it sounds crazy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it sounds crazy" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could write: "I know it sounds crazy, but I think I saw an alien in my backyard last night!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It sounds crazy," Yahoo!

Independent

"It sounds crazy.

The New York Times - Books

I know, it sounds crazy.

The New York Times - Travel

"I know it sounds crazy," he said.

The New York Times

Put that way, it sounds crazy.

The New York Times

It sounds crazy, but it could happen.

The Economist

"I know it sounds crazy," Cilvaringz said.

Independent

She added: "I know it sounds crazy.

The New York Times - Sports

"It sounds crazy, I know that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It sounds crazy, and it is.

MIT Technology Review

Seth Lloyd: I know it sounds crazy.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it sounds crazy" to express disbelief or surprise, but be mindful of your audience. In formal settings, consider using a more professional alternative like "it seems unlikely" or "it is difficult to believe."

Common error

While "it sounds crazy" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternative expressions like "that's hard to believe" or "that's quite a claim".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sounds crazy" functions as an idiomatic expression used to convey disbelief, surprise, or skepticism regarding a statement, idea, or situation. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this expression prefaces the admission that a statement may appear illogical or improbable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it sounds crazy" is a common phrase used to express disbelief or to preface potentially unbelievable statements. Grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to prepare audiences for ideas that might initially seem illogical or improbable. While versatile, its informal tone suggests more restraint for formal writing where alternatives like "it seems improbable" may be more appropriate. Remember to vary your language to avoid repetition and to consider your audience when using this phrase. Ludwig's examples highlight its pervasive use in news, academic discussions and even science, underscoring its importance in effectively conveying surprise or skepticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it sounds absurd

This phrase focuses on the illogical or unreasonable quality of the statement.

it sounds ridiculous

This alternative highlights the silliness or foolishness of the idea.

it sounds implausible

This choice focuses on the lack of credibility or believability.

it sounds outrageous

This alternative emphasizes the shocking or offensive nature of what is being described.

it sounds far-fetched

This alternative suggests that the idea is unlikely or improbable.

it sounds preposterous

This emphasizes the utterly absurd and senseless character of the statement.

it sounds unbelievable

This option emphasizes the difficulty in accepting the statement as true.

it sounds fantastical

Implies the statement belongs more in a fantasy than in reality.

it sounds lunatic

Indicates that the statement is irrational, wild, or foolish.

it sounds like science fiction

Conveys that the statement is reminiscent of events and ideas typically found in science fiction.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it sounds crazy"?

You can use alternatives like "it sounds outrageous", "it sounds absurd", or "it sounds unbelievable" depending on the context.

Is "it sounds crazy" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it sounds crazy" is generally more suitable for informal settings. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "it seems improbable" or "it is difficult to believe".

How can I use "it sounds crazy" in a sentence?

You can use "it sounds crazy" to express disbelief or surprise about something. For example, "I know "it sounds crazy", but I think I saw a ghost."

What's the difference between "it sounds crazy" and "it is crazy"?

"It sounds crazy" indicates that something seems unbelievable or illogical based on initial information. "It is crazy" is a more direct statement asserting that something is indeed irrational or nonsensical.