totally absurd

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "totally absurd" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is completely illogical, ridiculous, or unbelievable. Example: The teacher's explanation for the math problem was totally absurd; it didn't make any sense at all.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"These allegations are totally absurd.

The New York Times

Ridiculous, but not totally absurd.

The New York Times - Arts

"This situation is totally absurd".

The New York Times

I think it's a totally absurd phenomenon".

Independent

"It is absolutely ridiculous and totally absurd".

Independent

It's completely false and totally absurd".

The New York Times

I know this is totally absurd, that I'm making it sound totally absurd.

The New Yorker

You are taking positions that are totally absurd to me".

The New York Times - Sports

The excess of television about food is totally absurd.

The Guardian - Arts

Mr. Reeker dismissed Mr. Mamedov's comments as "totally absurd".

The New York Times

Time now for the totally absurd season to begin".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "totally absurd" to express strong disagreement or disbelief. Ensure the context clearly indicates why the subject is considered illogical or ridiculous.

Common error

Avoid using "totally absurd" in highly formal writing, such as academic papers or serious business reports. Opt for more professional alternatives like "unfounded", "illogical", or "unsubstantiated" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally absurd" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or idea to express a strong sense of disbelief or ridicule. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples such as "This situation is totally absurd" indicating its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & media

88%

Formal & business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "totally absurd" is a commonly used adjective phrase to express a strong feeling that something is illogical, ridiculous, or unbelievable. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. While it's frequently found in news and media sources, its usage should be carefully considered in more formal settings where alternatives might be more appropriate. Common alternatives include "completely ridiculous" or "utterly preposterous". When using "totally absurd", ensure the context clearly justifies the strong level of disbelief or disagreement being conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Completely ridiculous

Emphasizes the laughable and nonsensical nature of something, similar to "totally absurd" but with a stronger focus on ridicule.

Utterly preposterous

Suggests something is beyond belief and completely unfounded, mirroring the incredulity in "totally absurd".

Entirely nonsensical

Highlights the lack of logical sense, akin to the irrational aspect conveyed by "totally absurd".

Absolutely ludicrous

Stresses the foolishness and unreasonableness, sharing the dismissive tone of "totally absurd".

Patently false

Focuses on the clear and obvious untruthfulness, differing slightly from "totally absurd" by emphasizing factual incorrectness.

Beyond belief

Highlights the incredulity and astonishment caused by something, similar to the surprising aspect of "totally absurd".

Laughably untrue

Combines the elements of humor and falsity, where something is so untrue that it's laughable, echoing the dismissive attitude of "totally absurd".

Inconceivable notion

Points out that something is impossible to accept or imagine, matching the lack of logic in "totally absurd".

Blatantly irrational

Stresses the obvious and unreasonable nature, connecting to the illogical facet of "totally absurd".

Manifestly nonsensical

Highlights the undeniable and obvious lack of sense, similar to the indisputable aspect of "totally absurd".

FAQs

How can I use "totally absurd" in a sentence?

You can use "totally absurd" to describe something you find illogical or ridiculous. For example, "The suggestion that we should ignore the evidence is totally absurd".

What are some alternatives to saying "totally absurd"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "completely ridiculous", "utterly preposterous", or "entirely nonsensical".

Is it appropriate to use "totally absurd" in formal writing?

While "totally absurd" is widely understood, it may be perceived as too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "untenable" or "implausible".

What makes something "totally absurd"?

Something is considered "totally absurd" when it completely defies logic, reason, or common sense, leading to a sense of disbelief or ridicule.