it was lunacy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was lunacy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action, decision, or situation that is perceived as irrational or wildly unreasonable. Example: "When he decided to invest all his savings in that failing business, it was lunacy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"It was lunacy," Ms. Apro recalled.

The New York Times

Douglas Gibson, chief whip of the Democratic Alliance, said it was "lunacy" to pick Mr. McBride because he knew nothing about police work.

The New York Times

Harry Harris from the Mirror pointed out that it was "lunacy" to send the team there and to allow them to drink so much; Ted said no, it "worked out just right".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In an interview with CNN's Dana Bash, Nunes expressed exasperation with the House' hard-right faction, saying it was "lunacy" to shut down the government in an effort to stop Obamacare.

The Guardian

LONDON — Perhaps before we ask whether we are witnessing the end of Barcelona's magnificent era, and the rise in its place of a powerful Bayern Munich, we should get one thing straight: It was lunacy for Barça to expect to take on a superbly fit and supremely confident German champion in its own backyard with ten and a half fit players.

The New York Times - Sports

"A lot of people thought it was lunacy to invest in a company with no technology, no barriers to entry, no management and no discernible source of revenue," says Moritz.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It's lunacy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's lunacy, absolute lunacy".

The New York Times

It's lunacy," he says.

The Guardian

Mr. Ackman, however, thinks it is lunacy — and he's right.

The New York Times

My first thought was: ah, good, the Mail finally agrees it's lunacy we have so few decent bike lanes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was lunacy" when you want to express strong disapproval or disbelief regarding a decision or action that seems utterly unreasonable. Its impact comes from the slightly elevated register of "lunacy", which adds a touch of irony.

Common error

While "it was lunacy" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "it was unwise" or "it was imprudent" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was lunacy" functions as a subjective assessment, expressing a strong opinion about the foolishness or irrationality of something. It serves to convey the speaker's disbelief or disapproval. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was lunacy" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to denote extreme foolishness or irrationality, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While relatively uncommon in overall usage, it finds its primary context in news and media. To maintain an appropriate tone, especially in more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "it was madness" or "it was unwise". When expressing your disapproval using "it was lunacy", it's an effective choice for conveying a blend of disbelief and strong criticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was madness

Replaces "lunacy" with a synonym that implies extreme foolishness or recklessness.

it was utter folly

Substitutes "lunacy" with "folly", emphasizing the lack of good sense or foresight.

it was sheer foolishness

Replaces "lunacy" with a more straightforward term for lacking wisdom or judgment.

it was complete absurdity

Emphasizes the nonsensical and ridiculous nature of the situation, using "absurdity" as a substitute.

it was downright idiotic

Uses a stronger term, "idiotic", to highlight the extreme lack of intelligence or reason.

it was plainly irrational

Focuses on the lack of rational thought behind the action or decision.

it was remarkably imprudent

Highlights the lack of caution and careful consideration.

it was patently unwise

Uses "unwise" to express a lack of good judgment or discretion.

it was a boneheaded move

Introduces a more informal and critical term for a stupid or ill-considered action.

it defied all logic

Shifts the focus to the action's contradiction of logical reasoning.

FAQs

How can I use "it was lunacy" in a sentence?

The phrase "it was lunacy" is typically used to express that a particular action, idea, or decision was extremely foolish or irrational. For example: "Investing all their money in that venture? It was lunacy."

What are some alternatives to "it was lunacy"?

Alternatives include "it was madness", "it was folly", or "it was absurd", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it was lunacy" too informal for academic writing?

While "it was lunacy" isn't strictly incorrect in academic writing, it may be perceived as less formal than other options. Consider alternatives like "it was imprudent" or "it was ill-advised" for a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "it was lunacy" and "it was madness"?

Both phrases express extreme foolishness, but "lunacy" often implies a wild, irrational quality, while "madness" suggests a more general state of insanity or extreme lack of judgment. Therefore, "it was lunacy" is a bit more specific.