it sounds outrageous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it sounds outrageous' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express disbelief, shock, or astonishment at something someone has said or done. For example: "My neighbor just told me that she's planning to wear a toga to the school play. It sounds outrageous!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Even if it sounds outrageous".

The New York Times - Sports

"I want to get more information, but if the allegations are true, it sounds outrageous".

The Guardian

I know it sounds outrageous to say a thing like that, but when he came out of prison he made a speech and, God, you fell asleep".

The Guardian - Film

"I know it sounds outrageous to say a thing like that, but when he came out of prison he made a speech and, God, you fell asleep," he said.

Independent

It sounds outrageous, maybe, but at the time, he said, there were so many sales tables piled with $29.99 earrings and $19.99 shirts that the thought actually crossed his mind that he could get trapped.

The New York Times

Some of it sounds outrageous, but nothing that isn't feasible.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Sounds outrageous, doesn't it?" said Bob Green, a Goshen, N.Y., lawyer who is representing Mrs. Wolfert in a lawsuit seeking to have the mortgage declared void.

The New York Times

Paying $15 to add Mrs. Incredible to your "Incredibles" video game sounds outrageous.

The New York Times - Arts

In the context of voice telephony, of course, this idea sounds outrageous, and Baran's proposals met with considerable hostility.

The Guardian

IN a city chronically short of resources, spending at least $600 million in public money just for the stadium's platform sounds outrageous.

The New York Times

There's a version of the crime that sounds outrageous, too: that Perry withheld funds in order to gain control of the Public Integrity Unit in Travis County, which includes Austin, and force out a prosecutor, Rosemary Lehmberg, who was investigating his fellow Republicans.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it sounds outrageous" to express strong disagreement or disbelief, especially when summarizing information or relaying news.

Common error

While appropriate for news and general conversation, avoid using "it sounds outrageous" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more objective and nuanced language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sounds outrageous" functions as an evaluative expression, typically used to convey a strong sense of disbelief, shock, or disapproval regarding a statement, plan, or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it sounds outrageous" is a grammatically sound and usable English phrase employed to express strong disbelief or shock. Ludwig examples show its common occurrence in news and media contexts, where it serves to convey a negative assessment of surprising or questionable information. Although generally acceptable, it may not be suitable for formal academic writing, as it may come across as too informal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is valid. Alternative phrases, such as "it seems preposterous" or "it appears shocking", can provide similar nuances in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it sounds absurd

Similar meaning, slightly different wording.

it sounds ridiculous

Similar meaning, slightly different wording.

it seems preposterous

Highlights the absurdity or ridiculousness of the statement.

it seems unbelievable

Emphasizes the difficulty in believing something is true.

it beggars belief

Emphasizes that something is hard to believe.

it comes across as absurd

Focuses on the impression the information makes on the listener or reader.

it appears shocking

Highlights the startling or disturbing nature of the information.

it defies logic

Highlights that something doesn't follow reasoning.

it rings false

Suggests the statement or claim is insincere or deceptive.

it strikes me as ludicrous

Personal reaction emphasizing the ridiculousness of the information.

FAQs

How can I use "it sounds outrageous" in a sentence?

You can use "it sounds outrageous" to express disbelief or shock at something. For example, "The proposal to cut funding for education – it sounds outrageous!"

What phrases are similar to "it sounds outrageous"?

Alternatives include "it seems preposterous", "it seems unbelievable", or "it appears shocking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it sounds outrageous" too informal for professional writing?

While grammatically correct, "it sounds outrageous" is often perceived as informal. For professional writing, consider alternatives that maintain a more objective tone, such as "the claim is dubious" or "the suggestion raises concerns."

What's the difference between "it sounds outrageous" and "it is outrageous"?

"It sounds outrageous" implies that you're reacting to information you've just heard, while "it is outrageous" is a more direct assertion of your opinion or judgment.