it sounds preposterous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it sounds preposterous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing disbelief or skepticism about something that seems absurd or unreasonable. Example: "When he suggested we could travel to Mars in a week, I couldn't help but think, it sounds preposterous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It sounds preposterous.

The New York Times

It sounds preposterous and that's the joy of it.

The Guardian - Books

It sounds preposterous but, at 0-4, hadland had probably been the better team.

The Guardian - Sport

"It sounds preposterous, but I think people will save on the electricity and use candles.

The Guardian

Maybe let that sink in for a minute, because it sounds preposterous.

The Guardian - Tech

Initially it sounds preposterous but gradually it makes sense in a Sly Stone kind of way.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

On its face, it sounded preposterous.

The New York Times

It sounded preposterous, but she was so polite about it, I didn't know how to respond.

The New York Times

It you think that sounds preposterous, you're not wrong.

The New York Times

On its face, this sounds preposterous, but Gilbert cites study after study suggesting that it's true.

The New York Times - Books

Here's something that sounds preposterous but as it turns out, it's actually true.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it sounds preposterous" to express polite but firm disbelief, especially when directly contradicting someone might be impolite.

Common error

While effective, "it sounds preposterous" can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "that's unbelievable" or "it seems absurd" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sounds preposterous" functions as an evaluative expression. It communicates a judgment about a statement or idea, indicating that it is perceived as highly improbable or absurd. Ludwig AI confirms that is used in a wide range of media, mainly News.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it sounds preposterous" is a common and grammatically correct way to express disbelief or skepticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in News & Media, with a neutral register, signaling its wide applicability. When you want to express disbelief, you can also use it seems absurd or that seems far-fetched. Be careful with overusing it: variety is key to maintain reader engagement. Overall, this phrase is a versatile tool for politely questioning questionable ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems absurd

Focuses on the apparent absurdity of the statement or situation.

it appears ludicrous

Highlights the ridiculous or laughable nature of something.

it strikes me as implausible

Emphasizes the difficulty in believing something.

that seems far-fetched

Suggests the idea is unlikely or unrealistic.

it defies belief

Indicates something is so strange it's hard to accept.

it's difficult to swallow

Implies something is hard to accept or believe.

i find that hard to believe

Expresses personal disbelief in a direct manner.

it sounds unbelievable

Highlights the lack of credibility in what's being said.

it rings hollow

Suggests a lack of sincerity or truthfulness.

i'm skeptical of that

Indicates a questioning attitude toward the information.

FAQs

What does "it sounds preposterous" mean?

The phrase "it sounds preposterous" means that something seems completely absurd, ridiculous, or unbelievable. It suggests the idea is so far-fetched that it's hard to take seriously.

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

You can use "it sounds preposterous" to express your disbelief or skepticism about something someone has said or proposed. For example, "His claim that he can fly without any equipment, "it sounds preposterous"."

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

You can use alternatives like "it seems absurd", "that seems far-fetched", or "I find that hard to believe" depending on the context.

Is "it sounds preposterous" formal or informal?

"It sounds preposterous" is generally considered neutral in tone. It is suitable for many situations, ranging from news articles to casual conversations, though more formal settings might prefer alternatives like "it seems improbable".