sheer absurdity

USAGE SUMMARY

"sheer absurdity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is extremely absurd. For example, "I can hardly believe the sheer absurdity of his suggestion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

For starters, there is the sheer absurdity of its existence.

The New York Times - Books

"I can't possibly tell you," Abbington laughs at the sheer absurdity of the question.

Independent

At times he seems almost delighted at the sheer absurdity of it all.

The New Yorker

The sheer absurdity of house lust seems made for a humorist like Mark Twain or P. J. O'Rourke.

The New York Times

For sheer absurdity, it was matched only by the mysterious suit of armor perched atop a cupboard near the kitchen.

The New York Times - Travel

After the firing became public — mainly for its sheer absurdity — the Pirates rehired Kurtz, saying they had not followed company procedures in dismissing him.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

It reflects unflinchingly back at the reader the sheer, comic absurdity of man's fallen humanity.Each great novelist brings to the art his own special ingredient.

The Economist

Pretty good for one short blog: sexism, ageism, a demand for self-censorship, discrimination on the grounds of appearance and sheer blithering absurdity.

The Guardian

He took the essential Rabelaisian position that by asserting the humanness of humanity, the sheer animal absurdity of eating and shitting and fucking and lying, we can stop pretending and accept that we are all the same ruined creature.

The New Yorker

Runner-up: Bizarre for the sheer editorial absurdity that the most watched televisual spectacle of the millennium would need to be modified for its audience, Grazia's royal wedding cover featured what most would consider Photoshop's apex of pointlessness: a slimmer Kate Middleton.

The Guardian - Arts

The sheer quirkiness and absurdity of the moves — torsos lunging and legs kicking with sudden impulses — lend them comedy.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer absurdity" to express disbelief or amusement at something that defies logic or reason. For greater impact, place it near the core element of what you are criticizing.

Common error

While versatile, "sheer absurdity" can sound too informal or subjective in highly formal or academic writing. Consider stronger, more objective terms like 'logical fallacy' or 'inconsistency' for such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer absurdity" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state or quality, often evoking a sense of disbelief or amusement. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "sheer absurdity" is a frequently used noun phrase that effectively conveys extreme ridiculousness or illogicality. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and versatility make it suitable for various contexts, although formal academic writing might benefit from more objective terms. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase serves to express disapproval or amusement, encapsulating events and ideas that defy reason. When aiming to highlight the irrational or ludicrous nature of a situation, "sheer absurdity" proves to be an apt and impactful choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter ridiculousness

Replaces 'absurdity' with 'ridiculousness', focusing on the laughable quality.

complete nonsense

Shifts the focus to the lack of sense or logic.

pure foolishness

Highlights the lack of wisdom or intelligence.

absolute ludicrousness

Emphasizes the extreme and laughable nature.

total irrationality

Focuses on the absence of reason.

unmitigated idiocy

Conveys a strong sense of foolishness and stupidity.

blatant preposterousness

Stresses the obvious and unbelievable nature.

arrant foolishness

Emphasizes the unmitigated and blatant nature of the foolishness.

downright silliness

Highlights the lighthearted and amusing lack of seriousness.

plain ridiculousness

Emphasizes the straightforward and obvious quality of being ridiculous.

FAQs

How can I use "sheer absurdity" in a sentence?

You can use "sheer absurdity" to express disbelief or amusement at something that defies logic or reason. For example, "The "sheer absurdity" of the plan made everyone laugh."

What can I say instead of "sheer absurdity"?

You can use alternatives like "utter ridiculousness", "complete nonsense", or "pure foolishness" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sheer absurdity" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "sheer absurdity" might be too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider using more objective terms like "logical fallacy" or "inconsistency" in such cases.

What's the difference between "sheer absurdity" and "plain ridiculousness"?

"Sheer absurdity" emphasizes the extreme degree of being absurd, while "plain ridiculousness" highlights the obvious and straightforward nature of something being ridiculous. The best choice depends on the specific aspect you wish to emphasize.