uh-uh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uh-uh" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in informal contexts.
It is typically used to indicate disagreement or to say "no" in a casual manner. Example: "When I asked if he wanted to go out, he just shook his head and said, 'Uh-uh.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

On it is painted … Uh-uh.

The Guardian - Film

No, uh-uh.

Huffington Post

Uh-uh, uh-uh, uh-uh.

The New York Times

"I said, 'Uh-uh.

The New Yorker

"Uh-uh," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

I thought, Uh-uh!

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"Happy, uh-uh-uh, Halloween, uh-uh-uh".

Huffington Post

"Thanks, uh-uh-uh, everyone," you say.

Huffington Post

We need, uh-uh-uh, to talk about social media strategy, uh-uh-uh," you continue.

Huffington Post

"And the winner is...uh-uh-uh, it's Morgan!

Huffington Post

You knew you should have gone uh-uh-uh, hard if you wanted to stay home.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uh-uh" primarily in informal settings, where a casual tone is appropriate. It can sound out of place in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "uh-uh" in professional emails or academic papers. Opt for more formal alternatives like "no" or "not at all" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The interjection "uh-uh" primarily functions as a negation or expression of disagreement. It is typically used in informal contexts to convey a negative response, similar to saying "no". As Ludwig AI confirms, this interjection is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the interjection "uh-uh" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression of negation in informal contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for casual conversations but should be avoided in formal writing. It conveys a direct denial or disagreement, and its usage is prevalent in news and media sources to reflect realistic dialogue. For more formal settings, alternatives like "no" or "not at all" are more appropriate. While "uh-uh" is acceptable, understanding its limitations ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no

A direct and simple negation, more formal than "uh-uh".

nope

An informal negation, similar in tone to "uh-uh".

nah

A slang term for no, conveying a casual refusal.

negative

A formal term for no, often used in technical or official contexts.

not at all

A more emphatic way to say no, indicating strong disagreement.

by no means

A formal phrase expressing strong negation or denial.

certainly not

Emphasizes the negation with a tone of certainty.

no way

Expresses strong refusal or disbelief, more forceful than "uh-uh".

never

Indicates that something will not happen, expressing a firm refusal.

not in the slightest

Emphasizes the negation by indicating that something is not even remotely true or possible.

FAQs

What does "uh-uh" mean?

"Uh-uh" is an informal interjection used to express negation or disagreement, similar to "no".

When is it appropriate to use "uh-uh"?

It's appropriate in casual conversations, informal settings, and situations where a relaxed tone is acceptable. Avoid using it in formal or professional contexts.

What can I say instead of "uh-uh"?

You can use alternatives like "no", "nope", or "not at all" depending on the context.

Is "uh-uh" grammatically correct?

Yes, "uh-uh" is grammatically correct in informal contexts as an interjection. However, it's not suitable for formal writing or speech.