as laughable as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as laughable as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare something to another thing that is considered ridiculous or absurd. Example: "The proposal was as laughable as the idea of flying pigs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

But not as laughable as it once might have seemed.

The New York Times

The notion that representatives and senators don't need experience and knowledge of government affairs is as laughable as so many of the Tea Party candidacies.

The New York Times

As laughable as it may seem to compare Disney to a nonprofit theater, in terms of the management structure the comparison is fitting.

The New York Times

Any attempt to claim green credentials on their part would be as laughable as oil companies putting pretty mountain-scapes in their adverts.

The Guardian - Opinion

The trunk is not as laughable as that of the Pontiac Solstice, yet a wheeled carry-on suitcase barely fit with the top down.

The New York Times

If Obama doesn't forge a better plan, neither his immense popularity nor even political foes as laughable as Jindal can insulate him from getting burned.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

An appeal to patriotism and English tenacity now is simply laughable as far as I'm concerned.

The Guardian - Opinion

He labelled treasurer Joe Hockey's description of Virgin Australia as a "2,000-pound 2,000-pound "laugorilla.

The Guardian

The concept of handing over a credit card as a deposit is laughable, as is any attempt to pay for coffees, food… anything.

Independent

In mainstream republican circles, the idea that these ragtag operators could defeat Britain when the PIRA failed and when over 90% of nationalists are reconciled to the current political settlement—is regarded as laughable.Yet risible as the cause may be, the danger is real.

The Economist

Campaigners dismiss it as laughable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as laughable as" to compare something to a well-known absurdity, making your point more impactful. For example, "His excuse was as laughable as claiming the dog ate his homework after graduation."

Common error

Avoid using "as laughable as" repeatedly in a short piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "ridiculous" or "absurd" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as laughable as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe something by comparing its level of absurdity or ridiculousness to that of something else. Ludwig AI identifies that "as laughable as" helps in making subjective evaluations more emphatic.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as laughable as" is a comparative phrase used to describe something as being ridiculously absurd when compared to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media contexts. When writing, remember to vary your language and consider more formal alternatives if appropriate. The phrase functions to express ridicule or dismissiveness and maintains a neutral register in writing. While "as laughable as" is a valid and expressive comparison, writers should consider synonyms like ""as ridiculous as"" or ""as absurd as"" to add variety and nuance to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as ridiculous as

Replaces "laughable" with a more common synonym while maintaining the comparative structure.

as absurd as

Substitutes "laughable" with "absurd", emphasizing the illogical nature of the comparison.

as ludicrous as

Uses the word "ludicrous", indicating something unreasonable or foolish.

as preposterous as

Uses "preposterous" for a more formal and emphatic tone.

as comical as

Replaces "laughable" with "comical", highlighting the humorous aspect.

as farcical as

Employs "farcical" to suggest a situation resembling a ridiculous or disorganized event.

bordering on the ridiculous

Employs a different structure to suggest something is almost laughable.

verging on the absurd

Similar to "bordering on the ridiculous", but uses "absurd" for a stronger sense of irrationality.

a joke compared to

Uses a more direct comparison highlighting the ridiculousness.

not to be taken seriously

Indicates that something is laughable because it is not worthy of serious consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "as laughable as" to compare something to something else that is obviously ridiculous. For example, "His attempt to fix the car himself was "as laughable as" a cat trying to herd sheep".

What are some alternatives to "as laughable as"?

Some alternatives to "as laughable as" include "as ridiculous as", "as absurd as", or "as preposterous as". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "as laughable as" formal or informal?

"As laughable as" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "as preposterous as" might be preferred in some situations.

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

"Laughable" is a simple adjective meaning deserving to be laughed at. "As laughable as" is a comparative phrase that explicitly compares something to another thing that is considered ridiculous, providing a stronger and more vivid image.