preposterous comedy

USAGE SUMMARY

"preposterous comedy" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a type of humor that is absurd or ridiculous. An example could be: "The play was filled with preposterous comedy that had the audience in stitches." Alternative expressions include "absurd comedy" and "ridiculous humor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Fallada catches the intersection of monstrous crime and "preposterous comedy" in power's intoxication.

The New York Times

The preposterous comedy of this gang of criminals branding everyone else as war criminals was suddenly too much for him to take".

The New York Times

For the "preposterous comedy" continues here and there and terror still poses the existential dilemma: decency and its (mortal) dangers or conformity and its comforts?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

1966 How to Steal a Million Audrey Hepburn, Peter O'Toole and Hugh Griffith star in William Wyler's deliciously preposterous romantic comedy about a forger (Mr. Griffith) whose handiwork is exhibited in a Paris museum as the real thing.

The New York Times - Arts

It also amuses, in its own weird way, with scenes of preposterous, macabre comedy, among them a memorable family dinner involving a cooked bird that wiggles obscenely on its plate while it gushes forth a menacing dark liquid.

The New York Times

(Catsoulis) 'THE BUCKET LIST' (PG-13, 1 38) In this preposterous feel-good comedy about two men with terminal cancer, Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman slip into their stock personas without adding a note we haven't seen before.

The New York Times

(Dargis) 'THE BUCKET LIST' (PG-13, 1 38) In this preposterous feel-good comedy about two men with terminal cancer, Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman slip into their stock personas without adding a note we haven't seen before.

The New York Times

(Scott) 'THE BUCKET LIST' (PG-13, 1 38) In this preposterous feel-good comedy about two men with terminal cancer, Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman slip into their stock personas without adding a note we haven't seen before.

The New York Times

In this bittersweet (and more than faintly preposterous) New York comedy, writer/director John Turturro casts himself as a ladies man who takes on a late-life career as an escort after bookshop owner Murray (Woody Allen) pimps him out to his glamorous but apparently frustrated dermatologist (Sharon Stone).

The Guardian - Film

New York Times reviewer Vincent Canby deemed it a "sincerely preposterous, bathetic, redneck comedy-drama," but even he commended Altman's faith in the material and allowed that the director was "remarkably successful in keeping things moving".

Vice

Preposterous wedding (complete with comedy rings): check.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preposterous comedy" to describe comedic situations or performances that are so outlandish or absurd that they provoke laughter through their sheer ridiculousness. It is more effective when applied to specific instances rather than broadly categorizing an entire genre.

Common error

Avoid using "preposterous comedy" as a blanket term for all types of humor. It specifically denotes comedy that derives its humor from extreme absurdity and outlandishness. Using it too broadly can dilute its impact and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preposterous comedy" functions as an adjective modifying the noun "comedy". It describes a particular style or type of comedy characterized by absurdity and outrageousness, as seen in Ludwig's examples from The New York Times and The Guardian.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preposterous comedy" is a valid phrase used to describe a style of comedy characterized by absurdity and outrageousness. While grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates that it is a relatively rare expression, primarily found in news and media contexts. When writing, it's best used to specifically describe instances of extreme absurdity in comedic works rather than as a general term for all types of humor. Consider alternatives like "absurd comedy" or "ridiculous comedy" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absurd comedy

This alternative focuses on the nonsensical aspect of the comedy, highlighting its lack of logical coherence.

ridiculous comedy

This alternative emphasizes the silly and laughable nature of the comedy.

outrageous comedy

This alternative suggests the comedy is bold and unconventional, pushing boundaries of good taste.

farce

This alternative indicates a type of comedy that relies on exaggerated situations and improbable events.

slapstick comedy

This alternative refers to comedy that depends on physical humor and exaggerated violence.

satirical comedy

This alternative describes comedy that uses humor to critique societal issues or individuals.

zany comedy

This alternative implies the comedy is eccentric, lively, and often unpredictable.

surreal comedy

This alternative suggests the comedy has dreamlike or illogical qualities, departing from realism.

screwball comedy

This alternative represents a fast-paced and unconventional style of comedy, often involving romantic relationships.

absurdist humor

This alternative highlights the philosophical aspect of the humor, emphasizing the meaninglessness and chaos of existence.

FAQs

What does "preposterous comedy" mean?

"Preposterous comedy" refers to a style of humor that relies on absurd, ridiculous, and outlandish situations or characters to create comedic effect. It often involves a departure from reality and embraces the improbable.

How can I use "preposterous comedy" in a sentence?

You might say, "The film's success hinged on its commitment to "preposterous comedy", featuring improbable scenarios and over-the-top characters." Or, "The play was a masterclass in "preposterous comedy", leaving the audience in stitches with its utter absurdity."

Are there synonyms for "preposterous comedy"?

Yes, you could use terms like "absurd comedy", "ridiculous comedy", or "outrageous comedy" to convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to emphasize.

Is "preposterous comedy" a formal or informal term?

"Preposterous comedy" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more likely to appear in discussions about film, theater, or literature rather than everyday conversation. It's generally considered a descriptive term rather than slang.