an absurd request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an absurd request" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a request that is unreasonable or ridiculous in nature. Example: "When she asked me to work on the weekend without any compensation, I realized it was truly an absurd request."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It was an absurd request, and Mr. Cruz knew it.

The New York Times

But this is an absurd request for two reasons.

The Guardian

He says it flippantly, as if this isn't an absurd request.

Vice

It's an absurd request of cowardice on the Browns' part and underscores just how inept NFL teams can be when handling domestic violence reports.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Mike Halkitis, the division director for the state attorney's office in New Port Richey, where the trial will be held, said that he fought the "absurd" request for a cosmetic cover-up last year, and that taxpayers should not have to pay for it.

The New York Times

Roy and Kristin encounter each other as Roy carries out Sam's absurd request to sneak a monstrously expensive coffee machine into the hospital.

The New York Times - Books

His absurd requests include asking a shopkeeper to sell him "a few centimeters" of yogurt, and telling friends to drink their beer "before it cools itself" or to "climb on top of a sheet of paper" in order to reach for clothes placed higher on a stand.

Wikipedia

Soon, participants began to respond to Collins's "absurd" requests.

Wikipedia

How is he to make sense of such absurd requests?

Huffington Post

Girls will make absurd requests of their fans: $900 shoes, $500 purses, deluxe box sets of The Sopranos, juicers made by Seth MacFarlane's dad, etc.

Vice

When millionaire Martin Shkreli made headlines for inflating the price of an AIDS drug by 5,000 percent, he started a media frenzy that included angry celebrities, the Wu Tang Clan, federal lawmakers, a legendary FOIA request, and, in an absurd twist, Bill Murray.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an absurd request", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Absurd" implies a lack of reason or logic, so ensure the context supports this interpretation. If you want to emphasize the shocking nature of the request, "outrageous" might be a better fit.

Common error

Avoid using "an absurd request" as a generic substitute for any disliked request. Ensure the request genuinely lacks logical basis or is wildly unreasonable. Overusing the term can dilute its impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an absurd request" functions as a noun phrase, with "absurd" acting as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "request". It identifies a particular type of request characterized by its illogical or unreasonable nature. Ludwig AI provides several examples that showcase this function in context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an absurd request" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe a demand that is unreasonable or illogical. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase appears predominantly in "News & Media" contexts. While not exceptionally common, the phrase effectively conveys disapproval or disbelief regarding the request's rationality. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the sense of something lacking reason or being wildly inappropriate, rather than simply being undesirable. Alternatives such as "a ridiculous request" or "an unreasonable request" may offer similar meanings with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a ridiculous request

Replaces "absurd" with "ridiculous", emphasizing the foolishness of the request.

an unreasonable request

Substitutes "absurd" with "unreasonable", highlighting the lack of justification for the request.

a preposterous request

Uses "preposterous" instead of "absurd", intensifying the sense of the request being beyond reason.

an outlandish request

Replaces "absurd" with "outlandish", focusing on the bizarre or unconventional nature of the request.

a nonsensical request

Substitutes "absurd" with "nonsensical", highlighting the lack of logic or sense in the request.

a ludicrous request

Uses "ludicrous" instead of "absurd", emphasizing the ridiculousness and laughability of the request.

an outrageous request

Replaces "absurd" with "outrageous", focusing on how offensive or shocking the request is.

an impossible request

Substitutes "absurd" with "impossible", highlighting the infeasibility of fulfilling the request.

a foolish request

Uses "foolish" instead of "absurd", emphasizing the lack of wisdom behind the request.

a bizarre request

Replaces "absurd" with "bizarre", highlighting the strange and unusual nature of the request.

FAQs

How can I use "an absurd request" in a sentence?

You can use "an absurd request" to describe a demand that is unreasonable or ridiculous. For example, "The manager's demand that everyone work through the holiday season without extra pay was "an absurd request"."

What can I say instead of "an absurd request"?

You can use alternatives like "a ridiculous request", "an unreasonable request", or "a preposterous request" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "an absurd request" or "a absurd request"?

"An absurd request" is correct because "absurd" begins with a vowel sound, requiring the indefinite article "an".

What's the difference between "an absurd request" and "an unreasonable request"?

While both describe requests that are difficult to accept, "an absurd request" emphasizes the lack of logic or sense in the demand, whereas "an unreasonable request" focuses on the unfairness or impracticality of the demand.