too far-fetched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too far-fetched" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe when an idea or concept is beyond reason, or when something is so unlikely that it could not be true or reasonable. For example, "The theory that aliens are responsible for the disappearance of the ancient city seems too far-fetched to be taken seriously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's just too far-fetched".

The New York Times

That's much too far-fetched.

The Guardian - Film

Sometimes the connections seem too far-fetched.

The New York Times - Books

Mariah's was just too far-fetched.

Independent

It would have been too far-fetched.

Independent

"It's not too far-fetched," Jefferson said.

The New York Times

But maybe it's too far-fetched, even though it's true.

Independent

That one might not be too far-fetched.

The Washington Post

It wasn't too far-fetched if you think about it.

The Washington Post

That would be too far-fetched, would it not?

The Guardian

Opponents say that notion is too far-fetched to contemplate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "too far-fetched" to politely express skepticism about an idea without directly dismissing it. For example, instead of saying "That's impossible", try "That might be a little too far-fetched".

Common error

Avoid using "too far-fetched" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise and objective language is expected. Opt for terms like "improbable" or "unsubstantiated" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too far-fetched" primarily functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or idea, indicating that it is unbelievable or unrealistic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct. Examples in Ludwig show it used to describe theories, accusations, and scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "too far-fetched" is a common and grammatically sound way to express skepticism or disbelief, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as an adjective phrase to describe ideas or claims that seem unrealistic or improbable. Predominantly used in news and media, and academia, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in strictly professional settings. When expressing skepticism, consider using synonyms like "implausible" or "hard to believe". Remember to avoid overuse in overly formal contexts and use the phrase to question plausibility rather than directly dismissing ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implausible

Highlights the lack of plausibility, making something seem unrealistic or unlikely.

hard to believe

Suggests that something is difficult to accept as true due to its unusual or extraordinary nature.

a bit of a stretch

Indicates that an idea or explanation requires some imagination or leniency to be accepted.

highly improbable

Focuses on the low probability of something happening, suggesting it's unlikely to be true or real.

difficult to swallow

Suggests that something is hard to accept or believe, often due to its unpleasant or shocking nature.

unlikely to happen

Emphasizes the low chance of an event occurring, highlighting its improbability.

strains belief

Similar to stretching credulity, suggesting that something tests the limits of what one can accept as true.

stretching credulity

Indicates that something requires a great deal of belief, possibly more than one is willing to give.

outlandish

Emphasizes the bizarre or unconventional nature of something, making it seem unreal or unbelievable.

beyond the realm of possibility

Implies that something is not possible or conceivable under any circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "too far-fetched" in a sentence?

You can use "too far-fetched" to express that an idea, story, or plan is unrealistic or difficult to believe. For example, "His explanation for being late seemed "hard to believe" and a little too far-fetched".

What are some alternatives to "too far-fetched"?

Some alternatives include "implausible", "unlikely to happen", or "hard to believe". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "too far-fetched" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "too far-fetched" might be considered informal for highly academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "improbable" or "unsubstantiated".

What makes an idea "too far-fetched"?

An idea is considered "too far-fetched" when it deviates significantly from reality, lacks evidence, or relies on highly improbable circumstances. It's an expression of skepticism regarding the idea's validity.