this is utter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is utter" is not complete and requires additional context to be fully correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing strong disapproval or disbelief about something, typically followed by a noun that describes what is being criticized. Example: "This is utter nonsense; I can't believe anyone would take that seriously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

This is utter cruelty.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is utter nonsense.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is utter lunacy.

The Washington Post

Of course, much of this is utter claptrap.

Independent

If Rooney is fully fit, this is utter nonsense.

The Guardian - Sport

A couple of times a month I stop and just think "yikes! this is utter magic".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

After more cogitation, I saw that this was utter balls.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yet to a second group of slaveholders, this was utter nonsense.

The New York Times

He said that this had been revealed by Radio 4. I tried to point out that this was utter nonsense, but Sunny refused to have any of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

That this was utter fiction — the takeover took place two years ago, before Obama was president, with McConnell voting for it — went unchallenged by his questioner, Christiane Amanpour, and probably by many viewers inured to this big lie.

The New York Times

This was utter and complete arbitrariness.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this is utter", ensure that the statement following it is clear and directly related to the subject of your criticism or disbelief. Avoid ambiguity to maximize the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "this is utter" too frequently, as it can lose its impact. Be specific about what you find unacceptable; instead of just saying "this is utter garbage", explain why it's garbage to make your critique more effective.

Linguistic Context

"This is utter" functions as an intensifier, used to express strong disagreement or disbelief. Examples from Ludwig show its application in various contexts to highlight the speaker's negative assessment of something, as mentioned by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Academia

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is utter" is a common and grammatically correct way to express strong disagreement or disbelief. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is primarily used in News & Media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is standard English. When using this phrase, ensure that the statement is clear and specific to maximize its impact, avoiding overuse and lack of specificity. Consider alternatives such as "this is complete" or "this is absolute" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is absolute

Replaces "utter" with "absolute", intensifying the expression of disbelief or disapproval.

this is complete

Substitutes "utter" with "complete", offering a slightly less forceful alternative while maintaining the sentiment.

this is total

Replaces "utter" with "total", similar in intensity to "absolute" but with a slightly different nuance.

this is sheer

Uses "sheer" in place of "utter", emphasizing the unadulterated nature of what follows, often used for negativity.

this is pure

Employs "pure" instead of "utter", highlighting the unmixed or unmitigated quality of the statement.

this is blatant

Substitutes "utter" with "blatant", drawing attention to something that is offensively obvious or conspicuous.

that's ridiculous

Changes the entire structure to a more direct expression of incredulity or disagreement.

that's absurd

Replaces the entire phrase with a succinct expression of extreme unreasonableness.

that's nonsense

Uses an alternative phrase to convey disbelief, focusing on the lack of sense or logic in something.

that's rubbish

Offers a more informal and direct way to express disagreement or disbelief.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "this is utter" in a sentence?

To effectively use "this is utter" in a sentence, follow it with a noun that clearly identifies what you are criticizing, such as "This is utter nonsense", or "This is utter madness".

What are some alternatives to using "this is utter"?

You can use alternatives like "this is complete", "this is absolute", or "that's ridiculous" depending on the context.

Is "this is utter nonsense" grammatically correct?

Yes, "this is utter nonsense" is grammatically correct. "Utter" is an adjective that modifies "nonsense", making it a standard and acceptable phrase.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "this is utter"?

The phrase "this is utter" is appropriate to use when you want to express strong disagreement, disbelief, or disapproval. Use it in situations where you feel something is completely unacceptable or incorrect.