seem absurd

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seem absurd" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that something appears to be ridiculous or unreasonable. Example: "The idea that we could solve the problem overnight seems absurd given the complexity of the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The question might seem absurd.

The Economist

This may seem absurd.

The Guardian - Opinion

But why, exactly, does it seem absurd?

The New Yorker

Some of these rules seem absurd.

The Economist

The question may seem absurd.

The Guardian - Opinion

If fictional, Escobar's story would seem absurd.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The question might, on first inspection, seem absurd.

Harvard University

The idea of a trilingual libretto may seem absurd.

The New York Times - Arts

Such details may seem absurd, but they are critical.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It seems absurd".

The New York Times

The task seems absurd.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seem absurd" when you want to express that something appears illogical, unreasonable, or ridiculous based on the available evidence or context.

Common error

While "seem absurd" is acceptable in most contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like "appear illogical" or "appear preposterous" in academic or professional writing to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem absurd" functions as a verb phrase expressing an opinion or assessment. It indicates that something gives the impression of being ridiculous or illogical. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seem absurd" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something appears ridiculous or illogical. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While "seem absurd" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "appear illogical" or "appear preposterous" may be preferred in certain professional settings. It's important to recognize that "seem absurd" implies a subjective assessment rather than a definitive statement of fact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem ludicrous

Replaces "absurd" with "ludicrous", implying something is ridiculous or laughable.

seem preposterous

Replaces "absurd" with "preposterous", indicating something is outrageous or unbelievable.

be absurd

Replaces the verb "seem" with "be", stating the absurdity as a fact rather than an appearance.

seem nonsensical

Replaces "absurd" with "nonsensical", emphasizing the lack of meaning or coherence.

seem illogical

Replaces "absurd" with "illogical", focusing on the lack of logical reasoning.

seem unreasonable

Replaces "absurd" with "unreasonable", focusing on the lack of logic or fairness.

seem farcical

Replaces "absurd" with "farcical", suggesting something is ridiculously clumsy or disorganized.

consider absurd

Shifts the focus to someone's judgment about something being absurd.

seem stupid

Replaces "absurd" with "stupid", suggesting a lack of intelligence or common sense.

seem pointless

Replaces "absurd" with "pointless", underlining the lack of purpose

FAQs

How can I use "seem absurd" in a sentence?

You can use "seem absurd" to express that something appears ridiculous or illogical. For example: "The suggestion that we can finish the project in one day "seems absurd" to anyone who knows the scope of the work."

What are some alternatives to "seem absurd"?

Alternatives include "seem ludicrous", "seem preposterous", or "seem illogical". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "seems absurd" or "seem absurd"?

"Seem absurd" is used with plural subjects or "I/you/we/they", while "seems absurd" is used with singular subjects (he/she/it). For example: "His claims seem absurd" vs. "Her claim seems absurd".

What's the difference between "seem absurd" and "is absurd"?

"Seem absurd" suggests that something appears to be absurd, while "is absurd" states it as a fact. "Seem absurd" implies a degree of subjectivity or initial assessment, whereas "is absurd" suggests a more definitive judgment.