would be ludicrous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would be ludicrous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is absurd or ridiculous in a hypothetical situation. Example: "To suggest that we could finish this project in one day would be ludicrous given the amount of work involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That would be ludicrous.

Independent

Killing them now would be ludicrous.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A comparison with airline fare would be ludicrous.

The New York Times

It would be ludicrous to replicate Harrison's forms.

The New York Times - Arts

The result is prices that would be ludicrous inland.

The Guardian - Money

It would be ludicrous of me to criticise any one of them.

The Guardian - Sport

But it would be ludicrous to allow her bad stories to demean the good.

The Guardian - Books

The general said it would be "ludicrous" to storm the center of Najaf.

The New York Times

"To put Chuck and Bill out there, it would be ludicrous.

The New York Times

It would be ludicrous, though, to measure this season against the idea that every scene last year was genius.

The New York Times

It would be ludicrous to suggest that Bush is responsible for what is happening to the American environment.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to determine if a more direct synonym like "absurd" or "ridiculous" is more appropriate. "Ludicrous" often carries a stronger connotation of mockery or disbelief.

Common error

While "would be ludicrous" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral term like "unreasonable" or "impractical" might be more suitable. Reserve its usage for instances where you want to convey a strong sense of incredulity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would be ludicrous" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, typically following a copular verb (be) to describe a subject. It expresses a judgment that something is absurd, ridiculous, or unreasonable, often in a hypothetical context. Ludwig AI affirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "would be ludicrous" is a versatile expression used to convey that something is absurd, ridiculous, or unreasonable, especially in hypothetical situations. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically sound and common in written English. Analysis reveals it’s most frequently used in news and media contexts but also appears in scientific and business writing. While it's generally appropriate, overuse in strictly formal settings should be avoided in favor of more neutral alternatives such as "would be unreasonable". Related phrases like "would be absurd" or "would be ridiculous" offer subtle variations in emphasis. Ultimately, understanding the connotations and appropriate contexts ensures effective and impactful use of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would be absurd

A direct synonym, implying something is unreasonable or nonsensical.

would be preposterous

Suggests something is utterly absurd or outrageous.

would be ridiculous

Implies something is laughable or deserving of mockery.

would be nonsensical

Highlights the lack of logical sense in a situation.

would be foolish

Focuses on the lack of wisdom or prudence.

would be unreasonable

Emphasizes the lack of reason or fairness.

would be senseless

Highlights the lack of purpose or meaning.

would be farcical

Implies something is comically absurd or a sham.

would be outrageous

Suggests something is shocking and unacceptable.

would be untenable

Focuses on the impossibility of maintaining a position or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "would be ludicrous" in a sentence?

Use "would be ludicrous" to express that something is absurd or ridiculous in a hypothetical scenario. For example, "It "would be ludicrous" to suggest we could finish the project in a single day."

What are some alternatives to "would be ludicrous"?

Alternatives include "would be absurd", "would be ridiculous", or "would be preposterous", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "would be ludicrous" formal or informal?

"Would be ludicrous" sits in a neutral register, appropriate for many contexts. However, in very formal or academic writing, consider more neutral alternatives like "would be unreasonable".

What's the difference between "would be ludicrous" and "would be absurd"?

While similar, "ludicrous" often implies a stronger sense of mockery or disbelief than "would be absurd", which simply denotes something unreasonable or nonsensical.