making a mockery of

USAGE SUMMARY

"making a mockery of" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation where someone is ridiculing or belittling something or someone. Example: "The comedian was making a mockery of the political debate." Alternative expressions include "ridiculing" and "deriding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Arafat's making a mockery of Bush".

The New York Times

Jimmy loathes Boyland for making a mockery of collection agencies.

The New Yorker

Tebow was making a mockery of that rationality.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's making a mockery of international conventions," Dr. Shepherd said.

The New York Times - Science

"People think Sharon's making a mockery of Bush?

The New York Times

"He is making a mockery of terrorism," Gault said.

The Guardian - Film

It's making a mockery of our system, in a sense".

The New York Times

They are making a mockery of the process".

The Guardian

He was not making a mockery of anybody.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Debates between orthodox overbelievers and atheistic rationalists were making a mockery of theological scholarship.

Johns Hopkins University

McCain says that O'Donnell is "making a mockery of running for office," and it "scares" her.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "making a mockery of" to express strong disapproval or criticism of a situation or action that undermines something important. For emphasis, consider pairing it with specific examples of the mockery.

Common error

Ensure the object being mocked is clear to the reader. Ambiguity can weaken your critique and confuse your audience. Be specific about what is being undermined or ridiculed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making a mockery of" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of ridiculing or treating something with disrespect, as Ludwig's examples clearly demonstrate. The numerous examples Ludwig provides reinforce its widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "making a mockery of" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey strong disapproval or ridicule. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely used across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about the target and context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "making a travesty of" or simply "ridiculing". By understanding its nuances and potential impact, writers can effectively use this phrase to express critical perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making a travesty of

Replaces "mockery" with "travesty", emphasizing the distortion or degradation of something.

making a farce of

Substitutes "mockery" with "farce", highlighting the absurd or ridiculous nature of the situation.

ridiculing

Offers a more direct verb for "making a mockery", focusing on the act of ridiculing someone or something.

deriding

Similar to "ridiculing", but with a slightly stronger connotation of contempt or scorn.

scoffing at

Implies a more dismissive and contemptuous form of mockery.

treating with contempt

Replaces the idiomatic expression with a more straightforward description of the attitude.

showing disrespect for

Focuses on the lack of respect implied by making a mockery of something.

undermining

Highlights the act of weakening or diminishing something's importance or value through mockery.

disparaging

Implies a more direct and often malicious attempt to belittle or discredit something.

lampooning

Suggests a satirical and humorous form of mockery, often targeting specific figures or institutions.

FAQs

How can I use "making a mockery of" in a sentence?

You can use "making a mockery of" to describe situations where someone or something is being ridiculed or treated with disrespect. For example, "His behavior was "making a mockery of" the company's values."

What are some alternatives to "making a mockery of"?

Alternatives include "making a farce of", "ridiculing", or "deriding depending on the context".

Is it better to say "makes a mockery of" or "is making a mockery of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "makes a mockery of" is used to describe a general or habitual action, while "is making a mockery of" describes an action that is currently happening. For example, "His incompetence makes a mockery of the company's reputation" versus "His incompetence is making a mockery of the company's reputation right now."

What is the difference between "making a mockery of" and "making fun of"?

"Making a mockery of" typically implies a more serious and disrespectful form of ridicule, often undermining something important. "Making fun of" is generally lighter and more playful, though it can also be hurtful depending on the context.