bordering on madness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bordering on madness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or behavior that is approaching a state of insanity or irrationality. Example: "His obsession with perfection in every detail is bordering on madness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The government promises not to give Catalonia a financial deal that is not available to, and backed by, other regions.In this section The Viktor and Yulia show Bordering on madness Cold fusion About a rebate Homage to Barcelona Score one for the Vatican Re-enacting Waterloo Reprints Related items Spain and its regions: Clarity neededApr 21st 2005Mr Maragall dismisses talk of a crisis.

The Economist

But in Donetsk, at least, resentment of Mr Yushchenko persists.In this section The Viktor and Yulia show Bordering on madness Cold fusion About a rebate Homage to Barcelona Score one for the Vatican Re-enacting Waterloo ReprintsThe east's suspicions were sharpened by the arrest in April of Boris Kolesnikov over the allegedly violent takeover of a Donetsk department store.

The Economist

The painter Marcel Janko constructed masks that, according to Ball, inspired "passionate gesture, bordering on madness".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sarah's rage, genuine if also bordering on madness, is pedantically precise in its choice of symbols.

The New York Times - Books

The failure of the Charter in 1848 marked the beginning of the end for O'Connor, whose egocentricity was already bordering on madness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For months after the birth of our first child, my wife and I were in a mental state bordering on madness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

While for most the idea of holidaying in the DRPK is one that borders on madness, it offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get a rare glimpse into one of the most isolated, enigmatic and feared countries on earth.

BBC

Which, if unamended, borders on madness.

The Guardian

Once again, Mr. Hadary is playing a scientist, although in this case his misanthropy borders on madness.

The New York Times

The first two are a dereliction of duty: the third, surely, borders on madness.

The Guardian - Opinion

This 'attack Syria' hysteria is filled with contradictions and because of its implications, borders on madness.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bordering on madness" to describe situations or behaviors that are extremely irrational or close to being insane, but not quite there yet. It adds a nuanced emphasis on the threshold of mental instability.

Common error

Avoid using "bordering on madness" in highly formal or professional writing, as it can sound hyperbolic or overly dramatic. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "approaching irrationality" or "becoming highly erratic".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bordering on madness" functions as a descriptive modifier, typically used to characterize a noun or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes something as approaching, but not fully reaching, a state of insanity. The examples show its use in various contexts to add emphasis and nuance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bordering on madness" is a descriptive phrase used to indicate that something is approaching a state of insanity or extreme irrationality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not overly formal, it appears in various sources, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. More formal alternatives like "approaching irrationality" might be preferable in academic writing. The phrase serves to emphasize the extremity of a situation without definitively labeling it as completely mad, adding nuance to the description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of insanity

Emphasizes proximity to a state of insanity; slightly more formal.

on the edge of sanity

Similar to "verge of insanity" but uses 'edge' for a slightly different image.

nearing a mental breakdown

Focuses on the process of approaching a mental collapse.

almost insane

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the idea.

descending into madness

Suggests a gradual decline into insanity.

close to losing it

More informal, suggesting an imminent emotional breakdown.

losing one's mind

An idiomatic expression for becoming irrational or insane.

approaching hysteria

Highlights the element of uncontrolled emotion and excitement.

akin to lunacy

Uses a more formal term ('lunacy') to describe a state close to madness.

tantamount to derangement

Emphasizes the equivalence to a state of mental derangement.

FAQs

How can I use "bordering on madness" in a sentence?

You can use "bordering on madness" to describe behavior or situations that are extremely close to being irrational or insane. For example: "His dedication to the project was "bordering on madness"".

What are some alternatives to "bordering on madness"?

Alternatives include "on the verge of insanity", "close to losing it", or "approaching hysteria", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "bordering on madness" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "bordering on madness" might be perceived as slightly informal for highly academic contexts. Consider using alternatives like "approaching irrationality" or "verging on the extreme" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "bordering on madness" and "completely insane"?

"Bordering on madness" suggests a state that is close to, but not quite, complete insanity. "Completely insane" implies a full descent into irrationality. The former is less extreme than the latter.