for the sheer hell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for the sheer hell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express doing something purely for the sake of enjoyment, mischief, or without a serious purpose. Example: "He decided to go skydiving for the sheer hell of it, even though he had never done it before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Federer challenges, just for the sheer hell of it.

The Guardian - Sport

The answer is: for the sheer hell of it.

The Guardian - Music

Chain e-mails pass along jokes for the sheer hell of it.

The New York Times - Magazine

But The Monkey's Mask I wrote for the sheer hell of it".

The Guardian - Books

They got into fistfights for the sheer hell and pain of it, the sting of skinned knuckles reminding them that they were still alive.

The New York Times

The whole thing feels like a great, anarchic roaring, a wild flinging out of the hands, Rumpelstiltskin's crazy, enraged stamping for the sheer hell of living.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

She began to explain the sheer hell that Ms. Roberts had been through and why she thought the size of the balloon payment was onerous.

The New York Times

"Nobody who has never had my peculiar kind of disability can understand the sheer hell of such moments, but there they are".

The New Yorker

And one last lesson - never moan to colleagues or family about the sheer hell of covering a gadget conference in Las Vegas.

BBC

He would have put his family through the sheer hell of campaigning while mourning the unthinkable.

Huffington Post

Moody and alienated young delinquents are killing for thrills, for celebrity, for the sheer Dostoevskian hell of it.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for the sheer hell of it", consider the tone of your writing. It can add a playful or rebellious flavor, but ensure it aligns with the overall message and audience.

Common error

Avoid using "for the sheer hell of it" in formal or professional writing. The phrase's casual and slightly rebellious tone can be inappropriate in serious or business-oriented communication. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "for the sake of it" or "simply because".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the sheer hell" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by providing a reason or motivation for an action. It indicates that the action is performed without a serious purpose, often driven by amusement or mischief. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Music

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for the sheer hell" is a grammatically sound and reasonably common phrase used to indicate that an action is performed without serious intent, often driven by amusement or mischief. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable for use in written English. It's most appropriate in informal contexts, like casual conversations or creative writing, but should be avoided in more formal or professional settings where its irreverent tone might be unsuitable. Alternatives like "just for fun" or "for the thrill of it" can be used to convey a similar meaning in more formal settings. While it appears mostly in news and media, books and music examples are also widely available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just for the fun of it

Emphasizes the enjoyment and amusement derived from the action.

for the thrill of it

Highlights the excitement and adrenaline rush associated with the action.

just to do it

Simple and direct way of saying there's no particular reason other than wanting to.

on a whim

Suggests a sudden and impulsive decision to act.

for kicks

Informal way to describe doing something for excitement or amusement.

simply because

Conveys a lack of deeper reasoning or justification for the action.

out of pure mischief

Highlights the playful or naughty intention behind the action.

without any reason

Underscores the absence of a logical or practical motivation.

for no good reason

Expresses that there is no real or valid justification for the action.

to pass the time

Indicates that the action is done to alleviate boredom.

FAQs

What does it mean to do something "for the sheer hell" of it?

Doing something "for the sheer hell" of it means doing it simply for the enjoyment, excitement, or thrill, often without a deeper or more serious purpose. It suggests a slightly rebellious or mischievous motivation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "for the sheer hell" of it?

The phrase is best used in informal contexts, like casual conversations or creative writing, where a touch of irreverence or playfulness is appropriate. Avoid it in formal or professional settings.

What are some alternatives to saying "for the sheer hell" of it?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "just for fun", "for the thrill of it", or "simply because".

Is it grammatically correct to say "for the sheer hell" of it?

Yes, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English, though its tone is informal. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English.