meaningless statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meaningless statement" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used when you want to emphasize the lack of value of a statement. For example, "His comments were simply a meaningless statement devoid of any real insight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Moody's – like Standard & Poors, which lowered the United States government's credit rating from AAA to AA+ in August 2011 – is making a meaningless statement, in economic terms.

The Guardian - Opinion

Justin Welby said in the afore-mentioned BBC interview that the Church seeks to go about "loving people as they are" but this is for all intents and purposes a meaningless statement while the Church is explicitly perpetuating discrimination of the very people being discussed in that remark.

Independent

He's one of those people who can spot a meaningless statement or an argument that doesn't work, and relentlessly mine it for first-class comedy, whether he's dealing with the ethics of muggers or the racial casting policies of Midsomer Murders.

The Guardian

A proposition which is false is meaningful and its negation is true, whereas the negation of a meaningless statement is equally meaningless.

SEP

Back in London C.E.M. Joad had published an article in the New Statesman arguing that LTL was responsible for creating an environment in which Fascism flourished, and Time magazine published an unflattering short article claiming that Ayer taught his students that "That man is good to support his mother" was a meaningless statement (Rogers, A.J. Ayer, p. 232).

SEP

Because it's a meaningless statement.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Rhapsodic descriptions of birds, trees, rain in Derzhavin's work are actually perfectly meaningless statements disguised as compliments.

The New Yorker

"They have been too cautious, too appeasing, and too ready to swallow the meaningless statements of sympathy that were issued from high places".

The New Yorker

It seems to me that our two leading long-haul airlines are trying to justify persistent surcharges by making meaningless statements.

Independent

The reaction from some clubs was pretty disappointing, blaming commercial conflicts on not being able to get involved and hiding behind meaningless statements from the leagues.

The Guardian

He also criticised clean energy campaigners for making "misleadingly meaningless statements" about the comparative price of solar power and fossil fuels.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "meaningless statement" when you want to convey that a declaration lacks substance, relevance, or impact.

Common error

Avoid using "meaningless statement" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language to describe the specific deficiency of the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meaningless statement" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or complement of a verb. It describes a declaration that lacks significance or substance. Ludwig's examples show this phrase used to critique political speeches, legal documents, and general discourse.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "meaningless statement" is a noun phrase used to describe a declaration that lacks substance, relevance, or impact. According to Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and is often used to express criticism or disapproval. While primarily found in news and media contexts, it can also appear in scientific or informal writing. The key is to use it judiciously, opting for more precise language in highly formal settings. Related phrases include "empty declaration" and "vacuous remark". Ultimately, using "meaningless statement" effectively depends on understanding its nuances and choosing the right context. The relatively low frequency of this phrase suggests it is not overused in written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empty declaration

Emphasizes the lack of content or sincerity in the statement.

vacuous remark

Highlights the intellectual emptiness of the statement.

hollow assertion

Suggests the statement lacks a solid foundation or truth.

insignificant utterance

Focuses on the lack of importance or impact of the statement.

pointless comment

Highlights the lack of purpose or relevance of the statement.

worthless pronouncement

Emphasizes the lack of value or merit in the statement.

inane observation

Highlights the silliness or foolishness of the statement.

fatuous remark

Suggests the statement is foolish and self-satisfied.

nonsensical claim

Focuses on the lack of logical sense in the statement.

irrelevant comment

Highlights that the statement has no connection to the matter at hand.

FAQs

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

You can use "meaningless statement" to describe a comment that lacks value or substance. For example, "The politician's speech was filled with "meaningless statements" that offered no real solutions."

What are some alternatives to "meaningless statement"?

Alternatives include "empty declaration", "vacuous remark", or "hollow assertion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "meaningless statement" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "meaningless statement" might be considered too blunt for some formal contexts. Consider using more precise language to describe the specific flaw in the statement.

What makes a statement "meaningless"?

A statement is considered "meaningless" when it lacks substance, relevance, or any practical value. It doesn't contribute to the conversation and offers no new information or insight.