pure fiction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pure fiction" is correct and usable in written English. It is typically used to describe something that is completely made up or imaginary, without any basis in reality. Example: The author's story about a talking unicorn is pure fiction, but it is still a captivating and entertaining read.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

General Discussion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Pure fiction," he said.

The New York Times

"It's pure fiction.

The New York Times

(The conceit is pure fiction).

The New Yorker

They are pure fiction".

The New Yorker

Obviously that line was pure fiction.

The New Yorker

She said: "It's pure fiction".

The Guardian - Books

Perhaps she is writing pure fiction.

The New York Times - Books

All pure fiction, Mr. Skinner said.

The New York Times

Silvio, of course, is pure fiction.

The Guardian - Music

Hare, incidentally, insists this piece is "pure fiction".

Independent

His performance, she said, very well could be pure "fiction".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pure fiction" to clearly indicate that something is entirely made up and has no basis in reality. It's stronger than simply saying something is 'false'.

Common error

Avoid labeling something as "pure fiction" simply because it's exaggerated. "Pure fiction" implies complete fabrication, not just embellishment of the truth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pure fiction" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate adjective to describe something as entirely fabricated or imaginary. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Books

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pure fiction" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe something entirely made up or untrue. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, where it serves to dismiss claims or narratives lacking factual basis. While alternatives exist, such as "complete fabrication" or "sheer invention", "pure fiction" provides a clear and emphatic way to indicate a lack of truth. It's important to use the term accurately, reserving it for situations involving complete fabrication rather than mere exaggeration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete fabrication

Highlights the artificiality and lack of truth in something, suggesting it's been deliberately constructed.

unadulterated fabrication

Similar to "complete fabrication" but adds an emphasis on the purity and lack of any factual basis.

complete fabrication

Implies that something has been made up entirely, with no basis in fact.

sheer invention

Emphasizes the creative aspect of something being made up, suggesting it's entirely a product of imagination.

pure invention

Highlights the inventive aspect of something made up

sheer fantasy

Emphasizes the imaginative aspect and unreality of something

utter fantasy

Implies a strong element of unreality and imaginative creation, often associated with elaborate or whimsical scenarios.

mere figment of imagination

This alternative is used to emphasize that something exists only in one's mind and has no basis in reality.

total falsehood

Directly indicates the absence of truth and the presence of deception.

arrant nonsense

Suggests that something is not only untrue but also illogical and meaningless.

FAQs

How can I use "pure fiction" in a sentence?

You can use "pure fiction" to describe stories, claims, or ideas that are completely made up. For example: "The rumors about his secret past are "pure fiction"."

What's a good alternative to "pure fiction"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "complete fabrication", "sheer invention", or "utter fantasy" can be used instead of "pure fiction".

Is it okay to use "pure fiction" in formal writing?

Yes, "pure fiction" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, as it clearly conveys the idea of something being entirely made up.

What's the difference between "pure fiction" and "historical fiction"?

"Pure fiction" refers to something entirely made up, while "historical fiction" involves fictional stories set in real historical periods. While both are fiction, historical fiction incorporates real historical elements, whereas "pure fiction" does not.