this was insane

USAGE SUMMARY

"this was insane" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that you found to be shocking or extreme. For example: "I can't believe how much work I had to do for this project, it was insane!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Given the difficulty that the Norse had in putting food on the table, this was insane.

The New Yorker

He understood that this was insane, but he couldn't help it.

The New Yorker

This was insane, back-and-forth stuff, the kind of style the Capitals dismissed long ago.

The Washington Post

"I knew a little bit about pigeons from Darwin, but this was insane," he recalled.

The New York Times - Science

"I want them to walk down the stairs into the chamber, to stand before the ovens and see that this was insane and criminal.

The New Yorker

"I wanted to tell her that I loved her," Ms. Diaz said, "but I was having a conversation in my head that this was insane".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Man: This is insane!

The New York Times

"This is insane," she admitted.

The New York Times

"This is insane," he mutters.

The New Yorker

"This is insane," I said.

The New York Times

"I said: 'This is insane.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience and the level of formality required. While acceptable in many contexts, it might be too informal for academic or professional writing.

Common error

Avoid using "this was insane" in formal or professional settings where more nuanced or sophisticated language is expected. Opt for phrases like "this was highly inappropriate" or "this was extremely surprising" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was insane" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a strong negative reaction to a situation or event. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it conveys shock, disbelief, or outrage. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this was insane" is used to express strong disbelief, shock, or outrage, primarily in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English, but it should be used judiciously, particularly in formal settings where more precise language is required. Alternatives such as "this was outrageous" or "this was absurd" can provide similar meaning with different connotations. The selection of the most appropriate phrase depends largely on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this was outrageous

Emphasizes the unacceptable or offensive nature of the situation.

this was absurd

Highlights the illogical or unreasonable aspect of the situation.

this was unbelievable

Focuses on the incredibility of the situation.

this was ludicrous

Stresses the ridiculous and laughable nature of the situation.

this was unthinkable

Highlights that the situation was beyond consideration or expectation.

this was wild

Emphasizes the unrestrained and chaotic nature of the situation.

this was mind-blowing

Focuses on the overwhelming and astonishing impact of the situation.

this was beyond belief

Highlights that the situation was difficult to accept as true or real.

this was the height of folly

Emphasizes the foolishness or lack of good sense in the situation.

this was sheer lunacy

Highlights the extreme foolishness or madness of the situation.

FAQs

What does "this was insane" mean?

The phrase "this was insane" expresses strong disbelief, shock, or outrage about something that happened. It implies that the situation was extreme, irrational, or unbelievable.

What can I say instead of "this was insane"?

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

Is "this was insane" too informal for professional communication?

Yes, in many professional contexts, "this was insane" can be considered too informal. It's better to use more neutral or sophisticated language to maintain a professional tone. Alternatives like "this was highly inappropriate" or "this was extremely surprising" may be more suitable.

How can I use "this was insane" in a sentence?

You can use "this was insane" to react to surprising or shocking news. For example, "When I heard the company was filing for bankruptcy, I thought, 'This was insane!'"