what a sham

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what a sham" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express disbelief or disappointment about something that is perceived as false, deceptive, or not genuine. Example: "The event was advertised as a grand celebration, but it turned out to be poorly organized and lacking any real substance. What a sham!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

What a sham!

The New Yorker

What a sham this is.

Harvard University

We need to expose what a sham Tony Abbott's whole proposed Direct Action plan is".

The Guardian

It's at this point that I realise what a sham this whole exercise is.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But one thing few people invested in the glamour and seriousness of big-league television news will say is what a sham the whole enterprise is.

The New York Times

But the details mattered less than the gesture, which carried its own message: I am about to reveal what a sham my opponent really is, and here is the evidence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

And yet what makes the movie pleasantly diverting is also what makes it a sham.

The New York Times

The farce of returning it at a non-critical time should be exposed for what it is: a sham.

The New York Times

Mr. Gusinsky has vigorously denied that, and has refused to answer questions in what he calls a sham inquiry.

The New York Times

The next day, prosecutors said, Linda Mangano received her first paycheck for what they termed a "sham" job with Mr. Singh.

The New York Times

Her party chose not to take part in what it called a sham election and was therefore forced to disband.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what a sham" to express strong disapproval or disillusionment when something is revealed to be deceptive or worthless. It is most effective when the reality sharply contrasts with initial expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "what a sham" in formal or professional writing, as it can come across as overly emotional or unprofessional. Opt for more measured language to express disagreement or criticism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what a sham" functions as an exclamatory expression. It conveys a strong sense of disbelief, disappointment, or indignation upon realizing that something is not genuine or is a deception. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, serving to express negative sentiments about a perceived falsity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what a sham" is an exclamatory phrase used to express disappointment, disbelief, or outrage when something is revealed to be fake or deceptive. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While commonly found in news and media, its use in formal academic or professional contexts should be approached with caution due to its informal tone. For alternatives, consider "what a farce" or "what a travesty" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What a sham it is

Rephrases the original expression with a slight shift in emphasis.

It's a complete sham

Uses a declarative sentence to express the same idea.

That's a complete sham

Uses a declarative sentence with a more accusatory tone to express the same idea.

What a farce

Similar expression indicating something is a ridiculous sham.

What a mockery

Emphasizes the insulting or disrespectful nature of the sham.

What a travesty

Highlights the distortion or corruption of something genuine.

What a joke

Implies the situation is laughable and not to be taken seriously.

What a deception

Focuses on the act of misleading or deceiving someone.

What a fraud

Indicates deliberate deceit or misrepresentation for personal gain.

What a pretense

Suggests an attempt to create a false impression or appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "what a sham" in a sentence?

You can use "what a sham" to express disappointment or disbelief when something turns out to be fake or worthless. For example, "The promised reforms turned out to be just empty words; "what a sham"!"

What are some alternatives to "what a sham"?

Alternatives include "what a farce", "what a mockery", or "what a travesty". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "what a sham" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "what a sham" is generally considered informal. It's best reserved for casual conversation or less formal writing. In professional contexts, opt for more neutral phrasing.

What's the difference between "what a sham" and "it's a sham"?

"What a sham" is an exclamation, expressing strong emotion or disbelief. "It's a sham" is a statement of fact, asserting that something is false or deceptive. The exclamation conveys greater emotion.