what nonsense

USAGE SUMMARY

"what nonsense" is a perfectly acceptable and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express disbelief, disbelief, disapproval, or even disdain about something that someone has said or done. For example: "He thinks he can fly? What nonsense!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

What nonsense.

Forbes

"What nonsense," Viana said.

The New Yorker

"What nonsense!" Dad snapped.

The New Yorker

What nonsense," he repeated.

The New Yorker

— What nonsense, I said to myself.

The New Yorker

He added: "What nonsense that is".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

What complete nonsense.

Independent

What a nonsense!

Independent

What utter nonsense.

The New York Times

What useless nonsense.

The New York Times

What arrant nonsense!

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what nonsense" to express strong disagreement or disbelief in a situation where you find a statement or idea to be completely illogical or untrue.

Common error

While "what nonsense" is widely understood, avoid using it in highly formal or professional settings where a more diplomatic or reasoned response is expected. Opt for phrases like "I disagree with that statement" or "That doesn't seem accurate."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what nonsense" primarily functions as an interjection or exclamation, expressing a strong sense of disbelief, disagreement, or dismissal regarding a statement or idea. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a common way to voice skepticism.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Books

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what nonsense" is a common phrase used to express strong disbelief or disagreement with a statement or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Analysis of usage patterns reveals it appears frequently in news and media, books, and less often in scientific or academic contexts. While it's generally acceptable, avoiding it in highly formal settings is advisable. Alternatives include "utter rubbish" or "complete balderdash", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis. Therefore, use "what nonsense" judiciously to convey your skepticism effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter rubbish

Emphasizes the falsity and worthlessness of something.

complete balderdash

Highlights the silliness and lack of sense in something.

total hogwash

Stresses the deceptive and ridiculous nature of something.

absolute poppycock

Implies that something is foolish and untrue.

pure drivel

Indicates that something is senseless and boring.

arrant twaddle

Emphasizes the triviality and lack of importance in something.

blatant falsehood

Focuses on the untruthfulness and dishonesty of something.

patently absurd

Highlights the obvious and ridiculous nature of something.

manifestly untrue

Stresses the clear and undeniable falsity of something.

palpable fabrication

Indicates that something is obviously made up and not based on fact.

FAQs

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

You can use "what nonsense" to express disbelief or disagreement with a statement. For example, "He claims he can fly? What nonsense!"

What are some alternatives to "what nonsense"?

Alternatives include "utter rubbish", "complete balderdash", or "total hogwash" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "what nonsense" in formal writing?

While widely understood, "what nonsense" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more diplomatic phrases to express disagreement.

What does "what nonsense" imply?

"What nonsense" implies that the speaker believes a statement or idea is completely illogical, untrue, or ridiculous. It expresses a strong sense of disbelief or disagreement.