as absurd as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as absurd as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the absurdity of one thing to another, often in a humorous or exaggerated context. Example: "His explanation for being late was as absurd as claiming he was abducted by aliens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The notion isn't as absurd as it sounds.

The New Yorker

This blindspot is not as absurd as it sounds.

The Economist

The proposition is not as absurd as it sounds.

The New Yorker

This may not be as absurd as it sounds.

The New Yorker

The hypothesis was not as absurd as it might sound.

The Guardian

I'm as absurd as ever and they are gratefully patient.

The Guardian - Music

We must move away from something as absurd as religion.

The New Yorker

Our law is as absurd as our finance.

The Guardian

This usually invites scenarios as absurd as Toibin's.

The New York Times

It makes our high-minded rhetoric about democracy look as absurd as Qaddafi's.

The New Yorker

But, he noted, "he never offers a result as absurd as 9".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as absurd as" to create a strong comparison that highlights the ridiculousness of a situation or idea. This phrase is effective in both formal and informal writing to add emphasis and sometimes humor.

Common error

While "as absurd as" is useful for emphasizing absurdity, avoid overusing it, as it can diminish the impact of your writing. Vary your language and use more subtle forms of comparison when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "as absurd as" is to act as a comparative phrase. It serves to compare two different entities, highlighting the equal degree of absurdity between them. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to emphasize the ridiculousness of a statement or situation. According to Ludwig AI, this is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as absurd as" is a grammatically correct and very common comparative phrase used to emphasize the ridiculousness or illogical nature of something by comparing it to another absurd scenario. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the context and avoid overuse. Alternatives like "just as ridiculous as" or "equally nonsensical as" can provide variation. When using "as absurd as", ensure that the comparison effectively highlights the absurdity you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just as ridiculous as

Replaces 'absurd' with 'ridiculous', maintaining the comparison of equal levels of unreasonableness.

equally nonsensical as

Substitutes 'absurd' with 'nonsensical', emphasizing the lack of logical sense.

as preposterous as

Employs 'preposterous' for 'absurd', highlighting the outrageous or ludicrous nature of something.

as ludicrous as

Uses 'ludicrous' in place of 'absurd', focusing on the amusingly foolish aspect.

as nonsensical as

Replaces 'absurd' with 'nonsensical', emphasizing the lack of sense or reason in the comparison.

as farcical as

Replaces 'absurd' with 'farcical', highlighting the exaggerated and improbable nature of the comparison.

as unreasonable as

Substitutes 'absurd' with 'unreasonable', emphasizing the lack of logical justification.

as irrational as

Replaces 'absurd' with 'irrational', emphasizing the lack of reason or logic.

as outlandish as

Replaces 'absurd' with 'outlandish', emphasizing the bizarre or eccentric nature of the comparison.

asinine as

Replaces 'absurd' with 'asinine', indicating foolishness or stupidity in the comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "as absurd as" in a sentence?

Use "as absurd as" to compare something to something else that is obviously ridiculous or illogical. For example, "His excuse for not completing the project was "as absurd as" saying he was abducted by aliens".

What are some alternatives to "as absurd as"?

You can use alternatives such as "just as ridiculous as", "equally nonsensical as", or "as preposterous as" depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is "as absurd as" appropriate for formal writing?

While "as absurd as" can be used in formal writing, it's important to consider the tone and audience. In some cases, a more restrained or subtle comparison might be more suitable. Alternatives like "just as illogical as" could be considered.

What's the difference between "as absurd as" and "absurd"?

"Absurd" is an adjective that describes something as ridiculous or nonsensical. "As absurd as" is a comparative phrase used to emphasize the degree of absurdity by comparing it to something else. For instance, "The situation was absurd" simply states it was ridiculous, while "The situation was "as absurd as" a clown attending a funeral" emphasizes just how ridiculous it was.