this is absurd

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is absurd" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you think or find something to be completely ridiculous. For example: "I can't believe that he got an A on the exam. This is absurd!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

This is absurd, no?" Perhaps part of the art lies in making people forget the absurdity?

The Guardian - Music

"This is absurd," Neal said.

The New Yorker

Yet this is absurd.

The Guardian - Sport

This is absurd, Osborne says.

The Guardian

"This is absurd," a Santos executive said.

The New Yorker

This is absurd several times over.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Helene thought this was absurd.

The New York Times

To Chertoff, this was absurd.

The New Yorker

Royalists pointed out that this was absurd.

The New Yorker

Brown, to his credit, recognised this was absurd.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of course, he realized this was absurd, outrageous, even.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is absurd" to express strong disagreement or disbelief when encountering a situation that defies logic or reason. It adds a touch of indignation or humor.

Common error

While "this is absurd" is widely understood, overuse in highly formal or professional settings can diminish its impact. Consider alternatives such as "this is unacceptable" or "this is illogical" for a more measured tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is absurd" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a subjective assessment of something as illogical, unreasonable, or ridiculous. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is absurd" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a strong sense of disbelief, unreasonableness, or ridicule. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and informal settings. While versatile, consider its informality in professional contexts. Remember that while the phrase itself is correct, as Ludwig AI indicates, the appropriateness of its use depends on the context and desired tone. Consider alternatives such as "this is ridiculous" or "this is outrageous" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is ridiculous

Replaces "absurd" with a synonym that emphasizes the laughable or unreasonable nature of something.

this is preposterous

Substitutes "absurd" with a more formal and emphatic synonym, suggesting something utterly unacceptable.

this is ludicrous

Replaces "absurd" with a synonym highlighting the foolish or unreasonable aspect of something.

this is nonsensical

Focuses on the lack of logic or coherence in a situation, offering a slightly different nuance than "absurd".

this is outrageous

Conveys a sense of shock and indignation, emphasizing the unacceptability of something.

this is unbelievable

Highlights the speaker's disbelief or incredulity, focusing on the surprising nature of something.

this is insane

Emphasizes the extreme or irrational nature of something, suggesting a loss of control or reason.

this is crazy

An informal way of expressing that something is wild, illogical, or unexpected.

this is unbelievable

Indicates that something is so improbable or remarkable as to defy belief.

this is beyond belief

A stronger expression of incredulity, indicating that something is so extraordinary that it exceeds the limits of what can be believed.

FAQs

What does "this is absurd" mean?

The phrase "this is absurd" expresses a strong feeling that something is ridiculous, unreasonable, or completely illogical. It's used to show disagreement, disbelief, or even outrage.

How can I use "this is absurd" in a sentence?

You can use "this is absurd" to react to a situation you find illogical or unacceptable. For example: "The referee called a penalty for that? This is absurd!"

What can I say instead of "this is absurd"?

You can use alternatives like "this is ridiculous", "this is preposterous", or "this is outrageous" depending on the context.

Is "this is absurd" too informal for professional communication?

While widely understood, "this is absurd" might be too informal for some professional contexts. Consider alternatives like "this is illogical" or "this is unacceptable" for a more formal tone. The appropriateness depends on your relationship with the audience and the specific situation.