mess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mess" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of disorder or confusion, often in relation to a situation or physical space. Example: "After the party, the living room was a complete mess, with empty bottles and scattered decorations everywhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a complete mess".

The Guardian

They knew he was making a mess of government and had lost support in the caucus.

The Guardian

He doesn't have what it takes to repair the budget mess that they have left behind".

The Guardian

But others, while recognising their party is in a mess, believe that, in the longer term, the tuition fees issue may help to show that the Lib Dems have matured into a party of government.

The Guardian

She admitted the tuition fees row was a "mess", but said it was also evidence that Lib Dems now matter.

The Guardian

The Question Time problem is a microcosm of the wider mess of our housing crisis.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there has to be one, because although most squatters just need somewhere to live and often maintain mouldering, neglected buildings and save them from terminal collapse and vandalism, what about the few really naughty squatters, who make a mess and noise, pretend to be artists and pinch your home while you're on hols or in hospital?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After more rain this translated into a target of 143 from 16 overs, which was feasible enough, but Hampshire's run-chase was a mess and they fell short by 41 runs.

The Guardian - Sport

Donors have suspended pledged aid worth $150m until Banda, who came to power in 2012 following the sudden death of president Bingu wa Mutharika, "cleans up the mess" of corruption and speedily prosecutes all suspects.

The Guardian

Don't mess with me, he is saying.

The Guardian - Opinion

The truck that spilled its oil would make GDP go up because of all the spending to clean up the mess.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mess", consider the specific type of disorder or confusion you want to convey. Choose synonyms like "disorder", "chaos", or "muddle" to provide greater precision.

Common error

While "mess" is acceptable in many situations, avoid it in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more sophisticated vocabulary such as "disarray" or "confusion" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "mess" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a state of disorder, confusion, or a disagreeable situation. It can also function as a verb, meaning to make something dirty or disordered, or to interfere with something. Ludwig confirms this versatile usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Opinion

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Sport

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "mess" is a versatile and commonly used word in the English language, functioning as both a noun and a verb. It generally describes states of disorder, confusion, or problematic situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread, particularly in news, opinion, and lifestyle contexts, with a neutral to informal register. While "mess" is widely applicable, it's important to consider the context and opt for more formal synonyms like "disorder" or "confusion" in professional settings. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "mess" allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disorder

Replaces "mess" with a general term for a lack of order or organization.

confusion

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and understanding, similar to a "mess".

chaos

Implies a state of complete disorder and unpredictable behavior.

muddle

Suggests a confused or poorly organized situation.

predicament

Highlights a difficult or unpleasant situation.

quandary

Refers to a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do.

imbroglio

Indicates a complicated and embarrassing state of affairs.

fiasco

Points to a complete failure or disaster.

debacle

Similar to fiasco, emphasizing a sudden and ignominious failure.

state of disarray

Expresses a condition of being unorganized and disordered.

FAQs

How can I use "mess" in a sentence?

You can use "mess" to describe a state of disorder or confusion, as in "The room was a complete mess" or to indicate a problematic situation, such as "He made a mess of the project".

What are some alternatives to the word "mess"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "disorder", "chaos", "muddle", or "confusion".

Is it correct to say "a mess" or "the mess"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A mess" refers to a general state of disorder, while "the mess" can refer to a specific situation or problem that is already understood.

What is the difference between "mess" and "disorder"?

"Mess" is a more general and informal term for a lack of cleanliness or order. "Disorder" is a more formal term that implies a lack of systematic arrangement or organization. Often "disorder" is preferred in professional contexts.