absolutely mad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely mad" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is considered crazy or irrational, often in a colloquial or informal context. Example: "After hearing his wild ideas for the project, I thought he was absolutely mad."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Music

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Absolutely mad".

The Guardian - Sport

"Absolutely mad, that was".

The Guardian - Business

It makes me absolutely mad".

The Guardian

"People are going absolutely mad".

The New York Times - Travel

She was absolutely mad for paisley!

The New York Times - Magazine

"He was an absolutely mad climber.

The Guardian

The whole thing was absolutely mad!

The Guardian

"People are absolutely mad for them," Wilson said.

The New York Times - Sports

It's that whole thing that drives me absolutely mad.

The Guardian - Music

"You are nuts, my friend," he wrote, "completely, absolutely mad... and wonderful".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Happy #UpHellyAa everybody! https://t.co/5yOAoy2ftT pic.Thetter.com/1oI9qW5Efestivalestival of #UpHellyAa is absolutely mad-fire, fun and fancy dress https://t.co/MY0oP9pZVu #Scotland #Unmissable pic.twitter.com/IgsyvqBn98 Lerwick at 6am this morning, as #UpHellyAa begins!

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absolutely mad" to express strong disapproval, surprise, or amusement. It's more impactful than simply saying "mad".

Common error

While "absolutely mad" can be effective, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely mad" functions as an intensifier modifying the adjective "mad". It serves to amplify the degree of craziness, irrationality, or foolishness being described. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in various descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

16%

Vice

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "absolutely mad" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe something or someone considered extremely foolish, irrational, or chaotic. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is widely used. While its register is primarily informal and neutral, it can be found in a variety of sources, including news and media. Alternatives include "completely insane", "utterly crazy", and "totally bonkers", each with slightly different nuances. When writing, it’s important to use the phrase judiciously to avoid redundancy and maintain clarity. The phrase is valuable for expressing strong emotions and opinions in a relatable manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely insane

Emphasizes the extreme lack of reason or sanity.

utterly crazy

Highlights a state of being wildly unconventional or foolish.

totally bonkers

Indicates a lighthearted and eccentric form of madness.

absolutely ludicrous

Focuses on the absurdity and ridiculousness of a situation or idea.

entirely irrational

Stresses the lack of logical thought or reasoning.

completely daft

Suggests a foolish or silly state of mind.

purely nonsensical

Emphasizes the lack of meaning or sense in something.

wholly preposterous

Highlights the outrageous and unacceptable nature of something.

thoroughly deranged

Indicates a severe mental imbalance or disorder.

unquestionably manic

Points to a state of extreme excitement, energy, or delusion.

FAQs

How can I use "absolutely mad" in a sentence?

You can use "absolutely mad" to describe something or someone that is extremely foolish, irrational, or chaotic. For example, "The idea of investing all our savings in that venture seems "absolutely mad"".

What are some alternatives to saying "absolutely mad"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "completely insane", "utterly crazy", or "totally bonkers".

Is "absolutely mad" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "absolutely mad" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider using more neutral alternatives like "entirely irrational" or "completely illogical".

What's the difference between "absolutely mad" and "slightly mad"?

"Absolutely mad" implies a high degree of irrationality or foolishness, whereas "slightly mad" suggests a mild or somewhat eccentric behavior. The intensity of the madness differs significantly.