a certain madness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain madness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific type of madness or irrational behavior that is somewhat identifiable or recognizable. Example: "In his art, there is a certain madness that captivates the viewer and draws them into his chaotic world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

And with a certain madness".

The New York Times - Books

The mere sight of a good map, she said, filled her with "a certain madness".

The New Yorker

Do you think there's a certain madness that's prompted by grief?

The Guardian - Books

Well, there is a certain madness of the crowds aspect to it – as Stan Stalnaker notes at CNN there was a similar run up in QQ, a virtual currency created by Tencent – but it also enables a certain amount of freedom and is poised to be a valuable instant value-transfer platform in commodities and small transactions.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Thus "A Sublime Madness" was born, its title taken from a concept by theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, who once wrote that a certain "sublime madness" is required to do battle against the forces of injustice. .

Los Angeles Times

Bygones and Shrub Contraption have a certain elusive madness to the narrative.

Huffington Post

Since old habits die hard, with increased volume, there is a certain deal madness rapidly returning that has been dormant for the past 36 months.

Huffington Post

In 1985, Sankara said of his political philosophy: You cannot carry out fundamental change without a certain amount of madness.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is fun, and a certain amount of madness, to be had in coming up with a list.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They proved, as did Gould, that the studio breeds startlingly original ideas; they also proved, as did Gould, that it breeds a certain kind of madness.

The New Yorker

Crazier things have happened in a city where the nexus of real estate and furniture -- typically more in the "how-can-I-fit-my-couch-into-my-apartment?" vein -- can be the source of a certain level of madness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain madness" to describe behavior that deviates from the norm in a recognizable or predictable way. This suggests the madness isn't entirely random.

Common error

While "a certain madness" can be effective, overuse diminishes its impact. Vary your language by using synonyms or more descriptive terms depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain madness" functions as a noun phrase, where "certain" modifies "madness". It suggests a specific, identifiable quality of madness, not just a general state. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain madness" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a specific, identifiable type of irrationality or eccentricity. Ludwig confirms this, highlighting its use in describing recognizable patterns within seemingly chaotic behavior. While not overly common, the phrase appears in various reputable sources, primarily within the realm of news and media. To prevent overuse, consider synonyms like "a particular insanity" or "a distinct mania" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular insanity

Focuses on a specific, perhaps unique, instance of insanity.

an identifiable lunacy

Emphasizes the recognizable and potentially predictable nature of the madness.

a specific derangement

Emphasizes a clearly defined and diagnosable mental disturbance.

a kind of irrationality

Refers to a type of illogical or unreasonable thinking or behavior.

a distinct mania

Highlights a marked enthusiasm or obsession that borders on the irrational.

a touch of mania

Suggests a mild or subtle form of heightened excitement or obsession.

a noticeable eccentricity

Softens the intensity, suggesting an unusual or quirky behavior.

a peculiar frenzy

Highlights the agitated or uncontrolled nature.

a degree of folly

Highlights the foolish or unwise aspect of the behavior.

a definable aberration

Shifts the focus to a deviation from the norm that can be clearly identified.

FAQs

How can I use "a certain madness" in a sentence?

You can use "a certain madness" to describe behavior or ideas that have a recognizable, albeit irrational, quality. For instance, "There was "a certain method to the madness" in his seemingly chaotic approach".

What phrases are similar to "a certain madness"?

Similar phrases include "a particular insanity", "a distinct mania", or "a noticeable eccentricity", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a certain madness"?

Yes, "a certain madness" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a specific type or quality of madness that is identifiable or apparent.

What's the difference between "a certain madness" and "madness"?

"Madness" is a general term for insanity or extreme foolishness. "A certain madness" implies a specific kind or instance of madness with identifiable characteristics, suggesting it's not just any madness, but one with a particular quality.