it was preposterous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was preposterous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express disbelief or to describe something that is absurd or ridiculous. Example: "When I heard the proposal, I couldn't help but think it was preposterous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Budget experts questioned many of the economic assumptions that the White House put into its plan, saying it was preposterous to claim that massive tax cuts and spending reductions will lead to a surge in economic growth.

The Washington Post

Hawaii said in its court filing it was "preposterous" not to consider a formal link with a resettlement agency a qualifying relationship.

Huffington Post

It was preposterous to everybody except themselves.

The New Yorker

Is this April Fools' Day?" Of course it was preposterous.

The New York Times

"I thought it was playacting; it was preposterous and silly," he recalled.

The New Yorker

Once, it was preposterous to think that a woman could become the editor of the Times.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

It's preposterous, really.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's preposterous", he says.

The Economist

In fact, it is preposterous.

The New York Times - Books

"It's preposterous," he said.

The New York Times

"It's preposterous nonsense," she says.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was preposterous", ensure that the context clearly establishes what you find absurd or unbelievable. Providing specific details will strengthen your statement.

Common error

While "it was preposterous" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced and professional alternatives such as "untenable", "unjustifiable", or "illogical" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was preposterous" functions as a declarative statement expressing strong disagreement or disbelief. It serves to convey that something is utterly absurd and unacceptable. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in various contexts to highlight the unreasonableness of a situation or idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was preposterous" is a declarative phrase used to express strong disbelief or disagreement, deeming something as utterly absurd. Ludwig's analysis, confirmed by numerous examples from reputable sources, indicates that while grammatically correct, its strong connotation makes it more common in news and media and less frequent in highly formal contexts. Alternatives like "it was absurd" or "it was ridiculous" may be preferable in certain situations. Remember to use it judiciously and be specific about what you find preposterous to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was absurd

Replaces "preposterous" with a more common synonym, indicating extreme unreasonableness.

that was ridiculous

Uses a different synonym to express that something is laughable or silly.

it was ludicrous

Emphasizes the foolish or exaggerated nature of something.

it was unthinkable

Highlights the impossibility or unacceptability of something.

that's beyond belief

Focuses on the incredibility of a situation or statement.

it defied logic

Indicates that something goes against reason or common sense.

that was outrageous

Conveys a sense of shock and offense at something.

it's a farce

Suggests that something is a mockery or sham.

that was a joke

Indicates something is so bad or unbelievable that it's like a bad joke.

it was unbelievable

Simply states that something is hard to believe.

FAQs

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

Use "it was preposterous" to express strong disagreement or disbelief. For example, "It was preposterous to suggest that I would agree with that plan."

What's the difference between "it was preposterous" and "it was absurd"?

While similar, "it was preposterous" often implies a higher degree of outrage or disbelief than "it was absurd". "Preposterous" suggests something is so foolish or wrong as to be almost offensive.

What are some alternatives to "it was preposterous"?

You can use alternatives like "it was ridiculous", "it was ludicrous", or "it was unthinkable" depending on the specific context and the degree of disbelief you want to convey.

Is "it was preposterous" formal or informal?

"It was preposterous" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in news articles, opinion pieces, and general discourse. In highly formal or academic writing, consider using more precise and nuanced language.