utterly crazy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly crazy" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an expression used to emphasize that something is extremely unusual or outrageous. For example, "My friend's latest plan is utterly crazy!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

How utterly crazy is that?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Israel would be utterly crazy to attack Iran," ElBaradei said.

The New York Times

The thing that struck me the most in 1987 was the speed of the final hour on the flat stages: utterly crazy.

The Guardian - Sport

It is utterly, utterly crazy – Edmund pretends he's some sort of cosmic spider who wants to, "suck everything out of your body" via his "tentacles".

The Guardian - Music

One fine Belfast day in the utterly crazy year of 1972, young Marius Moonston, The Backslider, decides to take a fiver from his sister's purse.

The Guardian - Books

Essentially it concerns three siblings who experience huge success at a very young age, followed by failure after their utterly crazy dad leaves them.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It's absolutely crazy.

BMJ Open

The one thing I know for sure from my years in and studying presidential politics is that it is utterly unpredictable -- crazy stuff happens out of the blue all the time.

Huffington Post

"It's either totally crazy, or utterly banal, but never what we're expecting".

The Guardian - Arts

The project — crazy, impetuous and utterly inspiring — is chronicled in a book by father and daughter scheduled to be published next month: "The Power of Half".

The New York Times

At the height of the Garth-Faith-Shania era, when labels were signing acts like crazy, this stuff would have seemed utterly hopeless.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly crazy" to express strong disapproval or disbelief regarding a situation, plan, or idea. It's most effective when conveying a sense of astonishment or outrage.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly crazy" in highly formal or professional writing. While acceptable in news and media, more formal settings may require alternatives like "highly improbable", "extremely unconventional", or "completely illogical".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly crazy" functions as an intensifier (utterly) modifying an adjective (crazy). According to Ludwig AI, this combination serves to emphasize the extreme nature of something considered mad, foolish, or absurd.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utterly crazy" is a common phrase used to express that something is exceptionally foolish, wild, or absurd. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While generally acceptable in neutral contexts like news and media, it's best to avoid this phrase in more formal or professional settings. The phrase functions by intensifying the adjective "crazy", effectively highlighting a speaker's strong disbelief or disapproval. When needing alternatives, consider phrases like "completely insane", "absolutely ludicrous", or "totally absurd", each offering a slightly different shade of meaning. Always choose the expression that best fits your intended message and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely insane

Replaces "crazy" with "insane", intensifying the sense of mental derangement or absurdity.

absolutely ludicrous

Shifts the focus to the ridiculousness and absurdity of something, rather than its wildness.

totally absurd

Highlights the irrational and illogical nature of something.

patently ridiculous

Emphasizes the obviousness and visibility of the ridiculousness.

downright foolish

Indicates a lack of good sense or judgment.

plainly mad

Focuses on the madness or irrationality of something in a straightforward way.

unbelievably wild

Stresses the extreme and uncontrolled nature of something.

utterly nonsensical

Highlights the lack of sense and coherence.

thoroughly daft

Emphasizes foolishness and silliness, often with a British English connotation.

exceptionally bizarre

Focuses on the strangeness and unusual nature of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "utterly crazy" to describe something that is extremely foolish, nonsensical, or outrageous. For example, "His plan to climb Mount Everest in sandals is "utterly crazy"".

What are some alternatives to "utterly crazy"?

Alternatives include "completely insane", "absolutely ludicrous", or "totally absurd", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "utterly crazy" appropriate for formal writing?

While "utterly crazy" is acceptable in informal and some news contexts, it's generally not appropriate for formal writing. Consider using more professional alternatives like "highly improbable" or "extremely unconventional".

What's the difference between "utterly crazy" and "slightly crazy"?

"Utterly crazy" implies a much stronger degree of craziness or absurdity than "slightly crazy". "Utterly" emphasizes the extreme nature of the craziness, while "slightly" suggests a mild or minor level.