this was absurd

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was absurd" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express disbelief or to describe a situation that seems unreasonable or ridiculous. Example: "After hearing the explanation for the decision, I couldn't help but think, this was absurd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 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

This was absurd but underlined the lack of trust among communist leaders.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

This is absurd nihilism.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is absurd," Neal said.

The New Yorker

Yet this is absurd.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is absurd," he said.

The New York Times

But still: this is absurd.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was absurd" to express strong disagreement or disbelief when something defies logic or reason. It's particularly effective in persuasive writing or arguments.

Common error

While "this was absurd" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced and professional alternatives to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was absurd" functions as a declarative statement expressing a subjective judgment. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It directly conveys the speaker's or writer's opinion that something is illogical, ridiculous, or nonsensical.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this was absurd" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey disagreement or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and audience when using it. Alternatives like "this was ridiculous" or "this was preposterous" can provide similar meanings with slightly different connotations. The phrase is frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias and scientific contexts, but should be used judiciously in formal academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this was ridiculous

Replaces "absurd" with "ridiculous", implying something is laughable or unreasonable.

this was preposterous

Replaces "absurd" with "preposterous", suggesting something is utterly foolish or outrageous.

this was ludicrous

Replaces "absurd" with "ludicrous", highlighting the nonsensical and laughable nature of something.

this was nonsensical

Replaces "absurd" with "nonsensical", focusing on the lack of sense or logic.

this was outrageous

Replaces "absurd" with "outrageous", emphasizing the shocking and unacceptable nature of something.

this was farcical

Replaces "absurd" with "farcical", suggesting something is a mockery or sham.

this was unreasonable

Replaces "absurd" with "unreasonable", pointing out the lack of rationality.

this was crazy

Replaces "absurd" with "crazy", indicating something is wildly irrational or illogical.

this was senseless

Replaces "absurd" with "senseless", conveying a lack of purpose or meaning.

this was paradoxical

Replaces "absurd" with "paradoxical", highlighting a self-contradictory nature.

FAQs

What does "this was absurd" mean?

The phrase "this was absurd" expresses that something was illogical, unreasonable, or ridiculous. It conveys a sense of disbelief or strong disagreement.

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

You can use "this was absurd" to react to a statement, situation, or decision that you find illogical. For example: "After hearing their reasoning, I concluded "this was absurd"."

What are some alternatives to "this was absurd"?

Alternatives include phrases like "this was ridiculous", "this was preposterous", or "this was ludicrous", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "this was absurd" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "this was absurd" might be too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider alternatives like "this was illogical" or "this was unreasonable" for a more professional tone.