it sounds laughable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it sounds laughable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something seems ridiculous or not serious, often in a dismissive manner. Example: "The idea that we could finish the project in one day sounds laughable given the amount of work involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It sounds laughable now, but remember back when we thought a black president portended a "post-racial society"?

Los Angeles Times

It sounds laughable, but come on, when would I ever get to say a line like that again?

Huffington Post

Basically, this essay says, "I am ever so pleased with myself, and here's how... .. Make this essay so extreme that when read out loud, it sounds laughable, nauseating or both.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It works in so many ways except for the script, which sounds laughable.

The New York Times

But in Kosovo, where ethnic hatreds run as deep as in Bosnia, the idea of NATO and Mr Milosevic co-sponsoring a peace process sounds laughable.If western governments are prepared to take political risks, it is because the alternative is so ghastly.

The Economist

If you visit Mr. McAfee's house, the charade sounds laughable, in part because the beach is all but abandoned.

The New York Times

This curious aesthetic emphasis sounds laughable today, but Belasco's appreciation of the emotional effects of lighting in his productions lives on in the attention he brought to the lighting of the theater.

The New York Times

At 12, you can say, "I'm retiring," and no one inside the sport will think that phrase sounds laughable coming from an eighth-grader.

Huffington Post

The little we learn about "The Quiet Valley," the cinematic epic being made on the Emerald Isle, certainly sounds laughable, especially the happy ending (as the film director notes, "People don't go to the movies to be depressed; that's what theater is for").

Los Angeles Times

It sounds almost laughable next to other basic human rights, until you consider the fact that the federal government already regulates the amount of space animals get in the cargo hold.

Huffington Post

That may sound laughable for a team that was 7-9 a year ago.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it sounds laughable" to politely express disbelief or dismiss an idea without being overly aggressive. It's suitable when the context implies the idea is unrealistic or not worth serious consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "it sounds laughable" in formal or highly serious discussions. It can come across as flippant and undermine your credibility. Opt for more neutral phrases like "it seems unrealistic" or "it's unlikely to succeed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sounds laughable" functions as a subjective assessment, expressing that something seems inherently ridiculous or unworthy of serious consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it sounds laughable" is a grammatically correct expression used to convey that something appears ridiculous or unbelievable. Ludwig AI validates this assessment. While generally neutral in register, it's most frequently encountered in News & Media contexts. When writing, be mindful of the potential for sounding flippant in formal settings. Consider alternatives like "it seems absurd" or "it appears ridiculous" for increased formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems absurd

Focuses on the nonsensical nature of something, suggesting it's illogical.

it appears ridiculous

Highlights the visual aspect of something being silly or foolish.

it seems preposterous

Emphasizes the outrageous and unbelievable quality of something.

it rings hollow

Indicates something lacks sincerity or truth, making it unconvincing.

it smacks of absurdity

Suggests something has a strong resemblance to being absurd.

it verges on the ludicrous

Indicates something is close to being completely ridiculous.

it's almost comical

Suggests something is so absurd it's funny.

it borders on the farcical

Implies something is approaching a level of exaggerated and improbable silliness.

it's just a joke

Highlights the unserious nature of something, suggesting it should be dismissed.

it's beyond belief

Emphasizes the incredibility of something, making it hard to accept.

FAQs

What does "it sounds laughable" mean?

The phrase "it sounds laughable" means that something seems ridiculous, absurd, or not worthy of serious consideration.

What can I say instead of "it sounds laughable"?

You can use alternatives like "it seems absurd", "it appears ridiculous", or "it seems preposterous" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it sounds laughable"?

It's appropriate when you want to express polite disbelief or dismiss an idea you find unrealistic. Be mindful of the context, as it may not be suitable for formal or very serious situations.

Is "it sounds laughable" formal or informal?

The phrase "it sounds laughable" leans towards the informal side. In more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "it seems unrealistic" or "it is highly improbable".