irrational things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "irrational things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions, thoughts, or behaviors that lack reason or logic. Example: "Sometimes, people do irrational things when they are under stress or emotional turmoil."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"Sometimes motorists do irrational things".

The Guardian

Such money makes rational men do irrational things.

The New York Times - Sports

But then I worry about worrying about irrational things.

The New York Times - Magazine

But even rational people occasionally do irrational things.

The New York Times

But damn, sports are irrational things, and talking about them in general is a foolish undertaking.

The Guardian - Sport

To live in Detroit is like having religion — it requires faith in unprovable and sometimes irrational things.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The end of tipping means one more irrational thing rationalized, one more odd little ritual lost.

The New Yorker

He's an eminently rational person doing what is basically an irrational thing".

The New Yorker

But I don't think that, because it is an irrational thing to think.

The Guardian

Once, he was asked the most irrational thing he had ever done.

The New York Times - Sports

Right now I think the irrational thing would be to say: 'No, I don't feel like coaching again.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a series of events or behaviors, use "irrational things" to underscore a pattern of illogical actions. This can effectively convey a sense of disarray or unpredictability.

Common error

Avoid using "irrational things" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, be specific about the actions or beliefs you're describing to provide clarity and context. Vague usage can weaken your argument and confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "irrational things" functions as a noun phrase, where "irrational" modifies the noun "things". It acts as the object of verbs or prepositions, referring to actions, behaviors, or beliefs that lack reason or logic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "irrational things" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase referring to actions, behaviors, or beliefs that lack reason or logic. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to use it with specificity and avoid overgeneralization to ensure clarity in writing. Consider alternatives like "illogical actions" or "unreasonable behaviors" based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

illogical actions

Focuses on the lack of logical consistency in actions, rather than a general state of irrationality.

unreasonable behaviors

Emphasizes the lack of reason and justification behind specific behaviors.

absurd actions

Highlights the ridiculous and nonsensical nature of the actions performed.

senseless acts

Focuses on the lack of purpose or meaning behind certain actions.

foolish decisions

Highlights the imprudence and lack of wisdom in making particular decisions.

unfounded beliefs

Focuses on beliefs that lack a rational basis or evidence.

groundless fears

Emphasizes that there is no logical ground to feel in danger.

preposterous ideas

Emphasizes a high level of absurdity and unbelievability.

imprudent choices

Focuses on the lack of care and foresight in making choices.

inane actions

Highlights the pointlessness and triviality of the actions performed.

FAQs

How can I use "irrational things" in a sentence?

You can use "irrational things" to describe actions or beliefs that lack logical reasoning. For example, "Fear can drive people to do "irrational things"".

What are some synonyms for "irrational things"?

Alternatives to "irrational things" include "illogical actions", "unreasonable behaviors", or "absurd actions". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "irrational actions" or "irrational things"?

Both "irrational actions" and "irrational things" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the action itself or a broader category of actions, behaviors, or beliefs. "Irrational actions" focuses more specifically on actions, while "irrational things" has broader applications.

Can "irrational things" refer to positive behaviors?

While generally "irrational things" suggests negative or illogical behaviors, it can, in some contexts, describe actions that defy conventional logic but lead to positive outcomes. However, this is less common and requires careful framing.