a crazy idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a crazy idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a thought or concept that is unconventional, wild, or unexpected. Example: "While some may dismiss it as a crazy idea, I believe it could revolutionize the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a crazy idea.

The New York Times

It's not a crazy idea.

The New York Times

A crazy idea in 2009?

The Economist

Throw out a crazy idea.

Stanford University

A crazy idea?

The New York Times - Tech

"That's a crazy idea!" Neilson said.

The New Yorker

It seemed like a crazy idea.

The New York Times

It's not such a crazy idea.

The New York Times

It sounds like such a crazy idea.

The New York Times

"It's a crazy idea maybe".

The Guardian - Arts

Is that a crazy idea Susan?

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the potential upside of "a crazy idea", highlight the innovative or disruptive aspects that differentiate it from conventional approaches.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on the phrase "a crazy idea". Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing seem less thoughtful. Instead, explore diverse vocabulary and sentence structures to convey unconventional or innovative concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a crazy idea" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object. It typically characterizes a plan, suggestion, or thought, marking it as unconventional or unusual. Ludwig AI confirms its valid usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a crazy idea" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes an unconventional or unusual thought or plan. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and widespread application across various contexts. While it can sometimes carry a negative connotation, suggesting impracticality, it often highlights innovation and the potential for disruptive change. When using this phrase, be mindful of your audience and context, and consider softening the statement if necessary. Remember, diverse vocabulary and sentence structures enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an insane concept

Replaces 'crazy' with 'insane', suggesting a more extreme level of absurdity.

a wild notion

Uses 'wild' and 'notion' to offer a slightly less judgmental alternative.

an outlandish scheme

Substitutes 'crazy' with 'outlandish' and 'idea' with 'scheme', implying impracticality.

a far-fetched concept

Replaces 'crazy' with 'far-fetched', emphasizing the unlikelihood of success.

an absurd plan

Uses 'absurd' and 'plan' to highlight the illogical nature of the idea.

a preposterous suggestion

Employs 'preposterous' and 'suggestion' to indicate ridiculousness and lack of seriousness.

a ludicrous proposition

Replaces 'crazy' with 'ludicrous', suggesting something laughable or ridiculous.

a fanciful thought

Uses 'fanciful' and 'thought' to imply a whimsical and unrealistic idea.

an unconventional approach

Substitutes the phrase with a more neutral description of an unorthodox method.

a radical proposal

Emphasizes the innovative and potentially disruptive nature of the idea.

FAQs

How can I use "a crazy idea" in a sentence?

You can use "a crazy idea" to introduce a thought or plan that is unconventional or unexpected. For example, "Launching a business during a recession might sound like "a crazy idea", but it could also lead to significant growth if done correctly."

What can I say instead of "a crazy idea"?

You can use alternatives like "an insane concept", "a wild notion", or "an outlandish scheme" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to describe something as "a crazy idea"?

Not necessarily. While "a crazy idea" can imply impracticality or foolishness, it can also suggest innovation, boldness, or thinking outside the box. The connotation depends on the context and how the idea is presented.

What is the difference between "a crazy idea" and "a radical idea"?

While both phrases describe unconventional concepts, "a crazy idea" often emphasizes the potential absurdity or impracticality, whereas "a radical idea" typically suggests a fundamental departure from established norms with the potential for significant change.