absurd amount of reading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absurd amount of reading" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity of reading material that is excessively large or unreasonable. Example: "This semester, I have an absurd amount of reading to complete for my literature class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was an absurd amount of reading, but by the end, the net effect was that I feel very positive about the state of American letters.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

When she's not reeling from wanderlust (she lived on a ship for four months and visited 15 countries with the study abroad program Semester at Sea), she's planning her next trip, reading, writing, thrifting, and drinking an absurd amount of coffee.

Huffington Post

An absurd amount of comic-book science and fighting ensues.

The New York Times

("I'm having an absurd amount of fun," he announced, eyeing his audience hungrily).

The New York Times - Arts

Competence and sophistication were hindered by an absurd amount of bickering.

The New Yorker

The pint really is an absurd amount of liquid when you think about it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And a history of clinging to the smallest of constants to cover the absurd amount of precariousness.

The New York Times

"We pay an absurd amount of taxes in Brazil, and now more people are questioning what they get in return".

The New York Times

"But when I thought about it more," he said, "it's just an absurd amount of money.

The New York Times

The whole political system has become obscene in terms of the absurd amount of money that is required to compete.

The New York Times - Magazine

"They found a way to get the best of Messi and they have an absurd amount of attacking players.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "absurd amount of reading", ensure the context clearly indicates the reading load is considered excessive or unreasonable by the speaker or writer. This ensures that the phrase resonates with the intended meaning and isn't misinterpreted.

Common error

Avoid using "absurd amount of reading" when simply referring to a large quantity of reading material without the connotation of it being excessive or unreasonable. The term carries a subjective judgment, and its misuse can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absurd amount of reading" functions as a descriptor, modifying the noun "reading". It expresses a subjective judgment regarding the quantity of reading material, indicating that it is excessive or unreasonable. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "absurd amount of reading" is a descriptor used to express that a quantity of reading material is excessive or unreasonable. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. While its use is relatively rare, it effectively conveys a sense of being overwhelmed, particularly in News & Media contexts. For more formal scenarios, alternatives like "extensive reading list" or "substantial reading requirement" may be more appropriate. The key to using this phrase effectively is to ensure the context makes it clear that the reading load is considered subjectively excessive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Excessive reading load

Replaces "absurd amount" with "excessive", focusing on the over-the-top nature of the reading material.

Unreasonable reading requirement

Substitutes "absurd amount" with "unreasonable", highlighting the inappropriateness of the reading assignment.

Overwhelming reading list

Emphasizes the feeling of being burdened by the volume of reading, instead of saying that it is absurd.

Ridiculous quantity of reading

Replaces "absurd" with "ridiculous", intensifying the description of the amount of reading.

Preposterous reading assignment

Uses "preposterous" to suggest the reading is beyond reasonable expectations.

Outrageous reading task

Highlights the excessiveness of the reading material required.

Inordinate volume of reading

Replaces "absurd" with "inordinate", focusing on the unusual size of reading.

Extreme quantity of reading material

Emphasizes the extremity of the amount of material that requires reading.

Unconscionable reading burden

Suggests that the amount of reading is so much that is unethical or unacceptable.

Disproportionate reading expectation

Highlights the unbalanced or unfair expectation regarding reading volume.

FAQs

How can I use "absurd amount of reading" in a sentence?

You can use "absurd amount of reading" to describe a situation where there's an unreasonably large quantity of reading material, such as "This semester, I have an "absurd amount of reading" for my literature class".

What phrases are similar to "absurd amount of reading"?

Alternatives include "excessive reading load", "unreasonable reading requirement", or "overwhelming reading list" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "absurd amount of reading" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "absurd amount of reading" carries a slightly informal tone due to the subjective nature of "absurd". For formal writing, consider more neutral alternatives like "extensive reading list" or "substantial reading requirement".

What's the difference between "absurd amount of reading" and "large quantity of reading"?

"Absurd amount of reading" implies that the reading is not only large but also unreasonable or excessive. "Large quantity of reading" is a more neutral statement simply indicating a significant volume of reading material. The former includes a judgment, while the latter is just a statement of fact.