patently absurd

USAGE SUMMARY

"patently absurd" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to sarcastically point out that a particular statement or idea is obviously ridiculous. For example, "The idea that a mouse could operate a computer is patently absurd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This was patently absurd.

The New York Times

That's patently absurd.

The New York Times

This is patently absurd.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is patently absurd".

The Guardian

"That's patently absurd," she said.

The New York Times

"That's just patently absurd," he said.

The New Yorker

"We think it's patently absurd," Mr. Calvin said of the proposed restriction.

The New York Times

But then everything to do with this character is patently absurd.

The New York Times

"In addition, comments that have been made on access to the English market are patently absurd.

The Guardian

That this now seems like small potatoes is patently absurd.(Photo credit: AFP/Getty Images).

The Economist

The conversation veered from the aggressively personal to the patently absurd, and T. I. kept pace.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "patently absurd", ensure the context clearly indicates why the subject is being deemed ridiculous. This prevents misinterpretation and amplifies the impact of your statement.

Common error

While effective, "patently absurd" can sound overly dismissive or sarcastic in formal academic or business settings. Opt for more neutral language like "clearly illogical" or "demonstrably false" to maintain professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patently absurd" functions as an adjective phrase used to express strong disagreement with or dismissal of a statement or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression to highlight obvious ridiculousness. The examples show it used to negate assertions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "patently absurd" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express strong disagreement by highlighting obvious ridiculousness. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase serves to dismiss assertions emphatically. While effective, its dismissive tone may not suit all formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "clearly illogical" to ensure accurate and professional communication. Remember to clarify the reasons for deeming something as absurd to prevent misinterpretations and reinforce the intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Clearly ridiculous

Replaces "patently" with "clearly", emphasizing the obvious nature of the absurdity.

Obviously nonsensical

Substitutes "absurd" with "nonsensical", focusing on the lack of meaning or logic.

Plainly ludicrous

Uses "plainly" and "ludicrous" to highlight the ridiculous and laughable nature of something.

Blatantly false

Shifts the focus from absurdity to untruth, implying an obvious lie or misrepresentation.

Undeniably preposterous

Replaces "patently" and "absurd" with stronger synonyms to intensify the sense of incredulity.

Manifestly untrue

Emphasizes the obvious lack of truth in a statement or idea.

Patently false

Swaps out "absurd" for its synonym "false", changing the phrase from absurd to false.

Transparently ridiculous

Focuses on the easily detectable nature of the absurdity, suggesting a lack of subtlety.

Demonstrably false

Focuses on the fact that something can be proven false.

Laughably illogical

Highlights the lack of logical reasoning as the source of the absurdity.

FAQs

What does the phrase "patently absurd" mean?

The phrase "patently absurd" means something is obviously ridiculous or untrue. It's used to express strong disagreement or disbelief.

How can I use "patently absurd" in a sentence?

You can use "patently absurd" to describe ideas, statements, or situations that are obviously nonsensical. For example, "The claim that the Earth is flat is "patently absurd"".

What are some alternatives to "patently absurd"?

Alternatives include "clearly ridiculous", "obviously nonsensical", or "plainly ludicrous". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "patently absurd" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "patently absurd" carries a tone of strong dismissal that may be too informal or sarcastic for some formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "demonstrably false" or "clearly illogical" for a more professional tone.