as preposterous as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as preposterous as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare something to another thing that is equally absurd or ridiculous. Example: "The idea that we could travel back in time is as preposterous as believing in unicorns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Each is as preposterous as the last.

The Guardian - Arts

The conclusion is not as preposterous as it might sound.

The New York Times

It sounds not nearly as preposterous as it should.

The Guardian

The idea is as preposterous as it is sinister.

The Guardian - Books

The notion is almost as preposterous as that of an Italianate Chicago Symphony.

The New York Times - Arts

As for Ben, Ms. Lessing concocts a fate for him that's as preposterous as it's predictable.

The New York Times - Books

His recommendation was based on reasoning that was as preposterous as its underlying assumption.

The New York Times

"I got some terrible reviews: 'Michael Grandage's performance is as preposterous as the plastic ivy on the three-cornered set'.

Independent

Racherbaumer says that the audience doesn't see a showman, "but as preposterous as it may seem, the Real Deal".

The New York Times - Magazine

Almost as preposterous as the South Beach babes and guys slumped all about me having conversations that were, frankly, insane.

The Guardian - Travel

So, as preposterous as it sounds, my favorite movies as a child were Jean Cocteau's "Orpheus" and François Truffaut's "Jules and Jim".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as preposterous as" to emphasize the extreme absurdity of a comparison, making your point more impactful and memorable.

Common error

Avoid using "as preposterous as" in highly formal or academic writing, as it can sound too informal or subjective. Opt for more neutral and precise language to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as preposterous as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to describe something by comparing it to another thing that is equally, or even more, absurd. Ludwig confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Books

12%

Opinion

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as preposterous as" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative phrase that expresses a high degree of absurdity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is common in News & Media, books, and opinion pieces but less suited for formal or scientific writing. When choosing an alternative, consider slight differences in meaning and register. While "as preposterous as" is widely used to emphasize incredulity, be mindful of your audience and context to ensure your message is effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as absurd as

This is a direct synonym, focusing on the logical impossibility or unreasonableness.

as nonsensical as

Underscores the lack of sense or logic.

as ridiculous as

Emphasizes the laughable or silly nature of something.

as ludicrous as

Highlights the foolishness or unreasonable nature of something.

as outrageous as

Focuses on the shocking or offensive nature of the comparison, alongside its absurdity.

as far-fetched as

Focuses on the improbability and unlikelihood of something.

as unbelievable as

Stresses the lack of credibility or believability.

as unthinkable as

Implies that something is beyond consideration or possibility.

as fanciful as

Highlights the imaginative and unrealistic aspect.

as unimaginable as

Emphasizes the difficulty in conceiving of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "as preposterous as" to compare two things, emphasizing that one is just as ridiculous or absurd as the other. For instance, "The idea of time travel is "as preposterous as" believing in unicorns".

What are some alternatives to "as preposterous as"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "as absurd as", "as ridiculous as", or "as ludicrous as" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "as preposterous as" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "as preposterous as" may be perceived as too informal for highly formal or academic contexts. Consider using more neutral and objective alternatives like "as unlikely as" or "as improbable as".

What makes "as preposterous as" different from "as absurd as"?

While both phrases convey a sense of ridiculousness, "as preposterous as" often implies a stronger sense of outrage or disbelief than "as absurd as". "Preposterous" suggests something is not only illogical but also potentially offensive or shocking.