plainly absurd

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Twitter's valuation is plainly absurd.

The Guardian - Business

First, valuations are beginning to look stretched and, in some cases, plainly absurd.

The Economist

Some of these reasons for suspicion are plainly absurd, suggesting that there's no particular rationale to the generalizations used by D.E.A. agents in stopping suspected drug smugglers.

The New Yorker

** Some of these reasons for suspicion are plainly absurd, suggesting that there's no particular rationale to the generalizations used by D.E.A. agents in stopping suspected drug smugglers.

The New Yorker

But it is plainly absurd to suggest that only 3000 young Londoners in any one year come from a background that could be described as disadvantaged.

The Guardian

It is plainly absurd to lionize and further the feral spirit of rock, and then to ensconce it behind archival Plexiglas.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Patently absurd?

Forbes

This, plainly, is absurd.

The Guardian - Film

That, plainly, is ridiculous.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr Rogers said the WRU "adopts interpretations of rules which are absurd and plainly designed to suit the outcome it wishes to achieve".

BBC

All such conjectures are, he suggests, incredible and absurd, which plainly goes well beyond a more restrained soft skeptical attitude of simply "suspending belief" in relation to all conjectures of this kind.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "plainly absurd", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the obviousness of the absurdity you are describing. This phrase works best when the absurdity is self-evident.

Common error

Avoid using "plainly absurd" to describe opinions you disagree with unless the logic is objectively flawed. The phrase implies a universally recognized lack of reason, not just a difference in viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plainly absurd" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe it as obviously ridiculous or nonsensical. As Ludwig highlights, it's used to emphasize the clear and apparent nature of the absurdity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "plainly absurd" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe something as obviously ridiculous or nonsensical. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is used in neutral contexts such as news and media, and is not overly formal or informal. To enhance your writing, ensure that the absurdity is self-evident when using this phrase and avoid overusing it with subjective opinions. Alternatives such as "obviously ridiculous" or "clearly preposterous" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obviously ridiculous

Replaces "plainly" with "obviously", emphasizing the clear nature of the absurdity while maintaining a similar tone.

clearly preposterous

Substitutes both words, using synonyms that still suggest obviousness and foolishness. "Preposterous" may carry a slightly stronger connotation.

patently ridiculous

Replaces "plainly absurd" with "patently ridiculous", suggesting an obvious lack of merit or reason.

blatantly nonsensical

Emphasizes the lack of sense using "blatantly", which indicates an open and unconcealed absurdity.

unquestionably ludicrous

Uses "unquestionably" to stress the undeniable nature of something that is laughable or foolish, captured by "ludicrous".

manifestly foolish

Changes "absurd" to "foolish" and "plainly" to "manifestly", conveying obvious silliness or lack of good sense.

undeniably irrational

Shifts the focus to a lack of reason using "irrational", highlighted by the emphatic "undeniably".

transparently illogical

Focuses on the lack of logic using "illogical", emphasized by "transparently" to show it's clear to see.

palpably untrue

While not directly about absurdity, it suggests a claim or statement is so obviously false it's practically tangible.

simply crazy

Uses a more informal and direct expression. "Crazy" indicates something wildly out of line, qualified by "simply" for emphasis.

FAQs

What does "plainly absurd" mean?

The phrase "plainly absurd" means something is clearly and obviously ridiculous or nonsensical. It suggests that the absurdity is easily apparent and requires no further explanation.

What can I say instead of "plainly absurd"?

You can use alternatives like "obviously ridiculous", "clearly preposterous", or "patently ridiculous" depending on the context.

How to use "plainly absurd" in a sentence?

Use "plainly absurd" to describe ideas, arguments, or situations that are clearly illogical or unreasonable. For example: "The suggestion that we could finish the project in one day was plainly absurd."

Is "plainly absurd" formal or informal?

"Plainly absurd" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.