an absurdity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an absurdity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is ridiculous, nonsensical, or illogical. Example: "The idea that the earth is flat is an absurdity that has been debunked by centuries of scientific evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The notion that Newcastle's near Manchester is absurd, although it's an absurdity held by quite a lot of people.

Independent

This is an absurdity.

The Economist

It's an absurdity".

The Economist

"That's an absurdity".

The New York Times

Contemporary curating has become an absurdity.

The Guardian - Books

"Benevolent hegemony" is an absurdity.

The New York Times

That is obviously an absurdity".

The New York Times

"I'M STRUGGLING to accept such an absurdity".

The Economist

To call this an orthodox liberal plan is an absurdity.

The New York Times

The notion of a non-commercial Christmas is an absurdity".

The Guardian - Opinion

"Oh, look, dear boy, it's all an absurdity.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an absurdity" to express strong disagreement or disbelief. It's most effective when highlighting a clear contradiction or illogical situation.

Common error

While "an absurdity" is widely understood, it can sound dismissive in highly formal or academic writing. Consider using more neutral phrases like "a logical fallacy" or "an untenable position" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an absurdity" functions as a noun phrase acting as a predicate nominative or a direct object, typically following a linking verb like 'is' or 'seems'. It serves to categorize or label something as being illogical, ridiculous, or nonsensical. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an absurdity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote something illogical or nonsensical. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, though perhaps less so in very formal writing where alternatives might be preferred. With strong presence in news and media outlets, "an absurdity" effectively conveys disagreement or disbelief. The provided examples showcase its versatile application in dismissing claims or situations deemed unreasonable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a ridiculous notion

Emphasizes the ridiculous and unreasonable aspect, rather than just the lack of logic.

a nonsensical idea

Highlights the lack of sense or meaning in the concept.

a preposterous claim

Focuses on the outlandish and unbelievable nature of the statement.

a ludicrous suggestion

Stresses the foolish or comical nature of the proposal.

a farcical situation

Implies that the situation is laughably chaotic and disorganized.

a senseless act

Highlights the lack of purpose or reason behind the action.

sheer lunacy

Emphasizes the madness and irrationality of the situation.

utter foolishness

Underlines the complete lack of wisdom or intelligence.

pure folly

Highlights the lack of good sense or judgment in action.

patent nonsense

Indicates something is obviously untrue or lacking in sense.

FAQs

How can I use "an absurdity" in a sentence?

You can use "an absurdity" to describe something ridiculous, nonsensical, or illogical. For example, "The claim that vaccines cause autism is "an absurdity" that has been repeatedly disproven by scientific research."

What can I say instead of "an absurdity"?

You can use alternatives like "a ridiculous notion", "a nonsensical idea", or "a preposterous claim" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "an absurdity" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "an absurdity" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using phrases like "a logical fallacy" or "an untenable position" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "an absurdity" and "a paradox"?

"An absurdity" refers to something illogical or nonsensical, while "a paradox" refers to a statement that appears self-contradictory but may contain a deeper truth. For example, the statement "less is more" is a paradox, but claiming that the sky is green is "an absurdity".