it was outlandish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was outlandish" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is bizarre, extravagant, or unbelievable in a particular context. Example: "The idea that aliens would land in the middle of a city and demand to speak to the mayor was outlandish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He said that it was "outlandish" to suggest that there had been any sort of coverup.

The New Yorker

It was outlandish, complained Mr Fraga, given the 1977 amnesty law.The judge has produced a fresh interpretation of those laws.

The Economist

Some building owners argued that management was already offering too much and that it was outlandish for the overall package, including fringe benefits, to exceed 3percentt a year.

The New York Times

More than colorful, it was outlandish: a big, broad, Italian vaudeville pastiche designed to the nines.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

To assume that when the founding fathers upheld freedom of speech, they meant to defend the power of corporations to spend unlimited funds on campaigns is more than a stretch--it is outlandish.

Huffington Post

If it's outlandish then of course I'll get rid of it.

The New Yorker

But if you imagine that it's outlandish and somehow uneconomistic, you're just ignorant.

The New York Times

It is outlandish to imagine Salinger taking Caulfield into AARP territory.

The New York Times

"It's outlandish," Bill Stuart Jr. said at the land trust meeting in November.

The New York Times

In fact, it is outlandish, even by the fervid standards of polar literature.

The New Yorker

"I think it's outlandish if you don't first try and solve the problem here," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was outlandish", ensure the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "it was outlandish" in highly formal or academic contexts. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "untenable", "implausible", or "unsubstantiated" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was outlandish" typically functions as a subjective assessment of a situation, idea, or event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it conveys a sense of something being bizarre, extravagant, or unbelievable. The examples provided illustrate its use in expressing disbelief or disagreement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was outlandish" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing something bizarre, extravagant, or unbelievable. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides several examples from news and media outlets. While not overly formal, it serves to express strong opinions, frequently dismissing ideas or actions as unrealistic or absurd. Though found primarily in news contexts, avoiding its overuse in academic writing is advisable, opting for more formal synonyms. Overall, it's an effective phrase for conveying a sense of disbelief or strong disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was ridiculous

Implies something is laughable or deserving of mockery.

it was bizarre

Emphasizes the strangeness or peculiarity of something.

it was absurd

Replaces "outlandish" with a term that implies a higher degree of irrationality or ridiculousness.

it was nonsensical

Focuses on the lack of logical sense or coherence.

it was unbelievable

Shifts the focus to the lack of credibility or plausibility.

it was far-fetched

Indicates the idea or situation is unlikely or improbable.

it was preposterous

Uses a more formal term suggesting utter foolishness or lack of reason.

it was outrageous

Emphasizes the shocking or offensive quality of the situation.

it was extreme

Highlights the excessive or exaggerated nature of something.

it was unthinkable

Suggests something is beyond consideration or acceptance.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was outlandish" to describe something that is bizarre, extravagant, or unbelievable. For example: "The suggestion that we could finish the project in a day was outlandish".

What can I say instead of "it was outlandish"?

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

Is "it was outlandish" formal or informal?

"It was outlandish" is generally considered to be more informal and is best suited for news, media or everyday conversation. In more formal writing, consider alternatives like "it was implausible" or "it was untenable".

What's the difference between "it was outlandish" and "it was strange"?

"It was outlandish" implies something is bizarre, extravagant, or unbelievable, while "it was strange" simply means something is unusual or odd. "Outlandish" carries a stronger connotation of being unacceptable or beyond the bounds of normal.