it is preposterous to expect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is preposterous to expect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express disbelief or strong disagreement with an expectation that seems unreasonable or absurd. Example: "In light of the evidence presented, it is preposterous to expect the committee to approve the proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is preposterous to expect to hear wisdom emerge from them".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it's preposterous to expect consumers to know how the cooking power of their microwave compares with others.

The New York Times

You could say it's preposterous to expect these things, but we habituate.

Huffington Post

It is preposterous to tell a man who has lost everything to give it his best.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is preposterous to behave as if the nuclear predicament didn't raise moral questions.

The New Yorker

"It is preposterous to believe this individual wants to be caught," he said.

The New York Times

It is preposterous to view the Middle Ages with such nostalgia.

The New York Times

"So it is preposterous to suggest that World-Check is genuinely interested in removing innocent parties.

Vice

It is preposterous to think the United States could interfere or reshape things.

Huffington Post

It was preposterous to everybody except themselves.

The New Yorker

Once, it was preposterous to think that a woman could become the editor of the Times.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "it is preposterous to expect" to strongly convey your disagreement with an expectation that lacks reason or justification. For added impact, follow it with a clear explanation of why the expectation is unfounded.

Common error

While "it is preposterous to expect" is grammatically sound, avoid using it in casual conversation. Its formal tone can sound overly dramatic or condescending in informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "that's unrealistic" or "don't count on it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is preposterous to expect" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a strong opinion that an expectation is unreasonable or absurd. It frames the expectation as illogical or foolish. Ludwig AI confirms this structure is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is preposterous to expect" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey a strong belief that an expectation is unreasonable. Ludwig AI confirms this. While mostly encountered in news and media contexts, it should be used thoughtfully in informal settings to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Consider alternatives like "it is absurd to expect" to fit different contexts, and always support your assertion with a clear rationale.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is absurd to expect

Replaces "preposterous" with "absurd", indicating a high degree of irrationality or silliness in the expectation.

it is ridiculous to expect

Substitutes "preposterous" with "ridiculous", implying the expectation is laughably unreasonable.

it is unreasonable to expect

Uses "unreasonable" instead of "preposterous", suggesting the expectation is not fair or justified.

it is unrealistic to expect

Replaces "preposterous" with "unrealistic", focusing on the impracticality of the expectation.

it is foolish to expect

Changes "preposterous" to "foolish", highlighting the lack of wisdom in holding such an expectation.

it is naive to expect

Employs "naive" instead of "preposterous", suggesting the expectation is based on a lack of experience or knowledge.

it is absurd to think

Shifts from "expect" to "think", changing the focus slightly to the act of believing rather than anticipating.

it is ludicrous to assume

Uses "ludicrous" and "assume", intensifying the sense of absurdity and replacing anticipation with supposition.

it is far-fetched to imagine

Replaces the original words with a more verbose structure to indicate a very unlikely expectation.

it defies logic to anticipate

Uses a more emphatic tone by suggesting the expectation clashes with reason itself.

FAQs

What does "it is preposterous to expect" mean?

It means that it's absurd or completely unreasonable to anticipate something. It implies a strong disagreement with the idea that something is likely to happen or that someone should believe it will.

What can I say instead of "it is preposterous to expect"?

You can use alternatives like "it is absurd to expect", "it is ridiculous to expect", or "it is unreasonable to expect", depending on the context.

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

The phrase "it is preposterous to expect" leans towards the formal side. Using simpler terms would make it more appropriate for informal conversations.

How do I use "it is preposterous to expect" in a sentence?

Use it to express strong disagreement with an expectation. For example, "Given their lack of experience, "it is preposterous to expect" them to succeed without guidance."