this is nonsense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is nonsense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express disbelief or disagreement with a statement or idea that you find illogical or absurd. Example: "After hearing his explanation, I couldn't help but think that this is nonsense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Actually, this is nonsense.

The Economist

But this is nonsense.

The Economist

This is nonsense.

Harvard University

Honestly, this is nonsense".

The Guardian

Novartis insists this is nonsense.

The Economist

But surely this is nonsense.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

This was nonsense.

The Guardian

This was nonsense, said Ratcliffe.

The Guardian

The university said this was nonsense.

The Economist

This was nonsense with an existential dimension.

Independent

Labour insisted this was nonsense.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is nonsense" to directly and concisely refute claims or ideas you find illogical. It's most effective when the context is already clear, and you want to express immediate disagreement.

Common error

While "this is nonsense" is effective, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or aggressive. Vary your language by using synonyms or explaining why you disagree to create more nuanced arguments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is nonsense" functions as an interjection or a declarative statement expressing strong disagreement or refutation. It directly dismisses a previous statement as illogical, untrue, or ridiculous, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is nonsense" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for directly refuting claims or ideas deemed illogical, untrue, or ridiculous. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability. It is suitable for neutral to informal contexts, with a primary presence in news and media. While direct and effective, it's advisable to vary language and provide explanations for more nuanced arguments. Consider alternatives such as "that's absurd" or "that's ridiculous" for similar but slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's absurd

Replaces "this is" with "that's", offering a more direct expression of absurdity.

that's ridiculous

Similar to "that's absurd", but implies the idea is laughable or unreasonable.

that's preposterous

Emphasizes the outlandish or unbelievable nature of the statement.

that's ludicrous

Highlights the foolish or unreasonable aspect of the statement.

that's utter rubbish

Uses more informal language to express strong disagreement.

that's a load of baloney

Employs colloquial language to dismiss the statement as untrue.

that's complete hogwash

Similar to "a load of baloney", but slightly more emphatic.

I don't believe it

Shifts the focus to personal disbelief rather than directly labeling the statement as false.

I disagree with that

Presents a straightforward expression of disagreement without further elaboration.

that's simply not true

Directly contradicts the statement, asserting its falsehood.

FAQs

How can I use "this is nonsense" in a sentence?

You can use "this is nonsense" to directly refute a statement or idea you find illogical or absurd. For example: "He claimed that the Earth is flat, but "this is nonsense"."

What are some alternatives to "this is nonsense"?

Some alternatives include "that's absurd", "that's ridiculous", or "that's utter rubbish", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "this is nonsense" in formal writing?

While "this is nonsense" is generally acceptable, it might be considered too informal for highly formal or academic writing. In such cases, consider using more nuanced and professional alternatives like "this argument is flawed" or "this claim is unsubstantiated".

When should I use "this is nonsense" instead of explaining why I disagree?

Use "this is nonsense" when you want to express immediate and direct disagreement, particularly when the context is already clear or when a detailed explanation isn't necessary. However, backing up your disagreement with reasons will be more persuasive in most situations.