totally nonsense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "totally nonsense" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to describe something that is absurd and illogical. For example, "I can't believe what she said is totally nonsense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In my 20s, I'd phone up the pizza place and say: "I'd like a Pepperoni Passion," and, you know, totally nonsense names.

The Guardian

The Slovakia international, who is out of contract at the end of the season, said: "I've been reading in the papers and everywhere that I'm not committed to the club, which for me is totally nonsense".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Total nonsense.

Huffington Post

Of course, Activision says this is all nonsense ("without merit" in legal talk), and that its actions are totally in line with the letter of the law.

TechCrunch

All nonsense!

The New Yorker

"It's completely nonsense..

The New Yorker

"That's entirely nonsense.

Independent

A press officer said: This is totally utterly nonsense.

The Guardian - Business

It is fear-mongering, monomaniacal, totally unrealistic nonsense.

TechCrunch

It's totally undigestable nonsense that you have to read multiple times to figure out. .

Vice

Games like Monument Valley are way better than Call of Angry Men Duty, so even if the women/men, casual/hardcore dichotomy were true and totally not nonsense, it wouldn't be a good result.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "totally nonsense" when you want to strongly dismiss an idea as illogical or absurd. Ensure the context warrants such a strong rejection.

Common error

While effective for emphasis, overusing "totally nonsense" can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "utter nonsense" or "complete rubbish".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally nonsense" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied or stated noun. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses a strong rejection or dismissal of something as being illogical or absurd. It intensifies the meaning of "nonsense."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "totally nonsense" is a grammatically correct expression used to convey strong disagreement or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It functions as an adjectival phrase, intensifying the meaning of "nonsense", and is primarily found in news and media contexts. While effective for emphasis, it's important to consider the register and avoid overuse. Consider synonyms like "utter nonsense" or "complete rubbish" to diversify your language. The phrase is more informal than academic, scientific or business English, but can be useful in neutral contexts too.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter nonsense

Replaces "totally" with "utter", intensifying the meaning.

complete rubbish

Uses a different noun to express the same idea of worthlessness or falsity.

complete drivel

Focuses on the nonsensical quality of speech or writing.

absolute hogwash

Employs a more colorful and informal term for nonsense.

pure bunkum

More informal term referring to insincere or foolish talk.

pure balderdash

Uses a more old-fashioned and humorous term for nonsense.

arrant twaddle

Emphasizes the trivial and foolish nature of the nonsense.

absolute poppycock

Another old-fashioned and somewhat humorous way to dismiss something as nonsense.

sheer absurdity

Shifts the focus to the absurdity of the situation.

patently false

Indicates that something is obviously untrue.

FAQs

What does "totally nonsense" mean?

The phrase "totally nonsense" is used to express complete disagreement with something, indicating that it's illogical, untrue, or absurd.

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

You might say, "The idea that climate change isn't real is "totally nonsense"" or "His explanation for being late was "totally nonsense"."

What are some alternatives to "totally nonsense"?

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

Is "totally nonsense" considered formal or informal?

"Totally nonsense" leans towards the informal side. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "wholly illogical" or "completely unfounded."