to be sane

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be sane" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing mental health, rationality, or the state of being mentally sound. Example: "In times of crisis, it's important to take a step back and focus on how to be sane amidst the chaos."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

There seem to be sane plans for its continued upkeep.

The Guardian

Our charge here is to be safe, but to be sane".

The New York Times

"To be sane in a world of madmen is in itself a kind of madness".

The Guardian - Opinion

"We try very hard to be sane and sensible about health and medical science and not overinflate risk.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is clearly possible to be insane and moral, and it is equally possible to be sane and bad.

The New York Times

The law is clear on what should happen at the point Hinckley is judged to be sane.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Then the three adults went to the meeting for freshman parents, where we were encouraged to be saner than the "bad examples" -- like the couple who actually bought a condo next to the campus.

The New York Times

In the more sentimental versions of this visionary madman formula (as in the 1966 cult film "King of Hearts," starring Alan Bates), the loonies turn out to be saner than their adversaries.

The New York Times

If I was going to be sane which I wasn't sure of!

Huffington Post

The year ahead promises to be saner, yet hopefully progressive.

Huffington Post

One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite insane".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be sane" when discussing the importance of maintaining mental health, especially in challenging or chaotic environments. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While acceptable, avoid using "to be sane" in contexts that demand extreme formality or technical precision. Opt for phrases like "to be rational" or "to be of sound mind" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to be sane" primarily functions as a complement, often expressing a state of being or a goal. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in discussions about mental health, rationality, and maintaining equilibrium in challenging situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be sane" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies the importance of maintaining mental stability and rationality. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, particularly in the context of news, media, and general discussions about mental health. While versatile, it's best to avoid overly formal or technical settings, opting instead for alternatives like "to be rational" or "to be of sound mind". Key takeaways include using "to be sane" to emphasize mental well-being in challenging situations and remembering that maintaining sanity is an ongoing effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to maintain sanity

Focuses on the act of keeping one's mental equilibrium, implying a proactive effort.

to stay rational

Emphasizes logical thought processes and decision-making.

to be level-headed

Highlights calmness and composure, especially in stressful situations.

to keep a clear head

Stresses the importance of clarity and focus in thinking.

to remain composed

Implies maintaining emotional control and avoiding panic.

to be of sound mind

A more formal and legalistic way of expressing mental competence.

to think clearly

Focuses on the ability to process information and make reasoned judgments.

to be sensible

Highlights practicality and good judgment in actions and decisions.

to use common sense

Emphasizes the application of basic, practical reasoning.

to be well-balanced

Suggests a harmonious state of mental and emotional equilibrium.

FAQs

How can I use "to be sane" in a sentence?

You can use "to be sane" to express the importance of maintaining mental stability, such as, "In this chaotic world, it's a challenge "to be sane"."

What are some alternatives to "to be sane"?

Alternatives include "to remain rational", "to stay level-headed", or "to maintain sanity", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it more appropriate to say "to be sane" or "to stay sane"?

Both "to be sane" and "to stay sane" are correct, but "to stay sane" implies a continuous effort to maintain sanity over time, while "to be sane" describes a state of being.

When is it best to use the phrase "to be of sound mind" instead of "to be sane"?

"To be of sound mind" is a more formal and legalistic phrase, best used in legal documents or official contexts where mental competence is being formally assessed, whereas "to be sane" is suitable for everyday conversation and writing.