it is absurd to expect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is absurd to expect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that a certain expectation is unreasonable or illogical. Example: "It is absurd to expect that everyone will agree on such a controversial issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"At this stage of his career," wrote Kenneth Tynan, "it is absurd to expect Orson Welles to attempt anything less than the impossible.

The Guardian

But it is absurd to expect Iran to make concessions before sitting down with the Americans.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is absurd to expect Haiti, which is deforested, to pursue green goals as keenly as Finland.

The Economist

But although it is absurd to expect any book to cover the entire ground, one finishes this excellent volume with two crucial questions unaddressed.

The Guardian - Books

Such countries can now legally make generic drugs themselves, but they are usually forbidden to import them, and not just for bad reasons: it is absurd to expect drug companies to forgo profits from the products they have developed.

The Economist

It is absurd to expect the Justice Department under Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales to reach any other conclusion than that the president has constitutional authority to order wiretaps without a warrant.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And it's absurd to expect anything else.

The Guardian

It's absurd to expect a politician to think about stuff that matters.

Independent

Education schools are expected to do some things "that it's absurd to expect them to do," says Dr. Levine.

The New York Times

He must have realized it was absurd to expect to survive that long privileged drive, exposed not only to nuclear fallout but also to attacks by outraged citizens denied access to those highways.

The New York Times - Books

It's absurd to expect public trust in police when abuses of power are swept under the carpet, and it's a snub to Scotland to say it doesn't matter there".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is absurd to expect", ensure the context clearly defines why the expectation is unreasonable. Providing a specific reason strengthens the statement and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "it is absurd to expect" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "it is unreasonable to anticipate" or "it is naive to presume" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is absurd to expect" functions as an evaluative statement. It expresses a judgment that a particular expectation is unreasonable or illogical. This evaluation is typically based on a set of implied assumptions or values held by the speaker. Ludwig AI confirms this with its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is absurd to expect" is a versatile expression used to convey that an expectation is unreasonable or illogical. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is valid and frequently used. It is commonly found in News & Media, with a moderate frequency. When using this phrase, clarity is key; providing context as to why the expectation is absurd enhances its impact. While appropriate for various situations, avoid overuse in highly formal contexts to maintain a diverse writing style. Consider using alternative phrases like "it is unreasonable to anticipate" or "it is ridiculous to think" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's unreasonable to anticipate

Substitutes "absurd" with "unreasonable" and "expect" with "anticipate", softening the tone slightly.

it is illogical to anticipate

Replaces "absurd" with "illogical" and "expect" with "anticipate", directly addressing the lack of logical reasoning.

it's preposterous to assume

Replaces "absurd" with "preposterous" and "expect" with "assume", intensifying the sense of incredulity.

it's ridiculous to think

Replaces "absurd" with "ridiculous" and uses "think" instead of "expect", making it more informal.

it's fatuous to assume

Replaces "absurd" with "fatuous", suggesting silliness and a lack of intelligence in the expectation.

it's unrealistic to hope

Substitutes "absurd" with "unrealistic" and "expect" with "hope", focusing on the lack of practicality.

it is foolish to imagine

Changes "absurd" to "foolish" and "expect" to "imagine", implying a lack of wisdom.

it's pointless to assume

Replaces "absurd" with "pointless", underscoring the futility of the expectation.

it is naive to presume

Replaces "absurd" with "naive" and "expect" with "presume", suggesting a lack of experience or awareness.

it's senseless to suppose

Replaces "absurd" with "senseless" and "expect" with "suppose", emphasizing the lack of logic.

FAQs

What does "it is absurd to expect" mean?

The phrase "it is absurd to expect" means that a particular expectation is unreasonable, illogical, or completely out of line with reality. It suggests the expectation is not worth considering seriously.

How can I use "it is absurd to expect" in a sentence?

You can use "it is absurd to expect" to express disbelief or disagreement with an expectation. For example, "It is absurd to expect everyone to agree on such a controversial issue."

What are some alternatives to "it is absurd to expect"?

Some alternatives include "it is unreasonable to anticipate", "it is ridiculous to think", or "it is naive to presume". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is absurd to expect" formal or informal?

"It is absurd to expect" sits in a neutral register and can be used in most contexts. However, for extremely formal writing, alternatives like "it is unreasonable to anticipate" might be preferred.