it seems nonsensical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems nonsensical" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something appears to lack meaning or logic. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, it seems nonsensical to allocate resources to such an unfeasible project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It seems nonsensical until you learn that it was written by Isaac Hayes.

The Guardian - Music

If you're going to spend millions on protecting the royals then it seems nonsensical not to have to the right equipment".

Independent

This simple fact is missed by most of humanity because it seems nonsensical to reside in one's so called bewilderment.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Rationally, it seemed nonsensical; I didn't want my own children and it was just an organ.

The Guardian - Opinion

It seemed nonsensical that these teams are separated by 54 places in the league pyramid, which is exactly the impression that Oxford players had sought to create, several of them starting on a mission to prove that they should never have been discarded by clubs higher up.

The Guardian - Sport

Your roommate's demand seems nonsensical, but it (presumably) arises out of real feelings.

The New York Times - Magazine

Although the concept of rational suicide seems nonsensical to those who believe that it is always irrational to opt for death, the definition of suicide in these two hypothetical cases might also be rejected because neither patient is physically capable of causing his own death.

BMC Medical Ethics

Because they are as they are and ultimately no one that we can plead to or blame, it becomes easier to let them go as becoming attached to them or claiming them as ours suddenly seems nonsensical.

WikiHow

I confess this seems nonsensical.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Overman said that the layoff threat "seems nonsensical".

The New York Times

Because no one really knows what comes after death, the idea that a rational weighing of costs and benefits can be ever be made seems nonsensical.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To reinforce your position, follow the phrase with a brief explanation of why something seems illogical, providing specific details or examples.

Common error

While acceptable, "it seems nonsensical" can sound informal. In professional or academic writing, consider stronger or more precise alternatives like "it is illogical" or "the rationale is unclear" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems nonsensical" functions as an evaluative expression. It introduces a subjective judgment, indicating that something lacks logical coherence from the speaker's point of view. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in expressing this lack of sense or reason.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it seems nonsensical" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English to express a perceived lack of logic or reason. Ludwig confirms its validity. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across various contexts like News & Media, Science, and Wiki. For more formal settings, alternatives like "it is illogical" are recommended. The phrase serves to convey doubt or mild disagreement with a stated idea or action. Therefore, when you want to express that something is hard to understand because it doesn't seem to follow any logic, this is a great phrase to use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears illogical

Emphasizes the lack of logical reasoning, slightly more formal.

it sounds like nonsense

Highlights the lack of sense or meaning, focusing on the auditory aspect.

it strikes me as absurd

Highlights the ridiculous nature of something, adding a layer of disbelief.

it feels irrational

Focuses on the absence of rational thought, emphasizing a subjective feeling.

it defies reason

Emphasizes the conflict with logical thinking.

it looks preposterous

Stresses the outrageous or shocking quality of something.

it doesn't add up

Indicates a lack of consistency or coherence in a situation.

it comes across as daft

Implies foolishness or silliness, more informal.

it reads like gibberish

Suggests a lack of coherence or meaning, often used for written content.

it seems utterly pointless

Focuses on the lack of a valuable purpose.

FAQs

What does "it seems nonsensical" mean?

The phrase "it seems nonsensical" means that something appears to lack sense, reason, or logic. It suggests that the speaker finds something confusing or without a clear purpose.

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

You can use "it seems nonsensical" to express your opinion about something that doesn't make sense to you. For example, "It seems nonsensical to spend so much money on something so trivial."

What are some alternatives to "it seems nonsensical"?

Some alternatives to "it seems nonsensical" include "it appears illogical", "it strikes me as absurd", or "it feels irrational", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it seems nonsensical" formal or informal?

The phrase "it seems nonsensical" leans toward the informal side. While perfectly acceptable in many contexts, more formal alternatives like "it is illogical" may be preferable in academic or professional settings.