making a big fuss

USAGE SUMMARY

"making a big fuss" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to describe someone who is showing a lot of emotion about a situation or making a lot of noise about something. For example: "My sister was making a big fuss about not getting the car for the evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

He's making a big fuss.

The New York Times

He's been making a big fuss that things are not "balanced".

The New York Times

Gen. Luo Yuan that chastised people for making "a big fuss" over "a minor incident".

The New York Times

Her father and mother, she said, have a way of making a big fuss and moving on.

The New York Times - Books

"'You're making a big fuss about the baby not sleeping,'" she shouted, imagining what she might tell an overly worrisome parent.

The New Yorker

Professor Schulzke thinks I am making a big fuss over not very much: "More accurately, the furor exists in some accounting circles.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"If Ben Bernanke speaks, he can move markets, but this idea that the media is making a bigger fuss than there is [cause for] is silly.

The Guardian - Business

Maybe the bulls should be making a bigger fuss about what's going on.

Forbes

Not that I make a big fuss about it.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is perhaps not in our interests to make a big fuss.

Independent

Father and Mother don't make a big fuss over Frances' bedtime imaginings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "making a big fuss", consider the audience and context. It can sometimes sound informal or negative, so choose it when you want to convey disapproval or a sense of exaggeration.

Common error

Avoid using "making a big fuss" in formal or professional writing where a more neutral or objective tone is required. Instead, opt for phrases like "raising concerns" or "expressing reservations."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making a big fuss" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as part of a larger clause to describe an action. Ludwig AI shows that is primarily used to depict someone overreacting or showing excessive concern about something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "making a big fuss" is a common phrase used to describe someone reacting excessively to a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in news and media. While often carrying a negative connotation, implying exaggeration or unnecessary drama, its tone can vary depending on context. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "raising concerns" or "expressing reservations". The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, indicating its widespread use in describing public reactions and events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creating a fuss

A slightly more general and less emphatic version of the original phrase.

kicking up a storm

Implies a more intense and disruptive reaction.

making a scene

Suggests a public disturbance or display of emotion.

creating a commotion

Focuses on the disruption and noise caused.

making an uproar

Highlights the loud and disruptive nature of the reaction.

raising a stink

Indicates strong disapproval and public complaint.

raising hell

Conveys a sense of causing trouble or uproar.

making a mountain out of a molehill

Suggests exaggerating the importance of something minor.

getting worked up

Focuses on the emotional agitation.

becoming agitated

A more formal way of expressing emotional unrest.

FAQs

How can I use "making a big fuss" in a sentence?

You can use "making a big fuss" to describe someone reacting excessively to a situation. For example: "She was making a big fuss about the delay, even though it was only five minutes."

What's a less informal alternative to "making a big fuss"?

For a less informal alternative, consider phrases like "raising concerns", "expressing reservations", or "lodging a complaint", depending on the context.

Is "making a big fuss" always negative?

While often used negatively to imply exaggeration, "making a big fuss" can sometimes be neutral, simply describing someone giving a lot of attention to something. The tone depends on the context.

What is the difference between "making a big fuss" and "making a big deal"?

"Making a big fuss" often implies a more outward display of emotion or complaint, while "making a big deal" can refer to internally exaggerating something's importance, although the two phrases are frequently interchangeable.