it seems absurd

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems absurd" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing disbelief or skepticism about a situation or statement that appears unreasonable or illogical. Example: "After hearing the proposal, it seems absurd to think that anyone would agree to such terms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unless the U.S. is going to annex Taiwan and build a permanent wormhole to its shores, it seems absurd on its face.

MIT Technology Review

On its face, it seems absurd to continue the hand counts and then exclude the results.

The New York Times

It seems absurd, but, at least for a consequentialist, its logic is difficult to counter.

The New Yorker

It seems absurd".

The New York Times

"To me it seems absurd," she said.

The New York Times

It seems absurd to him, even now.

The Guardian - Sport

It seems absurd now, a debate from Planet Academe.

The New York Times - Arts

It seems absurd now - the arguments were often over a hundred dollars here or there.

The Guardian - Film

ROME — It seems absurd that any official Vatican memorabilia would misspell the name Jesus.

The New York Times

It seems absurd to think something like that is within Shiffrin's reach.

The Washington Post

It seems absurd that one should have to "build demand" for health.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the subject it refers to is clear. Ambiguity can weaken the impact of your statement.

Common error

While "it seems absurd" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal or academic writing can weaken your argument. Consider stronger, more nuanced language to convey your point, like "it is logically inconsistent" or "the premise lacks empirical support".

Linguistic Context

It seems absurd functions as an evaluative expression, primarily used to convey a speaker's or writer's skepticism or disbelief towards a particular idea, situation, or statement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The examples show it being used to express disagreement in varied contexts, from politics to personal opinions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it seems absurd" is a commonly used phrase to express skepticism or disagreement, especially in journalistic or informal contexts. Ludwig AI verifies its grammatical correctness and general usability. While "it seems absurd" is acceptable in many situations, using stronger or more precise language may be beneficial in formal or scientific writing. Remember to consider your audience and the context when using the phrase to convey your message effectively. It's crucial to ensure the phrase's subject is clear to avoid any ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "it appears illogical" or "it seems implausible" can be used to add nuance and maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems implausible

Focuses on the lack of believability.

it appears illogical

Focuses on the lack of logical reasoning.

it strikes me as preposterous

Emphasizes the ridiculous or outrageous nature of something.

it looks ridiculous

Emphasizes the silly or foolish appearance of something.

it feels nonsensical

Highlights the lack of sense or coherence.

it comes across as unreasonable

Suggests a lack of fairness or justification.

it sounds foolish

Highlights the lack of wisdom or intelligence.

it registers as far-fetched

Emphasizes the improbability or implausibility of something.

it rings hollow

Highlights the lack of sincerity or truth.

it feels like a joke

Emphasizes the unbelievable or mocking nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it seems absurd" in a sentence?

You can use "it seems absurd" to express disbelief or disagreement with a statement. For example, "After considering the evidence, "it seems absurd" to suggest that the defendant is innocent."

What phrases are similar to "it seems absurd"?

Similar phrases include "it appears illogical", "it seems implausible", or "it strikes me as preposterous", each conveying a slightly different nuance of disbelief or disagreement.

Is it better to use "it is absurd" instead of "it seems absurd"?

The choice between "it is absurd" and "it seems absurd" depends on the context. "It is absurd" is a stronger, more definitive statement, while "it seems absurd" expresses a degree of subjectivity or uncertainty. Use "it is absurd" when you are confident in your assessment and "it seems absurd" when you want to express a personal opinion or suggestion.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "it seems absurd"?

Avoid using "it seems absurd" in situations that require extreme tact or in formal contexts where a more professional and less emotive tone is expected. Instead, opt for more objective and reasoned language.