downright crazy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'downright crazy' is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to denote something extreme and irrational. For example: "His actions were downright crazy; I couldn't believe he would do something so irrational!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Do we sometimes drive 'em downright crazy?

The New York Times

But none of them talk downright crazy, and that might just be what our country needs.

The New York Times

By John Cassidy May 9, 2016 Many of Donald Trump's proposals are untested, uncosted, and, in some cases, downright crazy.

The New Yorker

So vexing has the problem of consciousness proved that some of these thinkers have been driven to a hypothesis that sounds desperate, if not downright crazy.

The New York Times - Magazine

For those of us who closely follow politics, the past few weeks have seen the abnormal, the extreme and the downright crazy become the political norm.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only the brave or the downright crazy would think of dealing in a perishable product like milk.On his ranch on the dusty fringes of Kano, the biggest city in Nigeria's north, he faces a daunting array of problems.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

By taking a good look at the calories, grams of fat, and sugar content in each medium-sized beverage, we were able to find the best, the worst, and the downright craziest drinks for you to enjoy -- or avoid -- this summer.

Huffington Post

It categorically flies in the face of so much "conventional wisdom" regarding law school-and every one of those endless "law school prep" books -- that I surely appear just downright unambitious, lazy, crazy and stupid.

Huffington Post

"This is not only crazy, it is downright dangerous".

The Guardian

The deals are great, but the long lines and crazy crowds are downright exhausting.

Huffington Post

Table 5 Qualitative findings across participants Qualitative finding Participant quotes Emotional impact of That's Just Crazy Talk It was downright entertaining and moving.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using this phrase, as it may be considered too informal for some professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "downright crazy" in formal documents or academic papers. Opt for more neutral or professional alternatives like "irrational" or "absurd" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "downright crazy" functions as an intensifier (downright) modifying an adjective (crazy). It emphasizes the extreme nature of something considered irrational or foolish, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "downright crazy" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe something extremely irrational or foolish. As highlighted by Ludwig, it functions as an intensifier and is often found in News & Media contexts, with a generally informal register. While its informal nature might not suit formal writing, its expressive power makes it effective in conveying strong disapproval or disbelief. If you're aiming for a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "utterly insane" or "completely absurd". Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase is usable and provides context-rich examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly insane

Emphasizes a complete lack of reason; stronger than "downright crazy".

absolutely ludicrous

Implies something is laughably foolish; similar in intensity.

certifiably insane

A phrase indicating that one is clearly mentally deranged.

completely absurd

Highlights the ridiculous nature of something; less focused on irrationality.

pure lunacy

Emphasizes a condition of mental disorder.

patently absurd

Stresses the obviousness of the absurdity; more formal.

totally irrational

Focuses on the lack of reason; more clinical.

simply preposterous

Highlights that something is contrary to nature, reason, or common sense.

plain crazy

Simplifies the expression, reducing emphasis on intensity.

genuinely mad

Indicates authentic craziness; less common.

FAQs

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

You can use "downright crazy" to describe actions, ideas, or situations that are extremely foolish or irrational. For example, "The proposal to cut funding for education is "downright crazy"".

What can I say instead of "downright crazy"?

You can use alternatives like "utterly insane", "completely absurd", or "absolutely ludicrous" depending on the context.

Is "downright crazy" a formal or informal expression?

"Downright crazy" is considered an informal expression. It's more suitable for casual conversations, informal writing, or situations where you want to express strong emotion or disbelief. In formal settings, it's best to use more neutral alternatives.

What's the difference between "downright crazy" and "slightly crazy"?

"Downright crazy" implies a high degree of irrationality or absurdity, while "slightly crazy" suggests something is only mildly unusual or foolish. The intensity of the expression is significantly different.