utter nonsense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'utter nonsense' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate something is completely absurd or worthless. For example: "My grandmother's suggestion that I pursue a career in accounting was utter nonsense, as I am terrible with numbers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Utter nonsense!

The New York Times

Complete and utter nonsense.

Stanford University

What utter nonsense.

The New York Times

This is utter nonsense.

The Guardian - Opinion

They speak utter nonsense.

The New York Times

No, it's utter nonsense.

The Guardian

That is utter nonsense.

The New York Times - Books

"Utter, utter nonsense," Carmichael counters.

The New York Times - Books

O'Neill characterised the report as "utter nonsense".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Putin: It's 'utter nonsense' that Russia is meddling in the U.S. election.

Los Angeles Times

It's also utter nonsense rubbish of the first caliber.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "utter nonsense", consider your audience and the context. While effective, it can be perceived as dismissive or confrontational. Use it judiciously to avoid alienating your readers or listeners.

Common error

While "utter nonsense" is a powerful expression, it is not appropriate for all situations. Avoid using it in formal or professional settings, where a more diplomatic or nuanced response is expected. Instead, opt for phrases like "unsubstantiated claim" or "misleading information".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter nonsense" functions as an evaluative expression, used to dismiss or strongly disagree with a statement or idea. As shown by Ludwig, it is commonly used to express that something is completely false, illogical, or without merit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utter nonsense" is a phrase used to express strong disagreement or disbelief, labeling something as completely false or illogical. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While effective, its informality may make it unsuitable for certain formal contexts. Alternatives like "complete rubbish" or "pure foolishness" can provide similar emphasis with slight variations in tone. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, considering your audience and the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete rubbish

Emphasizes the worthlessness and falsity of something.

total absurdity

Highlights the irrational and illogical nature of something.

pure foolishness

Stresses the lack of wisdom or sense in something.

arrant nonsense

An emphatic way to say something is complete nonsense.

blatant lie

Focuses on the deceitful nature of a statement.

sheer balderdash

A more colorful and informal way to describe something as nonsense.

palpable falsity

Highlights the obvious and undeniable nature of the falsehood.

downright ridiculous

Emphasizes the absurdity and laughableness of something.

unmitigated hogwash

Strongly conveys the idea that something is utter rubbish.

patently untrue

Emphasizes the obvious and undeniable nature of the falsehood.

FAQs

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

You can use "utter nonsense" to express strong disagreement or disbelief. For example, "His claim that the Earth is flat is "utter nonsense"."

What are some alternatives to saying "utter nonsense"?

Alternatives include "complete rubbish", "total absurdity", or "pure foolishness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "utter nonsense" too informal for academic writing?

Yes, "utter nonsense" may be too informal for academic writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "unsubstantiated claim" or "fallacious argument".

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

The phrases are very similar, but "utter nonsense" can carry a slightly stronger sense of disbelief or outrage compared to "complete nonsense". They are largely interchangeable.