preposterous reasons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preposterous reasons" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe reasons that are absurd, ridiculous, or nonsensical. Example: "The committee rejected the proposal based on preposterous reasons that had no basis in reality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But people were attacking that play for preposterous reasons.

The Guardian

A popular video on YouTube shows actors giving preposterous reasons for voting Republican.

The Economist

'Stories of O'Connell's philandering have been too readily dismissed by historians, often for quite preposterous reasons.

The Guardian

As excellent as Lloyd was, it's hard to look past the preposterous reasons for his killing spree.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

You get rejected for preposterous reasons; then your appeal is met with non sequiturs and more confusion in the expectation you will just give up.

Forbes

This results in applicants getting rejected for preposterous reasons.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Jelly seemed to think it was fair enough that he deserved to die too, but it was a fairly preposterous reason.

The Guardian

(This, of course, is preposterous, for many reasons).

The New York Times - Books

Had "Focus" been directed as a realistic film, it would seem preposterous for many reasons.

The New York Times

It's a preposterous question for many reasons.

The New York Times

Inglis says he and Snowden never met and such a scene is "preposterous … for many reasons".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preposterous reasons", ensure that the context clearly establishes the absurdity being conveyed. Strong verbs and vivid descriptions can enhance the impact.

Common error

While "preposterous reasons" is acceptable, it may come across as too informal or emotionally charged in formal or academic writing. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "unsubstantiated claims" or "illogical justifications".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preposterous reasons" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "preposterous" modifies the noun "reasons". It describes reasons that are completely absurd and ridiculous. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preposterous reasons" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe absurd, ridiculous, or nonsensical justifications. While Ludwig AI validates its correctness, its frequency is uncommon, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. When writing, consider the formality of your context; while acceptable, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional settings. When using "preposterous reasons", ensure the absurdity is clearly conveyed to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absurd justifications

Replaces "reasons" with a synonym emphasizing the act of justifying, highlighting the ridiculous nature of the support provided.

ridiculous explanations

Substitutes "preposterous" with "ridiculous" and "reasons" with "explanations", focusing on the laughable nature of the given account.

ludicrous rationale

Replaces both words with synonyms that amplify the sense of absurdity and underlying logic (or lack thereof).

outlandish motives

Changes "reasons" to "motives", implying the underlying drivers are not just illogical but bizarre.

far-fetched excuses

Replaces both words with alternative choices, indicating improbable and unbelievable alibis.

implausible grounds

Replaces "reasons" with "grounds", suggesting the basis for something is not believable.

unbelievable pretenses

Uses "pretenses" to suggest the reasons are a facade and not genuinely held, and are unbelievable.

foolish arguments

Replaces both words with choices that emphasize the silliness and lack of intelligence behind the stated reasons.

nonsensical justifications

Implies the reasons make no sense, highlighting the absence of logic or coherence.

irrational basis

Focuses on the lack of rational thought behind the supposed reasons, emphasizing the illogical foundation.

FAQs

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

You can use "preposterous reasons" to describe justifications that are absurd or nonsensical, such as: "The committee rejected the proposal based on "preposterous reasons" that had no basis in reality."

What's a less informal synonym for "preposterous reasons"?

Alternatives like "absurd justifications" or "unfounded claims" can offer a more neutral tone in formal writing.

What does it mean when someone describes reasons as "preposterous"?

It means they consider the reasons given to be completely ridiculous, absurd, and lacking in any logical basis.

Is it appropriate to use "preposterous reasons" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "preposterous reasons" might be considered too informal for academic writing. More formal alternatives like "unsubstantiated claims" or "illogical justifications" may be more suitable.