it was absurd

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was absurd" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or action that is unreasonable or illogical. For example: "It was absurd how much time he spent on such a small task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was absurd".

The New Yorker

"It was absurd and gorgeous".

The New York Times

It was absurd to vilify Barbosa.

The Guardian - Sport

"It was absurd," Mr. Nicoletti said.

The New York Times

As well as thinking it was absurd.

The Guardian

It was absurd and unseemly to be so punctual.

The New Yorker

"Whatever it was, it was absurd," Cooke said.

The New York Times - Sports

I tried, though I knew it was absurd.

The New Yorker

"It was absurd in the best way," she said.

The Washington Post

"They said we were terrorists – it was absurd.

The Guardian

Did that surprise her? "It was absurd," she says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, follow "it was absurd" with a specific explanation of why something seemed illogical or unreasonable. This makes your point clearer and more persuasive.

Common error

While "it was absurd" is widely understood, it can sound too informal or dismissive in professional or academic writing. Consider using more nuanced alternatives like "it defied logic" or "it was wholly unreasonable" for a more suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was absurd" primarily functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a negative judgment about a situation, idea, or action. Ludwig examples show this phrase used in varied contexts, from political commentary to personal anecdotes, consistently conveying a sense of disbelief or disapproval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was absurd" is a versatile phrase used to express disbelief, disagreement, or highlight the illogical nature of something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the audience and context, opting for more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. The phrase is powerful for conveying a strong sense of unreasonableness or ridicule, contributing to its frequent use in diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was nonsensical

Focuses on the lack of meaning or coherent thought, stressing its irrationality.

it was ludicrous

Highlights the foolish and unreasonable nature of something, often implying amusement or mockery.

it made no sense

Indicates a complete lack of comprehensibility or reason, focusing on the inability to understand something.

it was preposterous

Suggests something is utterly ridiculous and unbelievable, often to a laughable degree.

it was unreasonable

Directly states the lack of reason or fairness, emphasizing the unjustifiable nature of something.

it defied logic

Emphasizes the lack of logical reasoning behind something, highlighting its irrational nature.

it was outrageous

Highlights the shocking and unacceptable nature of something, often implying moral indignation.

it was farcical

Implies something is a ridiculous sham or mockery, often involving exaggerated or improbable situations.

it beggared belief

Emphasizes how difficult it was to believe or accept something, highlighting its extraordinary nature.

it was unthinkable

Conveys the idea that something was beyond the realm of possibility or consideration, emphasizing its unacceptability.

FAQs

How can I use "it was absurd" in a sentence?

Use "it was absurd" to express disbelief or highlight the illogical nature of a situation. For example, "It was absurd how much they charged for a simple repair."

What phrases can I use instead of "it was absurd"?

You can use alternatives like "it defied logic", "it made no sense", or "it was ludicrous" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it was absurd"?

"It was absurd" is appropriate when you want to express a strong feeling that something is unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous. Use it when emphasizing the lack of sense in a situation.

Is "it was absurd" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "it was absurd" can sometimes be considered too informal for academic writing. In such cases, consider more formal alternatives like "it was unreasonable" or "it defied logic".