how outrageous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how outrageous" is a perfectly valid and usable expression in written English.
This phrase is typically used to express shock or outrage at something. For example, "I can't believe he said that! How outrageous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

How outrageous.

The Guardian - Opinion

How outrageous is it?

The Guardian - Books

"That shows how outrageous the situation was," Mr. Callan said.

The New York Times

Consider how far-fetched, how outrageous or disgusting they seemed.

The New York Times

I liked how outrageous she was, that she always told the truth.

The New York Times

"You can huff and puff about how outrageous it is," Mr. Weiner added.

The New York Times - Arts

And how outrageous is it, really, to argue that vaccines are making our children gay?

The New Yorker

It's hard to know where to start on how outrageous that is.

The New York Times

We don't need to traffic in conspiracy theories to realize how outrageous Trump is.

The New York Times

So I think people feel safe with him considering how outrageous he is as a candidate.

The Guardian

Whatever he said, no matter how outrageous, it didn't seem to hurt him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how outrageous" to express genuine surprise or disapproval. Avoid using it sarcastically, as it may not convey the intended tone clearly.

Common error

While "how outrageous" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal writing where a more objective and less emotionally charged tone is preferred. Consider alternatives that convey your assessment without expressing strong emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how outrageous" primarily functions as an exclamatory expression used to convey a strong sense of shock, indignation, or disbelief. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how outrageous" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey strong feelings of shock, disbelief, or disapproval. As Ludwig AI validates, it's frequently found in news and media contexts, with occasional usage in less formal settings. While generally acceptable, it's essential to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. This phrase is a powerful way to express your indignation or surprise, making it a valuable tool in your linguistic arsenal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how appalling is this

Highlights the shocking and terrible nature of the situation.

how shocking is that

Rephrases the sentiment as a question emphasizing the shocking nature.

how can this be allowed

Expresses disbelief and questions the permissibility of the situation.

how scandalous that is

Emphasizes the morally offensive nature of the situation.

what a disgrace

Expresses strong disapproval and shame.

that's beyond the pale

Indicates that the behavior or situation is completely inappropriate and unacceptable.

can you believe it

Invites the listener to share in the speaker's disbelief.

it's truly unbelievable

Expresses disbelief and emphasizes the extreme nature of the situation.

it's simply unbelievable

Highlights the incredible and hard-to-accept nature of the situation.

that's simply unacceptable

Conveys a firm rejection of the situation or behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "how outrageous" in a sentence?

You can use "how outrageous" to express shock or disapproval, such as, "I can't believe they did that; "how outrageous"!"

What's a more formal alternative to "how outrageous"?

In more formal contexts, you might consider phrases like "how shocking", "how appalling", or "how unacceptable" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it correct to use "how outrageous" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "how outrageous" might be too informal for academic writing. Opt for more neutral phrasing to convey your critique.

What can I say instead of "how outrageous" to express disbelief?

To express disbelief, you can use phrases like "I can't believe it", "it's unbelievable", or "that's astonishing".