it would be absurd

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would be absurd" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is unreasonable or illogical in a given context. Example: "To suggest that we can solve this complex issue in one day would be absurd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The effect was ominous, but it would be absurd to judge a city by its suburbs.

The New York Times - Magazine

It would be absurd.

The New York Times - Magazine

Either way, it would be absurd.

The Guardian

It would be absurd for me to claim otherwise.

The New York Times

It would be absurd to punish Ireland for voting No.

The Economist

It would be absurd, of course, but fascinating.

The New York Times - Arts

It would be absurd not to do so.

The Guardian

It would be absurd now to claim that the proposed "solution" was death by assassination.

Independent

It would be absurd to merge it with the Daily Mirror.

The Guardian

"A door has shut for us, and to deny it would be absurd," says the president.

The Economist

It would be absurd to pretend that there's no answer to the question.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience. While generally acceptable, phrases such as "it would be ridiculous" might be more appropriate in casual conversation, versus highly formal writing.

Common error

While effective, relying too heavily on "it would be absurd" can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "it would be illogical", "it would be unreasonable", or simply stating the reason why something doesn't make sense.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "it would be absurd" is to serve as a modal expression indicating a strong opinion about the unreasonableness or illogicality of a hypothetical situation or statement. As shown by Ludwig, it introduces a judgment about something being contrary to reason or common sense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it would be absurd" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is illogical or unreasonable. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase frequently appears in news and media, as well as in scientific contexts, with a register that is generally neutral but leaning toward formal. The analysis emphasizes that while "it would be absurd" is widely applicable, writers should vary their language by considering alternatives like "it would be ridiculous" or "it would be illogical" to avoid repetition and maintain clarity. Overall, according to Ludwig AI, the phrase effectively conveys a strong sense of disbelief or disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it would be ridiculous

Replaces "absurd" with a more common and slightly less formal synonym.

it would be preposterous

Substitutes "absurd" with a stronger, more emphatic term implying outrageousness.

it would be nonsensical

Replaces "absurd" with a term that focuses on the lack of sense or logic.

it would be illogical

Emphasizes the lack of logical consistency, making it suitable for more analytical contexts.

it would be unreasonable

Highlights the unfair or inappropriate nature of something.

it would be foolish

Suggests a lack of wisdom or good judgment.

it would be unwise

Similar to "foolish" but carries a slightly more cautious tone.

it defies reason

Shifts the focus to the action itself, emphasizing its irrationality.

that's beyond belief

Expresses incredulity and disbelief, highlighting the extreme nature of the absurdity.

that's simply not an option

Focuses on the impossibility or unacceptability of a choice.

FAQs

How can I use "it would be absurd" in a sentence?

You can use "it would be absurd" to express that something is unreasonable or illogical. For example, "It would be absurd to judge a city by its suburbs".

What are some alternatives to "it would be absurd"?

You can use alternatives like "it would be ridiculous", "it would be nonsensical", or "it would be preposterous" depending on the context.

Is "it would be absurd" formal or informal?

"It would be absurd" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "it would be illogical" might be preferred in academic or professional settings.

When is it appropriate to use "it would be absurd"?

It is appropriate to use "it would be absurd" when you want to strongly express that something is illogical, unreasonable, or contrary to common sense. Be mindful of your audience and the overall tone of your writing.