total absurdity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "total absurdity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, idea, or statement that is completely nonsensical or ridiculous. Example: "The proposal to eliminate all public transportation in the city is a total absurdity that no one can take seriously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"It's a total absurdity," said the State Senate majority leader, Joseph L. Bruno.

The New York Times

To talk about keeping it as it is or protecting it in a particular form is a total absurdity.

The Guardian - Opinion

The story of Big Sam's "banter burial" is not the most fascinating vignette in Barton's often bleak, boorish and disturbing tome, but one of those little details that remains logged forever in the brain due to its almost total absurdity.

The Guardian - Sport

In fact, it would be nice to think that it's precisely because kids can smell the total absurdity of what is expected of this silly little prick from smalltown Ontario that they mulishly act as though they've elevated Bieber beyond all previous teen idols, ever.

The Guardian - Opinion

Limbaugh said MSNBC's claim was "laughably hilarious," and "reached a point of total absurdity".

Huffington Post

In spite of the total absurdity of the interaction, the strangest thing about Trump's defense of his hands was his feigned surprise.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

When he was a presenter on MTV, he tried to break through the wall of meaningless white noise by coming in on cue with total absurdities.

The Guardian

Benghazi the scandal is full of absurdities.

The New Yorker

Thanks to an almost total absence of press coverage, this absurdity attracts no controversy in western capitals.

Vice

Pollak's writing and cartooning examine the countless crimes of the Bush administration, the absurdity of modern media, and the total uselessness of pandas.

Huffington Post

An excerpt from the post, compressed for space: It would seem a thoroughly Orwellian absurdity that police could put him under near-total surveillance while forbidding him from surveilling himself.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "total absurdity" to express disbelief or strong disagreement with an idea or action.

Common error

While "total absurdity" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal contexts where a more restrained or nuanced term might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "complete fallacy" or "unfounded claim".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "total absurdity" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It describes something that is utterly nonsensical or ridiculous. Ludwig AI confirms this based on its analysis of numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "total absurdity" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that signifies something utterly ridiculous or nonsensical. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals that it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to express strong disagreement or ridicule. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal writing, opting for more nuanced alternatives when appropriate. According to Ludwig, this phrase effectively emphasizes the complete lack of merit or reason in a given situation, idea, or statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete nonsense

Emphasizes the lack of sense or logic in something.

utter foolishness

Highlights the lack of wisdom or good judgment.

sheer lunacy

Suggests a state of madness or extreme irrationality.

pure ridiculousness

Focuses on the quality of being laughable or absurd.

complete preposterousness

Emphasizes the quality of being contrary to reason or common sense.

absolute folly

Highlights the foolishness and lack of good sense.

rank idiocy

Emphasizes the extreme lack of intelligence or understanding.

unadulterated balderdash

Focuses on the nonsensical and empty nature of something.

unmitigated idiocy

Highlights the extreme and unchangeable nature of the foolishness.

arrant nonsense

Stresses the complete and utter lack of sense.

FAQs

How can I use "total absurdity" in a sentence?

You can use "total absurdity" to describe something that is completely ridiculous or nonsensical. For example: "The idea that the earth is flat is a "total absurdity"."

What are some alternatives to "total absurdity"?

Alternatives include "complete nonsense", "utter foolishness", or "sheer lunacy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "total absurdity"?

Yes, "total absurdity" is a correct and usable phrase in English to describe something that is completely absurd or nonsensical. As Ludwig AI shows, it is often used in news and media.

What is the difference between "absurdity" and "total absurdity"?

"Absurdity" refers to something that is absurd, while "total absurdity" emphasizes that something is completely absurd, leaving no room for reason or logic.