preposterous decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preposterous decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decision that is absurd or unreasonable. Example: "The board's preposterous decision to cut funding for the arts program left many students and teachers in disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

An Orange Order spokesman said: "This preposterous decision by the Parades Commission only underlines the increasing perception that its determinations are dictated by the threat of physical force opposition to our parades.

The Guardian

"This preposterous decision by the Parades Commission only underlines the increasing perception that its determinations are dictated by the threat of physical force opposition to our parades," it said.

BBC

Or, this list of other laws which, given this preposterous decision, could be just as easily fucked with.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The Sunday Times columnist, who has known Clarkson for 30 years, has criticised the BBC's "preposterous and ponderous" decision to hold an investigation following the incident.

Independent

China, which agreed for the first time to legal limits on its emissions at the summit in Durban, denounced Canada's decision as "preposterous" in its state media and called it "an excuse to shirk responsibility" in tackling global warming.

The Guardian

The Orange Order described the Parades Commission decision as "preposterous".

BBC

"If the decision is not preposterous, then it is utterly ridiculous," Congress leader Manish Tewari said.

The Guardian

But Suleyman said the idea that a machine-based artificial intelligence could take over decision and pose a threat to humans was "preposterous".

The Guardian - Tech

Certainly you have to admire Ms. Danes's daring decision to brave Broadway in a role of almost preposterous difficulty.

The New York Times

The idea that a seasoned, Republican-appointed jurist was unfit to hear the case, and that his decision should be set aside on flimsy ethics grounds, is preposterous.

The New York Times

Moreover, history and precedent aside, the decision in Miranda, if read as an explication of what the Constitution requires, is preposterous.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "preposterous decision" to express strong disagreement or disapproval of a choice that seems utterly unreasonable or absurd. Ensure the context reflects genuine incredulity or outrage.

Common error

Avoid using "preposterous decision" in contexts that require a neutral or objective tone. The phrase carries a strong negative connotation and is best reserved for situations where you want to express strong disagreement or disapproval.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preposterous decision" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "preposterous" modifies "decision" to emphasize its absurdity or unreasonableness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. Examples from news sources show its use in expressing strong disapproval.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preposterous decision" is a powerful way to express strong disagreement with a choice that seems utterly absurd or unreasonable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase effectively conveys a sense of outrage or incredulity. Remember to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations where the level of absurdity warrants such a strong expression. Alternatives like "absurd choice" or "ridiculous judgment" can be considered for contexts where a slightly softer tone is preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preposterous action

Replaces "decision" with a broader term, "action", to encompass any preposterous act.

absurd choice

Replaces "decision" with "choice" to slightly alter the focus, emphasizing the selection process.

ridiculous judgment

Substitutes "decision" with "judgment", highlighting the evaluation aspect.

outlandish ruling

Uses "ruling" instead of "decision", often used in legal or formal contexts.

ludicrous call

Replaces "decision" with "call", making it sound slightly more informal.

inane determination

Substitutes "decision" with "determination", highlighting the firmness of the resolution.

farcical resolution

Emphasizes the comedic or nonsensical nature of the "resolution".

untenable conclusion

Focuses on the indefensibility of the "conclusion" reached.

brainless act

Shifts the focus from the decision-making process to the unintelligent nature of the "act" itself.

harebrained scheme

Describes the decision as an ill-conceived and foolish "scheme".

FAQs

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

You can use "preposterous decision" to describe a choice that is absurd or completely unreasonable. For example, "The committee's "preposterous decision" to reject the proposal sparked outrage among the members."

What are some alternatives to "preposterous decision"?

Alternatives include "absurd choice", "ridiculous judgment", or "outlandish ruling". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "preposterous decision" too strong of a phrase to use in formal writing?

The phrase "preposterous decision" carries a strong negative connotation and might be too strong for some formal writing contexts. Consider the audience and the overall tone of your writing. If in doubt, opt for a more neutral alternative.

What makes a decision "preposterous"?

A decision is "preposterous" when it defies logic, common sense, or generally accepted standards of reasonableness. It often implies that the decision-maker's judgment is severely flawed.