a bit preposterous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit preposterous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is somewhat absurd or unreasonable. Example: "The idea that we could finish the project in one day seems a bit preposterous to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It would be a bit preposterous to think I could tell everyone what to think.

The New York Times - Magazine

The resulting images are fierce, colorful, grainy, a bit preposterous and patently artificial.

The New York Times

It's a heady thought — if a bit preposterous — that a few lines of verse might undermine a government.

The New York Times

That's not to say Bowie doesn't take himself very seriously: he is controlling and a bit preposterous too.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It is a bit preposterous to speculate on the future of altmetrics when the basics and definitions of these measures are yet to be agreed on.

The Guardian

Perhaps current American dance culture is a bit preposterous, related to "real" house and techno only in the same way as the heavy metal of the 70s and 80s was to the blues.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Though his blog is enormously popular, some people find Mr. Schuman's photographs of painfully chic posers a bit precious, and, well, preposterous.

The New York Times

Neon Neon are a bit like DeLorean's vehicle - sleek, preposterous, madcap and, if Rhys's recent hints are to be believed, a fleeting pleasure destined for the scrap yard.

The Guardian - Music

The country has endured so much burdensome weather lately that I feel a bit sheepish in admitting I've been smiled on with preposterous regularity so far.

The New York Times

Michael Gove's attack on the "preposterous" number of old Etonians at the top was clearly a bit of political positioning, but it taps into a problem acknowledged by sensible Tories.

The Guardian - Opinion

Shorten claims to lead institutionally but not factionally, which in the ALP is a bit like saying you tried marijuana in your youth but didn't inhale: preposterous, in other words.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bit preposterous" when you want to gently suggest that an idea or action is unreasonable or absurd without being overly critical. It's a polite way to express skepticism or disbelief.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit preposterous" too frequently, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "slightly absurd" or "somewhat ridiculous" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit preposterous" functions as an adverbial modifier that softens the adjective "preposterous". It indicates a degree of absurdity or unreasonableness that is not absolute but rather partial. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bit preposterous" is a useful phrase for expressing mild skepticism or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It functions as an adverbial modifier, softening the strong assertion of "preposterous". Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase maintains a neutral tone, suitable for expressing doubt without being overly critical. Remember to use it judiciously, varying your language to avoid repetition. Consider alternatives like "slightly absurd" or "somewhat ridiculous" for similar but slightly different nuances. While "a bit preposterous" is appropriate in many contexts, always assess the formality of your writing to ensure it aligns with your intended audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly absurd

Replaces "preposterous" with a synonym indicating a lower degree of absurdity.

kind of absurd

Offers a more casual and conversational alternative using "kind of" instead of "a bit".

somewhat ridiculous

Substitutes "preposterous" with a more common term for something laughably unreasonable.

slightly ludicrous

Similar to 'ridiculous' but may imply a more amusing or comical unreasonableness.

a little far-fetched

Indicates the idea is difficult to believe or accept, focusing on its improbability.

rather implausible

Emphasizes the lack of believability of the idea.

a tad outrageous

Suggests a mild level of offensiveness or shocking quality in addition to being unbelievable.

somewhat outlandish

Implies the idea is bizarre or unconventional in addition to being unreasonable.

a bit unbelievable

Directly addresses the lack of credibility of the situation.

a little silly

Downplays the seriousness of the unreasonableness, suggesting it's more foolish than outrageous.

FAQs

How can I use "a bit preposterous" in a sentence?

You can use "a bit preposterous" to describe something that seems somewhat absurd or unreasonable. For instance, "The suggestion that we could complete the project in an hour seems "a bit preposterous"."

What are some alternatives to saying "a bit preposterous"?

Alternatives include "slightly absurd", "somewhat ridiculous", or "a little far-fetched". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a bit preposterous" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, "a bit preposterous" leans towards a neutral register. For formal writing, consider alternatives such as "rather implausible" or "somewhat outlandish" for a more refined tone.

What's the difference between "a bit preposterous" and "completely preposterous"?

"A bit preposterous" suggests a mild level of absurdity, whereas "completely preposterous" indicates total and utter absurdity. The former is a softer, more nuanced critique.