meaningless phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meaningless phrase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement or expression that lacks significance or clarity. Example: "The politician's speech was filled with a series of meaningless phrases that failed to address the real issues at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"Usually when people call something an institution they are churning out a meaningless phrase.

The Guardian

These are times when international humanitarian law is just another meaningless phrase.

The Guardian

Snap-on Tools is actually a good example of why Buy American is a fairly meaningless phrase.

The New Yorker

"The actions of the heart are built on irony," Augustine says at one point — a murky if not meaningless phrase.

The New York Times

The "norms of Islamic law" is a meaningless phrase because the Sharia has never been formally codified.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unless it does this, proletarian internationalism will remain a meaningless phrase; mutual confidence and class solidarity between the workers of the oppressing and oppressed nations will be impossible.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"Understand what?" "That constantly saying what one doesn't mean accustoms the mouth to meaningless phrases".

The New Yorker

It was laden with meaningless phrases but, as Sokal said, it sounded good to them.

The Guardian - Tech

George W. Bush appeared confused, did not answer questions and repeatedly lapsed into recitation of the same trite and meaningless phrases.

The New York Times

But Schell barks his lines, chops up sentences into meaningless phrases and generally behaves as if he were playing a comic general in a Mel Brooks movie.

The Guardian

Before Leibovitz, we were arguably living in a Mad Men world of goofy visuals, meaningless phrases and an absolute ignorance of women or youth.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "meaningless phrase" with stronger synonyms like "empty rhetoric" or "hollow statement" if the goal is to convey a more critical or dismissive tone.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on the phrase "meaningless phrase" without explaining why it's considered meaningless. Vague or unsupported claims weaken the argument and leave the reader unconvinced. Instead, provide specific examples or reasoning to illustrate the lack of substance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meaningless phrase" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as an adjective, modifying another noun. It serves to characterize a specific phrase as lacking significance or substance. Ludwig's analysis indicates it's often used in critiques of language or rhetoric.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "meaningless phrase" is a self-referential term used to describe expressions lacking substance or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While seemingly redundant, it emphasizes the emptiness of the described phrase. When employing this phrase, provide clear context to support the claim of meaninglessness and consider stronger synonyms for a more impactful critique. As revealed by Ludwig, its prevalence highlights a common concern with empty rhetoric in public discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empty expression

Focuses on the emptiness or lack of genuine feeling behind the words.

hollow statement

Highlights the lack of substance or sincerity in the declaration.

vacuous remark

Emphasizes the intellectual emptiness or lack of thought in the comment.

insignificant utterance

Underscores the trivial or unimportant nature of what was said.

pointless jargon

Indicates that the phrase is overly technical and serves no real purpose.

meaningless verbiage

Highlights the use of excessive and unnecessary words without conveying any real meaning.

senseless expression

Focuses on the lack of logic or reason behind the phrase.

inane comment

Emphasizes the silliness or foolishness of the remark.

banal platitude

Highlights the trite and unoriginal nature of the phrase.

superficial statement

Indicates that the phrase lacks depth or substance, only scratching the surface of an issue.

FAQs

How can I use "meaningless phrase" in a sentence?

You can use "meaningless phrase" to describe expressions that lack substance or significance. For example: "The politician's speech was full of "meaningless phrases" that didn't address the real issues."

What are some alternatives to "meaningless phrase"?

Alternatives include "empty rhetoric", "hollow statement", or "vacuous remark". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to call something a "meaningless phrase"?

While seemingly self-explanatory, using "meaningless phrase" can emphasize the degree to which an expression lacks substance, especially when critiquing rhetoric or analyzing language. Consider alternatives if redundancy is a concern, but it's not inherently incorrect.

What's the difference between a "meaningless phrase" and a "cliché"?

A "meaningless phrase" lacks inherent substance, while a cliché is an overused expression that has lost its impact. A cliché can become a "meaningless phrase" if it's used without thought or relevance.