talking nonsense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "talking nonsense" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone who is communicating ideas that are not sensible or rational. For example: "My brother was talking nonsense when he said I could fly to the moon in a rocket made of bubble gum and tin foil."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both were talking nonsense.

The Economist

"And stop talking nonsense".

The New York Times - Magazine

Realistically, however, he might be talking nonsense.

The Economist

"She's not talking nonsense," Ms. Lopez said.

The New York Times

So Mr. Romney is talking nonsense.

The New York Times

Anyone who says otherwise is talking nonsense.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"She's not just talking nonsense," she said.

The New York Times

Lotta indignant Ethiopians on here talking nonsense about water rights.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Or the brook that runs by the cabin talking nonsense.

The New Yorker

He has been talking nonsense: strange confused memories and jabber.

The Guardian - Books

Hope I'm talking nonsense, and through my hat to boot.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis, consider pairing "talking nonsense" with adverbs such as "completely", "utterly", or "absolutely", for example, "He's absolutely talking nonsense".

Common error

Avoid using "talking nonsense" in highly formal or professional settings where more sophisticated or polite language is required. Instead, use phrases like "making unsubstantiated claims" or "presenting inaccurate information".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "talking nonsense" functions as a verbal phrase used to describe the act of speaking in a way that lacks sense, logic, or truth. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage. The phrase often serves as a commentary on the speaker's credibility or the validity of their statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "talking nonsense" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe speech that is illogical, untrue, or silly. As validated by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Academia. While generally neutral to informal, it can express strong disagreement even in somewhat formal settings. For formal writing, alternatives like "making unsubstantiated claims" are recommended. Understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register enhances effective communication. Be cautious about overusing it in professional environments, ensuring that your language aligns with the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spouting rubbish

Implies speaking foolishly or inaccurately, often with a sense of disdain.

uttering drivel

Suggests speaking meaningless or incoherent things, often tedious or annoying.

babbling incoherently

Highlights the lack of clarity and logical connection in speech.

rambling aimlessly

Focuses on the lack of direction or purpose in the speech.

speaking absurdly

Emphasizes the ridiculous or illogical nature of the statements.

chatting inanely

Highlights the lack of intelligence or significance in the conversation.

prattling foolishly

Implies speaking at length about trivial or silly matters.

blathering on

Suggests talking continuously in a nonsensical or tedious manner.

droning on meaninglessly

Emphasizes the monotonous and pointless nature of the speech.

pontificating wildly

Implies expressing opinions dogmatically and often without sufficient knowledge.

FAQs

What does "talking nonsense" mean?

The phrase "talking nonsense" means someone is saying things that are foolish, untrue, or lack sense. It implies a lack of logical reasoning or factual accuracy in their speech.

What can I say instead of "talking nonsense"?

You can use alternatives like "spouting rubbish", "uttering drivel", or "speaking absurdly" depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is "talking nonsense" appropriate in formal writing?

While "talking nonsense" is widely understood, it's generally better to use more formal language in academic or professional writing. Consider using phrases like "making unsubstantiated claims" or "presenting inaccurate information".

How can I tell if someone is "talking nonsense"?

Look for inconsistencies in their statements, a lack of evidence to support their claims, and logical fallacies in their reasoning. If their statements don't make sense or contradict established facts, they are likely "talking nonsense".