total nonsense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "total nonsense" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely absurd, irrational, or illogical. For example: - "His explanation for being late was total nonsense." - "The politician's promises were nothing but total nonsense." - "She tried to convince me with a total nonsense argument." - "I can't believe you're falling for his total nonsense." - "The article was filled with total nonsense and false information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's total nonsense.

The Guardian

"This is total nonsense.

The Guardian

It was also total nonsense.

The Guardian

Hyper-local is a total nonsense.

The Guardian

This was, of course, total nonsense.

The Guardian

That's nonsense, total nonsense", he said.

The Guardian

Of course, this is total nonsense.

The Guardian - Money

Total nonsense, the Republican senators reply.

The New York Times

He said: "It is total nonsense.

The Guardian - Books

"It's just not on, it's total nonsense," he says.

The Guardian

He has dismissed the Campbell diamond story as "total nonsense".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "total nonsense" when you want to express strong disagreement or disbelief in a clear, direct manner. It's suitable for a range of contexts, from informal conversations to more formal written pieces where a slightly less formal tone is acceptable.

Common error

While "total nonsense" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated or nuanced expressions of disagreement to maintain a professional tone. More professional alternatives are "patently absurd" or "utterly false".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "total nonsense" functions as an evaluative expression, typically used to dismiss or strongly disagree with a statement, idea, or action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "total nonsense" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express strong disagreement or disbelief. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals that it is most frequently encountered in news and media, with some presence in academic and business contexts. While generally considered neutral to informal, its direct tone suggests caution in highly formal settings. For such cases, consider synonyms like "patently absurd" or "utterly false" to achieve a more polished tone. It is most frequently used in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plain rubbish

Uses "plain rubbish" to emphasize something is obviously and clearly wrong.

utter rubbish

Replaces "nonsense" with "rubbish", implying something is completely worthless and untrue. It slightly alters the register.

patently absurd

This version expresses disbelief and the feeling that something doesn't make sense, using the adjective form to mean the same thing.

pure hogwash

Uses "hogwash" instead of "nonsense", indicating something is utter foolishness or deception. It is slightly less formal.

absolute poppycock

Employs "poppycock", a synonym for "nonsense", to convey the idea that something is silly and not worth considering.

unadulterated drivel

Substitutes "nonsense" with "drivel", underlining that what is said is nonsensical. "Unadulterated" adds an emphasis.

complete balderdash

Substitutes "total nonsense" with a more playful and archaic term, "balderdash", to suggest something is ridiculous and untrue.

pure bunkum

Changes "total nonsense" to "pure bunkum", implying something is deceptive and intended to mislead.

arrant twaddle

Replaces "nonsense" with "twaddle", suggesting something is trivial and empty. It might come off as more old-fashioned.

a load of codswallop

Replaces "nonsense" with "codswallop", an informal term for foolish talk or ideas.

FAQs

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

You can use "total nonsense" to express strong disagreement or disbelief. For example, "His explanation for the company's failure was "total nonsense"." It indicates that something is absurd or illogical.

What phrases are similar to "total nonsense"?

Alternatives include "utter rubbish", "complete balderdash", or "pure hogwash". The choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is "total nonsense" appropriate for formal writing?

While widely understood, "total nonsense" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "patently absurd" or "utterly false" to maintain a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "total nonsense" and "complete nonsense"?

The phrases "total nonsense" and "complete nonsense" are largely interchangeable and carry the same meaning. Both emphasize the absurdity or lack of logic in something. It is a matter of stylistic preference.