somewhat ludicrous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat ludicrous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is slightly ridiculous or absurd, often in a humorous or critical context. Example: "The idea that we could finish the project in one day was somewhat ludicrous given the amount of work involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

What would I chop at anyway, besides the somewhat ludicrous notion that there is a market in this town for such a thing?

The New York Times

MICHAEL G. BRAUTIGAM, Brooklyn I found it somewhat ludicrous that a gay therapist is dispensing advice on how to make heterosexual marriages succeed by allowing infidelities.

The New York Times - Magazine

"As day followed day," he wrote, "and we trooped in and out of the pavilion, the whole performance became somewhat ludicrous".

The Guardian - Sport

No contemporary director delights like Anderson does in depicting military or quasi-military organization, its somewhat ludicrous yet deeply earnest and potentially very effective rituals and hierarchies.

The New Yorker

"As far as the budget is concerned, the idea that they are asking for more than the E.U. as a whole is asking for through the European Commission is somewhat ludicrous," he added.

The New York Times

But the marvelous Geraint Wyn Davies cuts an imposing figure, movingly wonder-struck in the somewhat ludicrous final scene in which revelations are piled on revelations as the knot of the plot is untangled thread by thread.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

This is actually a fairly ludicrous claim.

eLife

Expecting someone to pay five-hundred-and-ninety-nine-U.S.-dollars was (rightly) considered ludicrous, but the ability to play the entire PS2 library on the system somewhat lessened the blow.

TechCrunch

Clearly ludicrous.

The Economist

comparison ludicrous.

The New Yorker

Ludicrous thought?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "somewhat ludicrous", ensure that the context supports a tone that is both critical and slightly humorous. This phrase works best when pointing out an absurdity without being overly harsh.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat ludicrous" when the situation is genuinely serious or tragic. The phrase can undermine the gravity of the situation if the absurdity is not mild or contained.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat ludicrous" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, describing it as mildly ridiculous or absurd. According to Ludwig, it's a valid and usable expression in English. Examples show it used to describe ideas, situations, and behaviors that are seen as unreasonable or silly.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "somewhat ludicrous" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that effectively conveys a sense of mild absurdity or ridiculousness. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media, where a balanced tone is preferred. When choosing alternatives, consider options like "slightly absurd" or "a bit ridiculous" depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis. Remember to avoid using it in situations that require a serious or somber tone, as it may undermine the gravity of the matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat absurd

Mirrors the original structure but uses 'absurd' instead of 'ludicrous'.

slightly absurd

Emphasizes a minor degree of absurdity, softening the criticism.

rather preposterous

Highlights a higher level of outrageousness or foolishness.

a bit ridiculous

Uses a more informal tone to express mild amusement or disbelief.

fairly nonsensical

Indicates a lack of coherence or logic, making something difficult to understand.

kind of laughable

Suggests the situation is worthy of ridicule or mockery.

rather silly

Conveys a sense of foolishness or lack of seriousness.

mildly comical

Focuses on the humorous aspect, suggesting it is amusing to a small extent.

slightly farcical

Implies a chaotic and disorganized situation, akin to a farce.

a little outrageous

Emphasizes the shocking or unacceptable nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat ludicrous" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat ludicrous" to describe something that is mildly ridiculous or absurd. For instance, "The suggestion that we could finish the project overnight was "somewhat ludicrous" given the amount of work involved."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat ludicrous"?

Alternatives include "slightly absurd", "rather preposterous", or "a bit ridiculous" depending on the level of formality and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "somewhat ludicrous" and "completely ludicrous"?

"Somewhat ludicrous" implies a milder degree of absurdity, while "completely ludicrous" suggests that something is entirely ridiculous and beyond reason. The choice depends on the intensity of the absurdity you want to express.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "somewhat ludicrous"?

It's appropriate to use "somewhat ludicrous" when you want to express that something is absurd or ridiculous, but not to an extreme degree. It's suitable for situations where you want to convey a sense of amusement or mild criticism.