a preposterous amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a preposterous amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an excessive or unreasonable quantity of something, often in a humorous or exaggerated context. Example: "The company spent a preposterous amount of money on the new marketing campaign, far exceeding their budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"But whoever was selling it wanted $8,500, which was a preposterous amount of money at that time".

The New York Times

A preposterous amount of it goes on at Mission Pescadero, more than in your average college dormitory.

The New York Times

Many families saved all year to buy a cow at Christmas, so there was suddenly a preposterous amount of beef in almost every compound in the village.

The New York Times

As with the first "Expendables," in 2010, Mr. Stallone has assembled a roster of prominent action stars, many of them noticeably past their prime, and a preposterous amount of explosives and heavy weaponry to enact a formulaic good-triumphs tale.

The New York Times

I don't know about you, but that sounds like a preposterous amount of fun, and it's making me sad I'm not in school anymore.

TechCrunch

In the future, do Martin and the child's social worker, Clea (Gugu Mbatha-Rawho-- whashas a preposterous amount of time to devote to one client -- simply run around and avert tragedies, thanks to Jake's enigmatic clues?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The result might also have been different in the St James's Palace Stakes had Stormy River not been set a preposterous amount to do against the favourite, Araafa.

Independent

Articles that are mere lists of links, or have a particularly preposterous amount of links, may be deleted.

WikiHow

Light snowfalls rarely happen in the Upper Peninsula, which can get 300 inches a year along Superior, a preposterous amount.

The New York Times - Travel

The preposterous amount of dialogue shoehorned into the "Shall we turn the cricket pitch into a memorial garden?" scene was ridiculous.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I made preposterous amounts of money.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase “a preposterous amount of” to add emphasis and a touch of humor when describing something that is excessively large or unreasonable. It's particularly effective in informal contexts or when expressing disbelief.

Common error

Avoid using “a preposterous amount of” in formal or professional writing where a more neutral or precise term is preferred. Consider alternatives like “a significant quantity of” or “an excessive amount of” for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “a preposterous amount of” functions as a modifier to a noun. It indicates that the quantity of something is not just large, but absurdly or ridiculously so. As confirmed by Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “a preposterous amount of” is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an unreasonably large quantity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While it's suitable for adding emphasis and a touch of humor, it's best reserved for informal or neutral contexts rather than strictly formal writing. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources, with other instances appearing in wikis and scientific publications. Remember to consider the tone and audience when deciding whether to use this phrase, opting for more neutral alternatives like "a significant quantity of" in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a ridiculous quantity of

Emphasizes the absurdity and unreasonableness of the amount.

an absurd excess of

Highlights the extreme and nonsensical nature of the surplus.

an unreasonable sum of

Focuses on the lack of justification or logic behind the quantity.

a disproportionate quantity of

Implies the amount is inappropriately scaled or balanced.

an inordinate amount of

Stresses that the amount goes beyond what is normal or acceptable.

a lavish supply of

Highlights the generous and often wasteful nature of the amount.

a surplus of

Emphasizes that the amount exceeds what is needed.

an exorbitant quantity of

Conveys that the amount is excessively high and often overpriced.

a profusion of

Emphasizes the abundance and extravagance of the amount.

a glut of

Implies an oversupply that can lead to problems or reduced value.

FAQs

How can I use "a preposterous amount of" in a sentence?

You can use "a preposterous amount of" to describe something that is excessively large or unreasonable. For example: "They spent "a preposterous amount of" money on decorations."

What are some alternatives to "a preposterous amount of"?

Alternatives include "an absurd amount of", "an excessive quantity of", or "a ridiculous amount of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a preposterous amount of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a preposterous amount of" is generally more suitable for informal or humorous contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "a significant amount of" or "an unreasonable quantity of" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "a preposterous amount of" and "a large amount of"?

"A large amount of" simply indicates a substantial quantity. "A preposterous amount of" implies that the quantity is not only large but also unreasonable, absurd, or ridiculous. It adds a layer of judgment or disbelief.