical content.

patently false

Stresses the obvious untruthfulness.

blatant lie

Highlights the bold and open deception.

outright fabrication

Focuses on the invented nature of the statement.

FAQs

How can I use "just plain nonsense" in a sentence?

You can use "just plain nonsense" to dismiss an idea or statement you find completely illogical. For example: "The suggestion that we can ignore climate change is "just plain nonsense"".

What are some alternatives to "just plain nonsense"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "utter rubbish", "sheer absurdity", or "complete balderdash".

Is "just plain nonsense" formal or informal?

"Just plain nonsense" is considered informal to neutral. It's best suited for casual conversations or opinion pieces rather than academic or formal writing.

What's the difference between "just plain nonsense" and "utter nonsense"?

While both phrases express disbelief or disagreement, "utter nonsense" might be perceived as slightly more formal than "just plain nonsense". The choice depends on the desired tone and context.