patently ludicrous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patently ludicrous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is obviously absurd or ridiculous. Example: "The idea that we could solve the problem overnight was patently ludicrous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Guardian Australia's Katharine Murphy described it as a "pantomime-like beat down... an agenda-setting effort so patently ludicrous it induced giggles".

The Guardian

"Even if we look at these riots in isolation – always a dangerous approach to policymaking – the idea that we should prevent communication via these networks is patently ludicrous.

The Guardian

It is regularly dismissed by some commentators, presumably because it sounds patently ludicrous, but has proved an unusually good indicator of actual performance.

The Guardian - Sport

The moment when a once-loved franchise (eg Indiana Jones) wilfully destroys its legacy with a patently ludicrous moment See Indy escaping a nuclear blast by hiding in a fridge in The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull.

The Guardian

Which is, I would humbly suggest, a patently ludicrous assertion: how could Beethoven, in 19th-century Vienna, possibly have garnered this "precise and almost absolute knowledge" of west African polyrhythmic traditions, even if he had wanted to?

The Guardian - Music

While they are apparently designed to facilitate "safer, faster and more direct journeys into the city", to suggest that being on a superhighway at this junction gives you even the most minimal protection from other traffic is patently ludicrous.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

That was obviously ludicrous.

The Economist

This was patently absurd.

The New York Times

That's patently absurd.

The New York Times

This is patently absurd.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is patently ridiculous.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "patently ludicrous" to express strong disagreement or disbelief, particularly when pointing out a flaw in reasoning or a plan that is clearly flawed. It adds emphasis and can convey a sense of incredulity.

Common error

Avoid using "patently ludicrous" in highly formal or academic writing. While acceptable in news media and general discourse, its strong tone may be inappropriate for contexts requiring utmost objectivity and neutrality. Opt for alternatives like "clearly flawed" or "demonstrably false" for a more measured tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patently ludicrous" functions as an adjectival phrase. It modifies a noun or noun phrase to describe something as obviously absurd or ridiculous. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "patently ludicrous" is a useful tool for expressing strong disagreement or disbelief by highlighting the obvious absurdity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While prevalent in News & Media, care should be taken to avoid overuse in highly formal contexts where a more neutral tone may be appropriate. Alternatives such as "obviously absurd" or "clearly ridiculous" can be employed for variety. Remember that "patently" means "clearly" or "obviously", so the phrase essentially emphasizes the obviousness of the ridiculousness. Always consider your audience and the desired level of formality when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obviously absurd

Focuses on the clear and evident absurdity, rather than the element of ridiculousness.

clearly ridiculous

Similar to "patently ludicrous", but places more emphasis on the quality of being ridiculous.

blatantly absurd

Highlights the obviousness of the absurdity, suggesting a more flagrant disregard for reason.

plainly absurd

Emphasizes the simplicity and ease with which the absurdity can be recognized.

utterly ridiculous

Intensifies the degree of ridiculousness, implying it is complete and undeniable.

manifestly absurd

A more formal alternative, stressing the undisguised and evident nature of the absurdity.

laughably absurd

Highlights the comedic aspect of the absurdity, suggesting it is worthy of laughter.

ludicrously false

Shifts the focus to the falsehood being ridiculous rather than the situation itself.

preposterously silly

Emphasizes the silliness to an extreme degree, suggesting something that is beyond reasonable belief.

fantastically absurd

Highlights the imaginative or whimsical nature of the absurdity, emphasizing its divergence from reality.

FAQs

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

Use "patently ludicrous" to describe something that is obviously absurd or ridiculous. For example: "The suggestion that we could finish the project in one day is "patently ludicrous"".

What are some alternatives to "patently ludicrous"?

You can use alternatives such as "obviously absurd", "clearly ridiculous", or "blatantly absurd" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "patently ludicrous" formal or informal?

"Patently ludicrous" is suitable for neutral to somewhat informal contexts. While not overly casual, it might be too strong for very formal or academic writing, where terms like "demonstrably false" or "obviously incorrect" might be more appropriate.

What does "patently" mean in the phrase "patently ludicrous"?

In this context, "patently" means "clearly" or "obviously". So, "patently ludicrous" means "obviously ridiculous" or clearly absurd. The word emphasizes the obviousness of the absurdity.