patently crazy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patently crazy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is obviously or clearly irrational or absurd. Example: "The idea that we could solve all our problems with a single app is patently crazy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This system seems patently crazy, but no more crazy than so much else about the through-the-rabbit-hole world of medicine, and probably equally complicated.

The New York Times

In the pre-digital era, it made some sort of sense that Werner Herzog would make the grandly quixotic flourish of having a real ship hauled over a hill in his Fitzcarraldo (1982 todayay it seems patently crazy that, instead of taking the standard Hollywood approach and commissioning a computer-generated avalanche for one scene, Iñárritu actually engineered a real one.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This is so patently absurd that we forget how crazy it is.

Forbes

Rodger's fantasies are so patently strange and so extreme that they're easy to dismiss as simply crazy.

The New Yorker

Patently untrue.

The Guardian - Sport

Argentina patently.

The Guardian - Sport

Patently, that's progress.

The Economist

"That's patently obvious.

The New York Times

This is patently untrue.

The New Yorker

This was patently absurd.

The New York Times

That is patently unsustainable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "patently crazy" to describe ideas or actions that are so illogical or absurd that their foolishness is immediately apparent.

Common error

While "patently crazy" is acceptable, it can sound somewhat informal. In highly formal or academic writing, consider alternatives like "manifestly illogical" or "demonstrably irrational" to maintain a more serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patently crazy" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe something as obviously or clearly insane. This usage is supported by Ludwig, indicating the phrase is grammatically correct and understandable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "patently crazy" is used to describe something that is obviously irrational or absurd. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for written English. While acceptable, it might be too informal for highly formal contexts, where alternatives such as "manifestly illogical" may be preferred. The analysis of usage patterns reveals that its most frequent use is within news and media. Although infrequent, its meaning is clear and readily understood in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

patently absurd

Synonymous, but replaces "crazy" with "absurd" maintaining the formal tone.

obviously insane

Emphasizes the mental instability implied, focusing more on the state of mind than the action.

blatantly absurd

Highlights the ridiculousness and unreasonableness of something.

plainly ridiculous

Focuses on how laughable or silly something is.

clearly irrational

Highlights the lack of logical reasoning.

undeniably preposterous

Emphasizes the outrageous and unacceptable nature of something.

manifestly illogical

Emphasizes the absence of logic and reason in a more formal tone.

transparently foolish

Focuses on the lack of wisdom or good sense.

evidently senseless

Highlights the lack of purpose or meaning.

unquestionably lunatic

Uses a more informal and stronger term for "crazy", suggesting severe irrationality.

FAQs

What does "patently crazy" mean?

The phrase "patently crazy" means something is obviously and clearly irrational or absurd.

How can I use "patently crazy" in a sentence?

You can use "patently crazy" to describe ideas or actions that are clearly foolish or illogical. For example, "The idea that we could solve all our problems with a single app is patently crazy."

What are some alternatives to "patently crazy"?

You can use alternatives like "obviously insane", "blatantly absurd", or "plainly ridiculous" depending on the context.

Is "patently crazy" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "patently crazy" might be considered less formal. For academic or professional writing, consider alternatives such as "manifestly illogical" or "demonstrably irrational".