total crap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "total crap" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used informally to express strong disapproval or disappointment about something. Example: "The movie was total crap; I couldn't believe how bad the acting was."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

I say because it is total crap".

The Guardian - Business

It's just guileless, artless lies and total crap.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were harmonious and joyous in the face of total crap.

The New Yorker

As it happens, the performing arts degree (at Middlesex University) was total crap.

Independent

"I'm not willing to say it's total crap because I might meet Bruce Forsyth," he says.

The Guardian

British businessman Gerald Ratner claimed his jewellery was "total crap" in 1991, admitting his earrings were "cheaper than an M&S prawn sandwich but wouldn't last as long".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

I guess I'm wanting this piece of total shit crap stool poop (to paraphrase Biggs' March 18th review) more its dramatic destruction and an excuse to borrow some robots than to actually own and use it.

TechCrunch

It's just that the way we're currently going about it is total bull crap.

Huffington Post

The Apple case has generated the biggest furore, with the chief executive, Tim Cook, dismissing the claims as "total political crap".

The Guardian - Tech

Apple has said it will appeal against the ruling, which CEO Tim Cook described as "total political crap".

The Guardian - Tech

Apple chief executive, Tim Cook, has previously labelled the multibillion pound demand "total political crap" and warned that it could affect investment in the EU.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "total crap" sparingly in formal writing; it's best suited for casual conversations or informal contexts where strong emotion is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "total crap" in academic papers or professional reports; it undermines credibility. Opt for more professional alternatives like "completely inadequate" or "utterly unacceptable."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "total crap" functions as a subjective descriptor, expressing a strong negative evaluation or judgment. It is used to dismiss something as being of extremely poor quality or untrue. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Tech

25%

Opinion

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "total crap" is an informal phrase used to express strong disapproval or to dismiss something as worthless or untrue. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in informal contexts. While widely used in news, media and tech-related content, remember that more formal alternatives are appropriate for academic and professional settings. When in doubt, consider synonyms like "utter garbage" or "complete rubbish" to convey a similar sentiment with varying degrees of intensity or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter garbage

Implies something is completely worthless or nonsensical; slightly more formal than the query.

complete rubbish

Suggests something is untrue or of very poor quality; similar in tone but uses different vocabulary.

absolute nonsense

Indicates a lack of logic or sense; less vulgar but conveys strong disagreement.

pure balderdash

An old-fashioned term for nonsense; adds a humorous or slightly ironic tone.

total fabrication

Emphasizes that something is invented or untrue; stronger focus on dishonesty.

a load of hogwash

Informal and somewhat humorous way of saying something is foolish or untrue.

patently false

Indicates something is obviously untrue; more formal and direct.

downright awful

Focuses on the unpleasant or poor quality of something, rather than its truthfulness.

wholly inadequate

Highlights the insufficiency or unsuitability of something; more formal and less emotionally charged.

simply unacceptable

Expresses strong disapproval and a refusal to accept something; focuses on the speaker's reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "total crap" in a sentence?

You can use "total crap" to express strong disapproval or disappointment. For example: "That movie was "total crap", I couldn't believe how bad the acting was."

What can I say instead of "total crap"?

You can use alternatives like "utter garbage", "complete rubbish", or "absolute nonsense" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "total crap" in professional writing?

No, "total crap" is generally considered too informal for professional writing. Use more appropriate alternatives like "wholly inadequate" or "simply unacceptable".

Which is correct, "total crap" or "complete crap"?

Both "total crap" and "complete crap" are acceptable, but "total crap" is slightly more common. However, consider using more formal alternatives in professional settings.