Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

that's preposterous
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"Well that's preposterous.

News & Media

Huffington Post

That's preposterous.

News & Media

The New York Times

That's preposterous, insane".

News & Media

The Guardian

On the face of it, no, that's preposterous.

News & Media

The Guardian - Sport

("That's preposterous," Zuckerman said. "I long ago became uninterested in unavailable women").

News & Media

The New Yorker

"That's preposterous," Mr. Romney said at a news conference at his former campaign headquarters in Boston.

News & Media

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

I involuntarily and audibly react to ones that are preposterous to me.

News & Media

Huffington Post

"White House Down" is a hoot and a half, a shameless popcorn entertainment that is preposterous and diverting in just about equal measure.

News & Media

Los Angeles Times

That is preposterous, my friends.

News & Media

The New York Times

"That was preposterous, insane, like not even music at all.

News & Media

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Hindu apologists claim they are only��reacting to Muslim intransigence, but that is preposterous.

News & Media

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that's preposterous" when you want to express strong disagreement or disbelief in a situation where the statement or idea is seen as absurd or ridiculous. This phrase is suitable for informal or semi-formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "that's preposterous" in very formal writing or professional settings, where a more measured and respectful tone is expected. Instead, opt for phrases like "that is highly improbable" or "that claim requires further substantiation".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that's preposterous" functions as an exclamatory statement expressing strong disagreement or disbelief. The examples in Ludwig suggest it's often used as a direct rebuttal to a statement considered absurd.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that's preposterous" is a phrase used to express strong disbelief or disagreement, denoting something as absurd or ridiculous. As Ludwig demonstrates, it is primarily found in News & Media, fitting into a neutral register. While grammatically correct and common, it's important to consider the context, avoiding its overuse in formal settings. Alternatives like "that's absurd" or "that's ridiculous" may be suitable depending on the desired tone.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's absurd

Replaces "preposterous" with a more common synonym, "absurd", maintaining the same level of disbelief.

that's ridiculous

Substitutes "preposterous" with "ridiculous", another close synonym implying something is laughable and unreasonable.

that's ludicrous

Replaces "preposterous" with "ludicrous", which also suggests absurdity, but might be perceived as slightly more formal.

that's outrageous

Shifts the focus slightly from pure absurdity to indignation at something unacceptable or shocking.

that's unbelievable

Focuses on the incredibility of the statement, rather than its inherent absurdity.

that's nonsense

Indicates that the statement is illogical and without value or meaning.

that's a load of rubbish

An informal British expression conveying strong disagreement and disbelief.

that's complete hogwash

An informal expression that implies that something is utter nonsense or untrue.

that's simply not true

Directly refutes the statement, rather than commenting on its absurdity.

that's beyond belief

Emphasizes that the statement is so extraordinary that it is hard to believe or accept.

FAQs

What does "that's preposterous" mean?

The phrase "that's preposterous" means that something is absurd, ridiculous, or completely contrary to reason. It expresses strong disbelief or disagreement.

Is "that's preposterous" formal or informal?

"That's preposterous" is generally considered semi-formal to informal. While acceptable in many contexts, it may be too strong for very formal or professional settings.

What can I say instead of "that's preposterous"?

You can use alternatives like "that's absurd", "that's ridiculous", or "that's ludicrous" depending on the context.

How can I use "that's preposterous" in a sentence?

You can use "that's preposterous" to express your disbelief or disagreement with a statement. For example, "He claimed he could fly, but that's preposterous!"

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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that's preposterousGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

that's preposterous
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples