entirely preposterous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entirely preposterous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely absurd or ridiculous. Example: "The idea that we could travel back in time using a toaster is entirely preposterous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

An entirely preposterous premise, which is fair enough.

The Guardian - Film

A return to the old system is considered unlikely but not entirely preposterous, given Albany's recent penchant for the dramatic.

The New York Times

The one that springs to mind is the Vertu, that entirely preposterous diamond-encrusted mobile phone they used to advertise in the FT's How To Spend It supplement.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He has written and sung dozens of songs that became standards, to the point where it didn't seem entirely preposterous when I overheard a guy in a bar describe him, absurdly, as "the white, American Chuck Berry".

The New Yorker

During the Iraq quarrel, France and Germany seemed at one point to be edging closer to Russia, the embryo of an alliance that was stillborn and looks entirely preposterous now that Mr Putin has retreated so far from western values.

The Economist

Something went very wrong, not just in the polling booths or in the tight little team that surrounded Ed Miliband or in the predictions of the now entirely preposterous pollsters (landlines?), but in the hivemind of the left, or the leftovers, or whatever we call ourselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Perhaps that meant he was a man with something to prove, willing even to take command of an untested and entirely preposterous-looking ship.

The New York Times

It's all preposterous.

Huffington Post

This is the kind of comedy in which the characters are construction-paper cutouts whose abrupt changes of heart are dictated entirely by the preposterous plot and not by psychological or social reality.

The New York Times

Not that anybody ever bought that story, but the already weak pretense got too preposterous entirely when the "militias" started showing up with attack helicopters, self-propelled artillery, and other decidedly non-homebuilt weapons systems.

Vice

Executed with preposterous technical fluency, they could easily be by entirely different hands.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entirely preposterous" when you want to strongly convey that something is not just unlikely, but completely absurd and without merit.

Common error

While "entirely preposterous" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entirely preposterous" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or noun phrase, expressing a strong negative judgment about its validity or reasonableness. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "entirely preposterous" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to describe something as completely absurd or ridiculous. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While acceptable in many scenarios, it's important to consider the formality of the writing context. Alternatives such as "completely absurd" or "utterly ridiculous" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Using "entirely" intensifies the degree of absurdity, making it a stronger statement than simply saying "preposterous".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely absurd

Replaces "preposterous" with a more common synonym, focusing on the quality of being illogical and unreasonable.

utterly ridiculous

Emphasizes the ludicrous nature of something, using "utterly" to intensify the degree of absurdity.

altogether absurd

Similar to "completely absurd", but uses "altogether" as the intensifier.

absolutely ludicrous

Focuses on the laughably foolish aspect, using "absolutely" for emphasis.

plainly ridiculous

Emphasizes the obvious and unmistakable nature of the ridiculousness.

patently absurd

Highlights that the absurdity is obvious and undeniable.

blatantly nonsensical

Stresses the lack of sense and reason, using "blatantly" to show it's obvious.

wholly illogical

Underscores the lack of logical reasoning behind something.

manifestly foolish

Highlights the foolishness as being clear and evident to all.

thoroughly unbelievable

Focuses on the incredibility of something, suggesting it's impossible to accept as true.

FAQs

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

You can use "entirely preposterous" to describe ideas, claims, or situations that are completely absurd and defy logic. For example: "The suggestion that aliens built the pyramids is "entirely preposterous"".

What are some alternatives to saying "entirely preposterous"?

Alternatives include "completely absurd", "utterly ridiculous", or "patently absurd". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "entirely preposterous" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "entirely preposterous" might be perceived as slightly informal in very academic contexts. Consider using alternatives like "wholly illogical" or "manifestly false" to maintain a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "preposterous" and "entirely preposterous"?

Adding "entirely" intensifies the meaning of "preposterous", emphasizing that something is not just absurd, but completely so. It conveys a stronger sense of disbelief or ridicule.