episodes of madness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "episodes of madness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe instances or occurrences of irrational behavior or mental instability. Example: "The protagonist in the novel experiences episodes of madness that lead to a dramatic change in his personality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

She was not afraid of admitting that she herself suffered episodes of "madness" – nor did she feel the need to be de-stigmatised by politically correct terminology.

The Guardian - Books

The adoption of any new mode of communication begets episodes of madness.

Huffington Post

Study after study have shown the there is no increase in episodes of madness, disasters, traffic accidents, emergency calls, assassinations, violent crime, sleepwalking, births, suicides, homicides, arson, epilepsy, or werewolf sightings associated with the moon phases.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"It's all due to the times we live in," a doctor tells Anna when she describes an episode of madness.

The Guardian - Books

Both contestants ended up badly damaged--Ruskin because he recovered from an episode of madness to find his reputation ruined, Whistler because the farthing damages were not only derisive but left him with his lawyer's fees to pay.

The New Yorker

The Mets are headed back into another episode of the madness.

The New York Times - Sports

With recurring shots of locks and keys, the Dardennes suggest the fear and exclusion that suffuse the prosperous West and Lorna herself, and the story builds to a terrifying episode of Shakespearean madness that, with its implications of the supernatural, dramatizes, against the coldhearted demands of reason, the resistance of moral conscience.

The New Yorker

Bubbles are episodes of collective human madness — euphoria over investments whose skyrocketing values are unsustainable.

The New York Times

The men and one woman on board entered one of those mind-numbing episodes of human depravity, madness, fear and brutality that show what the human species is really capable of.

The New York Times - Books

A little while ago, I began re-watching episodes of seminal alcohol madness documentary series, Booze Britain.

Vice

In Friday's episode, a convent experiences an outbreak of madness (and all the younger residents are, of course, hot).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "episodes of madness", provide specific details about the behaviors or symptoms observed to give your reader a clearer understanding of the situation. Avoid vague or generalized descriptions.

Common error

The phrase "episodes of madness" suggests a significant deviation from normal mental functioning. Using it to describe common feelings like sadness or anger diminishes its impact and can be insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "episodes of madness" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and appears in written English. It describes recurrent instances of mental instability or irrationality.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "episodes of madness" is a grammatically sound and usable expression referring to recurring instances of irrational behavior or mental instability. Although Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it appears relatively infrequently and is most commonly found in news media and science-related contexts. When employing this phrase, it is important to consider its potentially sensitive nature and ensure that it aligns with the appropriate register and context. Alternative phrases such as "bouts of insanity" or "periods of mental derangement" may be considered depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bouts of insanity

Replaces "episodes" with "bouts" and "madness" with "insanity", suggesting a more severe and potentially shorter duration of mental instability. It implies an acute, intense period of mental derangement.

periods of mental derangement

Substitutes "episodes" with "periods" and "madness" with "mental derangement", focusing on the mental aspect and suggesting a more prolonged state of disarray in one's mental faculties.

times of mental instability

Emphasizes the fluctuating and unsteady nature of the mental state, deviating slightly from the original's implication of severe mental illness.

moments of lunacy

Uses "moments" instead of "episodes" and "lunacy" to replace "madness", implying brief instances of irrationality or foolishness.

phases of psychosis

Replaces "madness" with "psychosis", indicating a more clinical or severe state of mental disorder characterized by a disconnect from reality.

outbursts of irrationality

Shifts the focus to observable behavior, describing sudden displays of illogical or unreasonable conduct.

flashes of mania

Uses the term "mania", which is more specific and indicates a period of abnormally elevated mood, energy, and activity levels.

spells of delirium

Replaces "madness" with "delirium", suggesting a state of confusion, disorientation, and impaired cognitive function.

fits of frenzy

Conveys a sense of uncontrolled and agitated behavior, more intense and potentially violent than simple madness.

waves of hysteria

Implies emotional excess and potentially dramatic or attention-seeking behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "episodes of madness" in a sentence?

You can use "episodes of madness" to describe periods of irrational or mentally unstable behavior. For example: "The character's sanity deteriorated, marked by frequent "episodes of madness"."

What are some alternatives to "episodes of madness"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "bouts of insanity", "periods of mental derangement", or "times of mental instability".

Is "episodes of madness" a stigmatizing term?

While "episodes of madness" can be seen as a strong term, it is not inherently stigmatizing if used appropriately and with sensitivity. However, it's important to consider the context and the potential impact on the individuals being described. Using person-first language can help reduce stigma.

What is the difference between "episodes of madness" and "moments of insanity"?

"Episodes of madness" implies a more extended period of mental instability, while "moments of insanity" suggests briefer, more fleeting instances of irrationality. The choice between the two depends on the duration and intensity you wish to convey.