it sounds nonsensical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it sounds nonsensical" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something does not make sense or is illogical. Example: "After reading the proposal, I must say it sounds nonsensical to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Six months each?" It sounds nonsensical the minute the words are out of my mouth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Turrell's artwork - one of a number of similar projects dotted around the globe - is the sort of thing that sounds nonsensical when somebody tells you about it.

The Guardian - Travel

While the latter option sounds nonsensical for a company with as much cash in the bank as Apple, a number of cash-rich technology companies, including Microsoft and Cisco, have issued debt, taking advantage of low interest rates.

The New York Times

Taking a snapshot of a movement sounds nonsensical, if not impossible.

Huffington Post

Sounds nonsensical today: The inspector general's report notes that AIG, because of the deregulatory law that Summers and Geithner pushed through, was "able to sell swaps on $72 billion worth of CDOs to counterparties without holding reserves that a regulated insurance company would be required to maintain".

Huffington Post

If this sounds nonsensical, you need a good laugh more than anyone.

WikiHow

"Pirating" an action figure or a dress might have sounded nonsensical five years ago, but it's the reality for the future.

The Guardian - Tech

To say Gilmore Girls was our salvation might sound nonsensical but, looking back, it was (especially when accompanied by crisps and wine).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Follow Harry Cheadle on Thister.

Vice

It sounds a little nonsensical, but it turns out that salt actually draws out water from your stomach and gets it circulating in your body.

WikiHow

That situation may not always be as nonsensical as it sounds.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it sounds nonsensical", ensure the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your message is understood.

Common error

While acceptable, "it sounds nonsensical" can sometimes be perceived as informal. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "it appears illogical" or "the premise lacks a rational basis" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sounds nonsensical" functions as a subjective assessment, expressing that something gives the impression of being illogical or without meaning. Ludwig AI affirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, functioning as a critique or dismissal of an idea.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Reference

7%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it sounds nonsensical" is a grammatically correct expression used to convey that something appears illogical or without reason. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears most often in news and media contexts. For more formal writing, alternatives like "it appears illogical" are preferable. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to to avoid confusion. The phrase serves to express disagreement or disbelief by pointing out an apparent lack of logical basis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it sounds absurd

Replaces "nonsensical" with "absurd", implying a higher degree of ridiculousness.

it sounds illogical

Substitutes "nonsensical" with "illogical", focusing on the lack of logical reasoning.

it sounds ridiculous

Replaces "nonsensical" with "ridiculous", emphasizing the laughability of the idea.

it sounds preposterous

Uses "preposterous" instead of "nonsensical", suggesting the idea is outrageous and unbelievable.

it sounds far-fetched

Implies that the idea is unlikely or improbable, rather than completely without sense.

it sounds implausible

Focuses on the unbelievability of the idea, suggesting it's difficult to accept as true.

it sounds crazy

Replaces "nonsensical" with "crazy", adding a touch of casualness and informality.

it sounds like gibberish

Suggests the idea is incomprehensible and meaningless, like random sounds.

it sounds like gobbledygook

Uses a playful word to suggest something is overly complicated and therefore meaningless.

that makes no sense

Changes from "it sounds" to a direct statement about a lack of sense.

FAQs

What does "it sounds nonsensical" mean?

The phrase "it sounds nonsensical" means that something seems to lack sense, logic, or reason. It suggests the idea or statement being referred to is absurd or doesn't make any sense.

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

You can use alternatives like "it sounds absurd", "it sounds illogical", or "it sounds ridiculous" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "it sounds nonsensical" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it sounds nonsensical" is generally more appropriate for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "the proposition is illogical" or "the reasoning is flawed".

What's the difference between "it sounds nonsensical" and "that makes no sense"?

Both phrases convey a lack of understanding or logic, but "it sounds nonsensical" focuses on the perception of the idea, while "that makes no sense" is a direct assertion that something is incomprehensible. "That makes no sense" is generally more direct and potentially stronger in tone.