lost your mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost your mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express disbelief or concern about someone's actions or decisions, often implying that they are acting irrationally. Example: "After hearing his plan to quit his job and travel the world without any savings, I couldn't help but ask him if he had lost his mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

You lost your mind".

The New York Times

Have you lost your mind?

The Washington Post

Have You Lost Your Mind?

The New Yorker

"Have you ever lost your mind?

The New Yorker

Have you lost your mind?" I hadn't really.

The New York Times

Perhaps a voice screamed: "Have you lost your mind?

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"You have all lost your minds".

The New York Times

"Have you lost your minds?" one man asked, his voice breaking.

The Guardian

Have you all completely lost your minds?

HuffPost

Losing your mind?

University of California, Berkeley

Could you lose your mind?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, use this phrase to indicate a character's shock, anger, or confusion, adding realism and emotional depth.

Common error

Avoid using "lost your mind" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "gone mad" or "out of your mind" to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost your mind" functions primarily as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct. It serves as a rhetorical question or statement used to express disbelief, shock, or strong disapproval of someone's actions or ideas. Examples from Ludwig show it used both in direct questions and declarative statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "lost your mind" is a very common expression used to question someone's sanity or express disbelief at their actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While it can be used in a neutral register, it often carries a slightly informal tone. When using this phrase, be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation and consider alternative expressions, such as "gone mad" or "out of your mind", to suit different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of your mind

Implies a temporary state of irrationality or impaired judgment.

gone mad

Suggests a state of insanity or extreme anger.

gone crazy

Similar to "gone mad", but often used in a more informal context.

lost your senses

Similar to "taken leave of your senses", but slightly less formal.

taken leave of your senses

A more formal and somewhat old-fashioned way of saying someone is acting irrationally.

unhinged

Describes someone who is mentally unstable or emotionally erratic.

become deranged

Indicates a severe state of mental disturbance or madness.

gone bananas

A more playful and informal way to describe someone acting crazy.

flipped your lid

Suggests a sudden loss of control or emotional outburst.

cracked up

Implies a breakdown in mental or emotional stability.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "lost your mind"?

When someone says you've "lost your mind", it usually means they think you're acting irrationally, making a foolish decision, or behaving in a way that is out of character. It's often used to express disbelief or strong disagreement.

How can I use "lost your mind" in a sentence?

You can use "lost your mind" in questions like "Have you "lost your mind"?" or in statements like "I think he's "lost your mind" if he believes that.". Remember to adjust the tone based on the context.

What are some less common ways to say "lost your mind"?

Less common alternatives include "taken leave of your senses", "unhinged", or "become deranged", although these might suggest a more severe or permanent state of irrationality compared to the original phrase.

Is it more appropriate to say "lose your mind" or "lost your mind"?

"Lost your mind" is typically used as a past participle in phrases questioning someone's current actions or state of mind. "Lose your mind" can be used in a conditional sense (e.g., "You'll lose your mind if you try to understand quantum physics.") or as an imperative (e.g., "Just lose your mind and dance!").