is preposterous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is preposterous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express disbelief or to describe something as absurd or ridiculous. Example: "The idea that we could solve the problem overnight is preposterous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their accusation is preposterous.

The New York Times

The notion is preposterous.

The New York Times

But this is preposterous.

Independent

Its imagery is preposterous.

The New York Times - Books

The idea is preposterous.

The New York Times - Health

In fact, it is preposterous.

The New York Times - Books

That is preposterous, my friends.

The New York Times

"This is preposterous," he said.

The New York Times

The boast, of course, is preposterous.

The Economist

This is preposterous on so many levels.

The Guardian - Books

8.25pm BST Haw, this is preposterous.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is preposterous" to express strong disagreement or disbelief, particularly when something defies logic or common sense. It's more impactful than simply saying something is 'wrong'.

Common error

While effective, frequent use of "is preposterous" can sound repetitive or less sophisticated in formal contexts. Vary your language with synonyms like "is absurd", "is ludicrous", or more measured phrases depending on the tone required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is preposterous" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It attributes a characteristic of extreme absurdity or ridiculousness to a subject. Ludwig's examples show the phrase used to express strong disagreement or disbelief about a statement or idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Opinion

20%

Books

10%

Less common in

Sport

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is preposterous" is a common and effective way to express strong disbelief or disagreement by highlighting the absurdity of something. It functions as a predicative adjective phrase, attributing ridiculousness to a subject. As Ludwig AI validates, it's grammatically correct and frequently found in news, opinion pieces and books, and is appropriate for a neutral audience. While impactful, it is recommended to avoid overuse in formal writing by using synonyms like "is absurd", "is ludicrous", or "is nonsensical".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is absurd

Replaces "preposterous" with a synonym indicating something is illogical or unreasonable. This is the most direct synonym.

is ridiculous

Substitutes "preposterous" with a term that implies something is laughable or worthy of derision.

is nonsensical

Emphasizes the lack of sense or reason in a statement or idea, similar to "preposterous".

is ludicrous

Highlights the foolish or unreasonable nature of something, suggesting it's deserving of mockery. The connotation is more exaggerated than "absurd".

is unbelievable

Indicates a lack of credibility or plausibility, making it hard to accept as true. Shifts focus from inherent absurdity to credibility.

is unthinkable

Highlights that something is beyond consideration or acceptance, not just that it's illogical.

is beyond belief

Stresses that something is so extreme or improbable it's difficult to accept.

is far-fetched

Describes something as unlikely or improbable, often implying a stretch of the imagination is required to believe it. Implies more of a stretch than simple absurdity.

is simply not true

Directly denies the veracity of a statement, focusing on factual inaccuracy rather than absurdity.

is a complete fabrication

Accuses something of being entirely made up or invented, adding a connotation of deceit.

FAQs

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

You can use "is preposterous" to describe something that is completely absurd, ridiculous, or contrary to reason. For example: "The idea that he could win the election "is preposterous"."

What can I say instead of "is preposterous"?

Alternatives to "is preposterous" include phrases like "is absurd", "is ridiculous", or "is nonsensical". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "is preposterous" suitable for formal writing?

While "is preposterous" is grammatically correct, it might be perceived as slightly informal or emphatic for certain formal contexts. Consider using a more restrained alternative like "is untenable" or "is unreasonable" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "is preposterous" and "is unlikely"?

"Is preposterous" implies a higher degree of absurdity and defies logic, whereas "is unlikely" simply suggests a low probability of occurring. The former expresses stronger disbelief or disagreement.