ridiculous sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ridiculous sum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an amount of money that is considered excessive or unreasonable. Example: "The price they quoted for the repairs was a ridiculous sum that I couldn't afford."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"To you this is a ridiculous sum," he added, "but for me, it is enough".

The New York Times

So, apart from being a ridiculous sum to pay for subpar performance and chicanery, what is $35.2 billion?

The New York Times

He said: 'Yup, and none of them won £1.6m.' I mean, it's a ridiculous sum of money for winning a tennis tournament".

The Guardian - Sport

This is a ridiculous sum, says Ms Dolegowska.Couples longing for a child pursue illegal adoption due to the length of the adoption process, which takes around two to three years in Poland.

The Economist

Indeed, while Instagram's price tag was once viewed as a ridiculous sum, the increasingly conventional view in Silicon Valley is that Instagram sold itself too soon, and for too little.

The New Yorker

And if they asked to leave, they were told they needed to pay back some ridiculous sum like $100,000 for classes they supposedly had signed up for (not easy on a weekly salary — often not paid — of $50).

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Or is this the western world's potlatch, spending ridiculous sums on conspicuously useless gifts to enhance our social status?

The Guardian - Opinion

Adrienne Unae Performance artist and financial planner WHY? Had spent "ridiculous sums of money" on personal projects and "here was a theater investment I could afford".

The New York Times

He added: "All of these people with Swiftian titles like head of television and head of communications, drawing ridiculous sums of money.

The Guardian

Swap stories about the ridiculous sums that wealthy Americans are prepared to pay for university and how the UK is heading the same way.

The Guardian

A few dozen people paid each other ridiculous sums as they moved from one job to another or began to enjoy lucrative early retirement.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ridiculous sum", ensure the context clearly establishes why the amount is considered excessive. Providing a point of comparison or a specific reason enhances the phrase's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "ridiculous sum" when merely referring to a large number without a clear indication of why it's considered unreasonable. The phrase carries a connotation of absurdity or unjustifiability, not just magnitude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ridiculous sum" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "ridiculous" modifies the noun "sum". It's used to describe an amount of money or something else that's considered absurdly high. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ridiculous sum" is a commonly used phrase to describe an amount that is considered absurdly high or unreasonable. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It often appears in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, be sure that the context justifies the negative connotation. Consider alternatives like "exorbitant amount" or "outrageous price" for slightly different nuances. Always ensure that the context clearly demonstrates why the sum is considered excessive to maximize the phrase's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive amount

Directly points out that the amount is more than what is necessary, normal, or desirable.

exorbitant amount

Emphasizes the excessiveness of the amount, highlighting that it goes beyond reasonable limits.

inordinate sum

Similar to excessive, but with a stronger connotation of being unrestrained or uncontrolled.

outrageous price

Focuses on the price being offensive or shocking due to its unreasonableness.

extravagant price

Indicates that the price is lavish and beyond what is sensible or justifiable.

unreasonable charge

Focuses on the unfairness and lack of logical basis for the price being asked.

absurd figure

Highlights the irrationality and lack of logic behind the stated number.

unjustifiable cost

Highlights the lack of a valid reason or explanation for the high cost.

preposterous quantity

Stresses the foolishness and unacceptability of the quantity.

unconscionable sum

Implies that the amount is so high that it violates one's conscience or moral principles.

FAQs

How can I use "ridiculous sum" in a sentence?

You can use "ridiculous sum" to describe an amount of money that is considered unreasonably high or excessive. For example: "They were asking a "ridiculous sum" for such a small apartment".

What are some alternatives to "ridiculous sum"?

Alternatives include "exorbitant amount", "outrageous price", or "absurd figure", depending on the specific context and what you want to emphasize.

Is it always negative to describe something as a "ridiculous sum"?

Yes, the phrase "ridiculous sum" always carries a negative connotation, implying that the amount is not only large but also unreasonable, unfair, or absurd. It is typically used to express disapproval or disbelief.

What's the difference between "ridiculous sum" and "large amount"?

"Large amount" simply indicates a quantity that is significant in size. "Ridiculous sum", on the other hand, suggests that the amount is so high that it is absurd or unreasonable, adding an element of judgment and disapproval.