surely crazy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surely crazy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong belief or certainty that something is irrational or nonsensical. Example: "The idea that we could finish the project in one day is surely crazy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But it is surely crazy to prefer that.This message is well understood almost everywhere, it seems, except in Washington.

The Economist

This is surely crazy thinking.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is surely also mad, crazy, sexy and cool, but he does not quite go there.

The New York Times - Books

And there is surely no crazier place to begin a performance than in the midst of Act II, during the most tumultuous love scene in opera.

The New Yorker

Paul Krugman is surely right ("Some Crazy Guy," column, June 13).

The New York Times

No one in Washington is that crazy, surely?Step back from the edgeAmerica enjoys the "exorbitant privilege" of printing the world's reserve currency.

The Economist

No one in Washington is that crazy, surely?" It's a rhetorical question, but one that many in the world are starting to take seriously.

BBC

Surely, this was getting crazy.

The New Yorker

Surely 12 hours of crazy swinging and bouncing would generate a little juice.

The New York Times

If status can get us to do crazy things, surely it can get us to do sustainable things.

The Guardian

Pumpkins are in season and people are arguing over when it's OK to start wearing tights (call us crazy, but surely when your legs are cold?).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "surely crazy" to express a firm belief that an idea or action is irrational or nonsensical. It's best suited for informal contexts or when emphasizing a strong personal opinion.

Common error

Avoid using "surely crazy" in formal writing or professional settings, as it can come across as too casual or dismissive. Opt for more neutral or objective language to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surely crazy" functions as an intensifier combined with an adjective, expressing a strong opinion about something being irrational or nonsensical. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in expressing disbelief.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "surely crazy" is a phrase used to express a strong opinion or belief that something is irrational or nonsensical. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is grammatically correct but more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. While you can use other alternatives like "certainly insane" or "absolutely absurd" to convey a similar meaning, be mindful of the level of formality required for your writing. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media. Avoiding overuse in formal writing will help maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certainly insane

Emphasizes mental instability to a greater degree than the original phrase.

definitely mad

Similar to "surely crazy" but with a stronger connotation of mental derangement.

undoubtedly foolish

Focuses on the lack of wisdom rather than mental instability.

absolutely absurd

Highlights the ridiculousness of something, moving away from mental state.

patently ludicrous

A more formal and emphatic way to describe something as laughable and illogical.

clearly irrational

Directly addresses the lack of reason behind something.

obviously nonsensical

Focuses on the lack of sense or meaning in something.

plainly preposterous

Implies something is outrageously unbelievable.

unquestionably daft

A more lighthearted and informal way of saying something is silly or foolish.

indisputably eccentric

Suggests something deviates from the norm to an extreme degree, but not necessarily negatively.

FAQs

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

You can use "surely crazy" to express your strong belief that something is irrational. For example, "Thinking we can solve this problem overnight is "surely crazy"."

What are some alternatives to using "surely crazy"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "certainly insane", "definitely mad", or "absolutely absurd".

Is "surely crazy" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "surely crazy" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "clearly irrational" or "patently ludicrous" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "surely crazy" and "probably crazy"?

"Surely crazy" implies a stronger degree of certainty and disbelief than "probably crazy". The former expresses a firm conviction, while the latter suggests a possibility.