utterly preposterous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly preposterous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely absurd or ridiculous. Example: "The idea that we could travel back in time using a toaster is utterly preposterous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Film

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

You'll look utterly preposterous.

The Guardian - Sport

"That is utterly preposterous".

The New York Times

Apart from him, it's all utterly preposterous of course.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He is laughably small and slight, ungainly, easily swept aside, utterly preposterous and anti-heroic.

Independent

It's all gruesome and utterly preposterous, not to mention extremely sexually explicit.

Independent

This is Federer's seventh straight Wimbledon final, which is utterly preposterous.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Absolutely preposterous".

The New York Times

That is absolutely preposterous".

TechCrunch

"If the decision is not preposterous, then it is utterly ridiculous," Congress leader Manish Tewari said.

The Guardian

I know this is utterly shallow, preposterous and true.

Huffington Post

That may sound utterly fanciful, preposterous, or horrific to many of us.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly preposterous" to express strong disagreement or disbelief in a situation that seems illogical or absurd. This phrase is particularly effective in formal writing and persuasive arguments.

Common error

While "utterly preposterous" is a strong phrase, it may sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversations. Consider using simpler alternatives like "totally ridiculous" or "completely absurd" for everyday interactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly preposterous" functions as an intensifier followed by an adjective, modifying a noun or idea to express strong disbelief or ridicule. As Ludwig AI points out, it emphasizes the absurdity or nonsensical nature of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Sport

14%

Film

7%

Less common in

Books

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utterly preposterous" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to express strong disbelief or ridicule. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively highlights the absurdity of something. While very common in news, sports, and film contexts, it should be used judiciously in informal settings due to its relatively formal tone. Consider alternatives like "completely absurd" or "totally ridiculous" for casual conversations. Remember, this phrase is most powerful when you want to convey a sense that something is not just wrong, but laughably so.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely absurd

Replaces "utterly preposterous" with a more straightforward description of absurdity.

totally ridiculous

Substitutes "utterly preposterous" with a common expression for extreme foolishness.

absolutely ludicrous

Emphasizes the nonsensical nature of something, differing in tone.

patently absurd

Focuses on the obviousness of the absurdity, a more formal phrasing.

blatantly nonsensical

Highlights the lack of sense, using a stronger, more critical tone.

downright laughable

Indicates that something is so absurd it's comical, shifting the emphasis.

manifestly foolish

Stresses the evident lack of wisdom, differing in formality.

simply outrageous

Emphasizes the shocking or unacceptable nature of something.

wholly untenable

Highlights that a concept cannot be defended or maintained, a more formal and argumentative tone.

quite unbelievable

Expresses disbelief due to the absurdity of the statement, focuses on the listener's reaction.

FAQs

What does "utterly preposterous" mean?

The phrase "utterly preposterous" means something is completely absurd, ridiculous, or nonsensical. It's a strong way to express disbelief or disagreement.

How can I use "utterly preposterous" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly preposterous" to describe ideas, claims, or situations you find highly improbable or illogical. For example: "The idea that cats can fly is utterly preposterous."

What's the difference between "utterly preposterous" and "completely absurd"?

Both phrases convey a strong sense of disbelief, but "utterly preposterous" carries a slightly more formal and emphatic tone than "completely absurd". The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Are there synonyms for "utterly preposterous"?

Yes, you can use synonyms like "totally ridiculous", "absolutely ludicrous", or "patently absurd" to express similar ideas. These alternatives may vary slightly in tone and formality.