a preposterous comparison

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a preposterous comparison" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a comparison that is absurd or ridiculous in nature. Example: "The argument he made was based on a preposterous comparison between apples and oranges, which made no logical sense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That may seem a preposterous comparison.

The Economist

Barroso had made a "preposterous comparison" between Scotland and Kosovo in a recent interview on BBC1's The Andrew Marr Show, Salmond argues.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Do not suppose that this is reflexive literary snobbery or a preposterous apple-and-orange comparison.

The New York Times

It's a preposterous and self-discrediting comparison: Erdogan and Assad resemble each other in little more than their mustaches.

The New York Times

That's a preposterous position.

The New York Times

It's a preposterous notion.

The New Yorker

It's a preposterous scenario.

Independent

This is a preposterous claim.

The New York Times

That is a preposterous proposition.

The New Yorker

What a preposterous notion.

The New York Times - Sports

A preposterous idea?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a preposterous comparison" to highlight the absurdity or lack of logical connection between two things being compared. This phrase adds emphasis and can be more impactful than simply stating the comparison is incorrect.

Common error

Avoid using "a preposterous comparison" when the comparison is simply weak or not entirely accurate, but not truly absurd. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact. Reserve it for comparisons that are genuinely illogical or ridiculous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preposterous comparison" functions as a noun phrase that serves to characterize a specific comparison. It emphatically describes the comparison as being absurd or completely unreasonable. As per Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a preposterous comparison" is used to describe a comparison that is completely absurd or illogical. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its usage is relatively rare. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this phrase serves to strongly dismiss a comparison as unreasonable. While alternatives like "an absurd comparison" or "a ridiculous comparison" exist, "a preposterous comparison" adds a distinctive emphasis to the absurdity being conveyed. When using this phrase, ensure the comparison is truly illogical, avoiding overuse to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an absurd comparison

Replaces "preposterous" with "absurd", indicating a comparison that is wildly unreasonable or inappropriate.

a ridiculous comparison

Substitutes "preposterous" with "ridiculous", suggesting the comparison is laughable or deserving of scorn.

a ludicrous comparison

Employs "ludicrous" instead of "preposterous", emphasizing the foolishness or unreasonableness of the comparison.

a far-fetched comparison

Uses "far-fetched" to convey that the comparison is strained and unlikely.

an outlandish comparison

Replaces "preposterous" with "outlandish", suggesting the comparison is bizarre or unconventional.

a nonsensical comparison

Substitutes "preposterous" with "nonsensical", indicating that the comparison lacks any logical basis.

an unreasonable comparison

Uses "unreasonable" to describe a comparison that is not based on sound judgment or fairness.

an illogical comparison

Replaces "preposterous" with "illogical", emphasizing that the comparison defies logic or reason.

a baseless comparison

Suggests the comparison lacks any factual or reasonable foundation.

an unwarranted comparison

Indicates the comparison is not justified or deserved, implying it's inappropriate in the given context.

FAQs

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

You can use "a preposterous comparison" to describe a comparison that is absurd or ridiculous. For example, "Claiming that these two events are related is "a preposterous comparison" because they have nothing in common".

What's a less formal alternative to "a preposterous comparison"?

Alternatives include "a ridiculous comparison" or "an absurd comparison", which convey a similar meaning but with a slightly less formal tone.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a preposterous comparison"?

Use "a preposterous comparison" when you want to strongly emphasize that a comparison is not just inaccurate, but completely illogical or unreasonable. It's suitable for situations where the comparison is so flawed it's almost laughable.

How does "a preposterous comparison" differ from "a weak comparison"?

"A weak comparison" suggests the comparison has some merit but isn't very strong or convincing. "A preposterous comparison", on the other hand, implies the comparison is fundamentally flawed and makes no logical sense, and therefore it is stronger than "a weak comparison".