this is preposterous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is preposterous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express disbelief or outrage at a situation or statement that seems absurd or unreasonable. Example: "After hearing the proposal, I couldn't help but exclaim, 'This is preposterous! How could anyone think this is a good idea?'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

But this is preposterous.

Independent

"This is preposterous," he said.

The New York Times

This is preposterous on so many levels.

The Guardian - Books

8.25pm BST Haw, this is preposterous.

The Guardian - Sport

As a causal argument, this is preposterous.

The Guardian - Opinion

A pedant writes: This is preposterous.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Obviously this was preposterous.

The Guardian - Travel

To most South Africans, white and black, this was preposterous.

The New York Times

This was preposterous, of course, and I knew it — I hadn't even liked the man and wasn't the least bit attracted to him.

The New Yorker

I wanted to ban puddings from this column completely, but my editor in her wisdom said this was preposterous and that I should stop being such a prig.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Common sense and more traditional, numerical analysis seemed to indicate that this was preposterous.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is preposterous" to express strong disagreement or disbelief when encountering an idea or situation that seems utterly absurd or illogical. It's most effective when a more measured response would be insufficient.

Common error

Avoid using "this is preposterous" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can come across as overly dramatic or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "that's crazy" or "that's ridiculous" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is preposterous" primarily functions as an exclamatory statement expressing strong disagreement, disbelief, or outrage. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to reject something as absurd and unacceptable. Examples show its use to dismiss arguments, actions or ideas.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is preposterous" is a phrase used to express strong disagreement and disbelief. Ludwig AI classifies it as grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While it can be effective for conveying outrage at an absurd situation, it's important to consider the register and avoid overuse in informal settings. Alternatives like "this is absurd" or "this is ridiculous" may be more suitable in casual conversation. Understanding the nuances of this phrase will help you communicate your reactions more effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is absurd

Emphasizes the illogical and unreasonable nature of something.

this is ridiculous

Highlights the foolish and laughable aspect of a situation.

this is outrageous

Conveys a sense of shock and indignation at something unacceptable.

this is ludicrous

Suggests something is laughably absurd and deserving of ridicule.

this is nonsensical

Focuses on the lack of sense or logic in a statement or action.

this is unbelievable

Expresses strong disbelief due to the improbability of something.

this is unthinkable

Indicates something is so unacceptable that it shouldn't even be considered.

this is untenable

Highlights the unsustainable or indefensible nature of a position or situation.

this is far-fetched

Emphasizes the implausibility and unlikelihood of something.

this is simply not credible

Directly challenges the believability or trustworthiness of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "this is preposterous" to express strong disagreement or disbelief, as in "To suggest that we should ignore the scientific evidence is preposterous.".

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

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

Is "this is preposterous" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "this is preposterous" is generally considered formal and may sound out of place in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives are often more appropriate.

What's the difference between "this is preposterous" and "this is absurd"?

"This is preposterous" implies a higher degree of outrage and disbelief than "this is absurd". Preposterous suggests something is not only illogical but also shocking or offensive.