borders on delusion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "borders on delusion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or belief that is very close to being irrational or unrealistic. Example: "His insistence that he can win the lottery every week borders on delusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's a myth that borders on delusion, for some of the key technologies that led to the internet were underwritten by government subsidies and arose in the context of larger-than-life geopolitical battles.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Where does this bravado, bordering on delusion, come from?

The New York Times

Ambition on that scale would border on delusion if it weren't for Jin's remarkable past.

Huffington Post

That requires self-belief that borders on self-delusion.

The Economist

Like Henry, an American novel nut (hence his sons' names), Carson has decamped across the Atlantic, developing in the process either a commendably positive attitude or an optimism bordering on self-delusion.

The Guardian - Books

It's hard to see how, if Columbus had not possessed such confidence in his own abilities — a confidence bordering on self-delusion — he could have imagined embarking on his first journey or how he could have pressed on through so many dangers, forever hoping to find China and the Grand Khan.

The New Yorker

See the entry on delusion, especially §4.2 Are Delusions Beliefs?

SEP

Political journalism is often imaginative, but this verges on delusion.

Huffington Post

This is how elite talent speaks, with a self-belief that borders on the absurd and occasionally veers into self-delusion.

The New York Times - Sports

It borders on kitsch.

The New York Times - Arts

Such understanding borders on telepathy.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "borders on delusion" to describe beliefs or behaviors that are extremely unrealistic or irrational, but not necessarily diagnosable as a clinical delusion. It's useful for conveying a sense of extreme unreasonableness.

Common error

Avoid using "borders on delusion" when referring to actual clinical delusions. The phrase is best used for exaggerated or hyperbolic descriptions of unrealistic beliefs, not as a substitute for a medical diagnosis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "borders on delusion" functions as a descriptor, indicating that something is approaching the state of being delusional, without necessarily fully reaching that state. As Ludwig AI confirm, it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "borders on delusion" is a phrase used to describe something that is approaching a state of delusion, implying extreme unreasonableness or irrationality. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound, it's important to avoid using it to describe clinical delusions. Consider alternative phrases like "verges on delusion" or "approaches irrationality" for different nuances. Remember that the intent is to convey skepticism or disbelief, rather than making a clinical assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verges on delusion

Implies a slightly stronger movement toward delusion compared to "borders on delusion".

approaches delusion

A more literal and direct way of saying something is nearing a state of delusion.

nears delusion

Similar to "approaches delusion" but with a slightly stronger sense of proximity.

is close to being delusional

A more descriptive and less idiomatic way of expressing the idea.

borders on fantasy

Shifts the focus from delusion to a more general sense of unreality or imagination.

approaches irrationality

Focuses on the lack of reason rather than the specific state of delusion.

is tantamount to delusion

Indicates the situation or statement is practically equal to delusion.

smacks of delusion

Suggests a hint or flavor of delusion, implying it's noticeable but not fully present.

resembles delusion

Highlights the similarity in characteristics to delusion.

verges on the absurd

Shifts the focus from delusion to general absurdity or ridiculousness.

FAQs

How can I use "borders on delusion" in a sentence?

You can use "borders on delusion" to describe a belief or idea that is very unrealistic or irrational, such as: "His confidence in winning the lottery every week "borders on delusion"".

What is a similar phrase to "borders on delusion"?

Similar phrases include "verges on delusion", "approaches delusion", or "nears delusion". Each suggests a state close to being delusional.

Is it appropriate to use "borders on delusion" in formal writing?

Yes, "borders on delusion" is appropriate for formal writing when describing a belief or idea that is extremely unrealistic. However, consider your audience and the specific context, as it can sound critical. A more neutral alternative might be "approaches irrationality".

What's the difference between "borders on delusion" and "is delusional"?

"Borders on delusion" suggests something is close to being a delusion but not quite there yet. "Is delusional" indicates that the person or idea has already crossed the line into a state of delusion.