is he crazy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is he crazy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when questioning someone's mental state or behavior, often in a rhetorical or informal context. Example: "After hearing his wild ideas, I couldn't help but wonder, is he crazy?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Is he smart, is he dumb, is he a hero, is he a coward, is he sane or is he crazy?

Huffington Post

"Dad, is he crazy?" Luca asked me.

The New York Times

I mean, is he crazy?

The New Yorker

"Joe, is he crazy?" the platoon leader asked his interpreter.

The New York Times

Delusions explode like Scud missiles: Did Captain Dugan really become his own daughter, or is he crazy, or are we crazy for trying to figure it out?

The New York Times - Books

So when corporate raider and Yahoo! board member Carl Icahn doubled down on Yahoo! in a Thanksgiving-week frenzy, after watching his previous investment lose $1 billion since buying 69 million shares of Yahoo! for $25 a share early this year, the question shouldn't be "Is he crazy?" The right question is: Has Icahn lost his nerve?

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

What was he, crazy?

The New York Times

Was he crazy?

The New York Times - Arts

Or was he crazy like a fox?

The New York Times - Arts

Was he crazy?" "Well, he was an old-timer.

The New Yorker

I must admit: when he's crazy, he's crazy like a fox.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "is he crazy" to question someone's sanity or rationality when their behavior seems illogical or erratic. It's often used rhetorically or in informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "is he crazy" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral or professional alternatives like "is he mistaken?" or "is his judgment sound?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is he crazy" functions primarily as an interrogative expression used to question someone's mental state or judgment. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in contexts where actions or ideas seem irrational or illogical.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is he crazy" is a common interrogative expression used to question someone's mental state or rationality. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in informal and neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. While it effectively conveys disbelief or doubt, it's crucial to consider the context and audience. For formal settings, alternatives like "is he irrational?" or "is his judgment sound?" are more appropriate. The phrase's widespread usage and clear communicative purpose make it a valuable tool in everyday language, but writers should be mindful of its informal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Is he out of his mind?

Emphasizes a loss of rational thought, suggesting the person's actions are irrational.

Is he insane?

A more direct question about someone's mental health, implying a severe condition.

Has he lost his marbles?

An informal expression suggesting someone has become foolish or irrational.

Is he daft?

A milder term for foolishness or lack of good sense.

Is he nuts?

Informal way of asking if someone is behaving erratically or irrationally.

Is he not in his right mind?

Suggests a temporary state of impaired judgment or sanity.

Is he irrational?

Focuses on the lack of logical reasoning in someone's actions or beliefs.

Is he delusional?

Implies the person is experiencing false beliefs or perceptions.

Is he foolish?

Indicates a lack of wisdom or good judgment.

Is he unwise?

Suggests a lack of prudence or good decision-making skills.

FAQs

How can I use "is he crazy" in a sentence?

You can use "is he crazy" to express disbelief or question someone's sanity, such as: "After proposing such a risky plan, I wondered, is he crazy?"

What are some alternatives to "is he crazy"?

Alternatives include "is he insane", "is he out of his mind", or "has he lost his marbles", depending on the level of formality and intensity you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is he crazy"?

It's appropriate in informal conversations, casual writing, or when expressing strong disbelief. Avoid using it in formal or professional settings.

Is "is he crazy" the same as "is he mad"?

Yes, "is he crazy" and "is he mad" are often used interchangeably to question someone's sanity, although "mad" can sometimes imply anger as well.