have a mania

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a mania" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an intense enthusiasm or obsession with something, often in a psychological context. Example: "He seems to have a mania for collecting rare stamps, spending all his free time searching for them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Republicans have a mania.

The New York Times

(At this early point in his career Naruse seemed to have a mania for bedside reconciliation scenes).

The New York Times

Karen Strauss Dear Diary: We all know New Yorkers have a mania for finding ways to save time and energy.

The New York Times

"I have a mania for citation," Ruiz said to me on a recent morning, the day after my trip to the cinémathèque.

The New York Times - Magazine

A rear view indicated that Mr. Brooks does not have a mania for working out, which makes us love him all the more.

The New York Times

Before you begin to wonder whether I simply have a mania for cleanliness, I was convinced of Dubai's merits because of the enticing combination of easy access from the UK and warm sunshine – a delicious respite from the uncertainties of the British weather at this time of year and ideal before the searing heat of the Emirati summer.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He also had a mania for conciseness.

The New Yorker

Yourcenar had a mania for travel.

The New Yorker

Like Mr. Keating, Sudeikis has a mania for quotable wisdom.

The New Yorker

From the age of five I have had a mania for sketching the forms of things.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although philosophy has a mania for classification, Professor Dutton was demonstrably beyond category.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have a mania" when you want to describe a strong enthusiasm or obsession, particularly when it seems somewhat excessive or unusual. It is particularly effective in describing a recurring or persistent interest.

Common error

Avoid using "have a mania" to describe mild interests. This phrase implies a level of intensity that goes beyond simple liking or enjoyment; it suggests a persistent or even obsessive focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a mania" functions as a predicate within a sentence, typically describing a subject's intense enthusiasm or obsession. It often follows a form of the verb "to have" and is completed by the noun phrase "a mania". Ludwig provides examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have a mania" is a phrase used to describe a strong enthusiasm or obsession. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not extremely common, the phrase appears in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When writing, ensure you're accurately portraying a high level of interest, as "have a mania" implies more than just a casual liking. For less intense enthusiasm, consider alternatives like "be passionate about" or "be enthusiastic about".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have an obsession

This alternative shifts the focus slightly from a general enthusiasm to a more specific and potentially all-consuming obsession.

have a fixation

This phrase suggests a more rigid and perhaps less healthy focus than "have a mania".

be obsessed with

This emphasizes the state of being controlled by the intense interest, rather than just possessing it.

be consumed by

This indicates a complete absorption in something, a more extreme version of "have a mania".

be fanatical about

This suggests a very strong and sometimes irrational enthusiasm.

be passionate about

This denotes a strong and positive feeling, but with less intensity than "have a mania".

be enthusiastic about

This indicates a general positive feeling, less intense than "have a mania".

be crazy about

A more informal expression indicating strong liking or enthusiasm.

possess an intense interest

This is a more formal and descriptive way of expressing a strong interest, similar to "have a mania".

harbor a strong passion

This suggests a deeply felt and cherished enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "have a mania" in a sentence?

You can use "have a mania" to describe someone's intense enthusiasm or obsession with something. For instance, "He seems to "have a mania" for collecting rare stamps, spending all his free time searching for them."

What are some alternatives to saying "have a mania"?

You can use alternatives like "have an obsession", "have a fixation", or "be obsessed with depending on the context".

Is it appropriate to use "have a mania" in formal writing?

While "have a mania" is generally acceptable, consider the intensity of the emotion you're describing. In very formal contexts, alternatives like "possess an intense interest" or "harbor a strong passion" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "have a mania" and "be passionate about"?

"Have a mania" implies a stronger, potentially obsessive interest, while "be passionate about" suggests a strong enthusiasm and positive feeling without the implication of obsession.