an absurd amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an absurd amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity that is excessively large or unreasonable. Example: "The project required an absurd amount of resources, far beyond what we had anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yes, an absurd amount of work but to fabulous effect.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

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

25 min: Willian is allowed an absurd amount of space in the midfield.

The Guardian - Sport

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

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

The New York Times

He said "the other black hole" was that "an absurd amount of money" was spent on aerodynamic development.

The Guardian - Sport

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

The Guardian - Sport

They will also be making buttons and giving out an absurd amount of cookies, and look forward to seeing you all out on campus!

Columbia University

Mr. Gingrich couldn't resist bopping you on the head as well, singling you out as being paid "an absurd amount of money because of the union".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an absurd amount of", consider the context to ensure the tone aligns with your intention. While generally acceptable, it can sometimes sound overly critical or informal.

Common error

Avoid using "an absurd amount of" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound exaggerated or less credible. Instead, vary your language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an absurd amount of" functions as a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate that the quantity is excessively large and often unreasonable. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is generally well-accepted and commonly used to convey surprise or disapproval regarding an excessive quantity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

23%

Tech

19%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an absurd amount of" is a widely used phrase to describe an excessive and often unreasonable quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, from news articles to academic papers. The phrase effectively communicates surprise or disapproval. While there are more formal alternatives like "an excessive amount of", "an absurd amount of" remains a versatile and impactful choice for expressing exaggeration, as can be seen in the examples Ludwig AI offers. Therefore, understanding when and how to use this phrase can significantly enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a ridiculous quantity of

Emphasizes the unreasonableness and excessiveness of the quantity.

an excessive quantity of

Focuses on the exceeding of reasonable limits.

a preposterous amount of

Highlights the absurdity and outlandishness of the quantity.

an inordinate quantity of

Suggests that the quantity is beyond what is normal or appropriate.

a disproportionate amount of

Indicates an imbalance and lack of proportion in the quantity.

an unreasonable quantity of

Emphasizes the lack of reason or justification for the quantity.

a vast quantity of

Focuses on the immensity and extensiveness of the quantity.

a tremendous amount of

Highlights the great size or scale of the quantity.

a huge quantity of

Simple and direct way of expressing a large quantity.

a massive amount of

Emphasizes the large scale and impact of the quantity.

FAQs

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

You can use "an absurd amount of" to describe a quantity or degree that is unreasonably large or excessive. For example, "The project required "an absurd amount of time" to complete."

What are some alternatives to "an absurd amount of"?

Alternatives include "a ridiculous quantity of", "an excessive amount of", or "a preposterous amount of", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "an absurd amount of" is widely understood, it may be considered somewhat informal for certain types of formal writing. In such cases, consider using more neutral alternatives like "an excessive amount of" or "an inordinate quantity of".

What's the difference between "an absurd amount of" and "a significant amount of"?

"An absurd amount of" implies that the quantity is so large as to be unreasonable or ridiculous, while "a significant amount of" simply means the quantity is noteworthy or considerable. The former carries a stronger connotation of excessiveness.