utterly insane

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly insane" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely irrational or absurd. Example: "The idea of running a marathon without any training is utterly insane."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm utterly insane..

The Guardian - Books

It was utterly insane".

The New York Times

Floris looks at Craig as if he is utterly insane.

The Guardian - Film

With the calm of the utterly insane, he said to her, "Repeat that".

The New Yorker

To a liberal European reporter, from afar, American gun culture appears utterly insane.

The Economist

"It would have been utterly insane to use Countryfile to appeal to younger viewers".

The Guardian

As one released in the middle of an economic meltdown, its mere existence feels utterly insane.

The New York Times

"Most producers would tell you you're completely and utterly insane, which we probably are," said Bartlam.

The Guardian

Nixon's hope was that Soviet intelligence would interpret the action as an immediate, and utterly insane, threat of nuclear attack.

The New Yorker

"If you think back to when The Sims launched, as a game design it was utterly insane," he says.

The Guardian - Tech

It appears that the government of Gordon Brown has decided to embrace inclusivity to the extent of including the utterly insane.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific action or idea as "utterly insane", follow up with an explanation of why it is perceived that way.

Common error

While "utterly insane" is widely understood, it might be too informal for academic papers or professional reports. Opt for terms like "entirely irrational" or "completely illogical" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly insane" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something as completely irrational or absurd. As Ludwig confirms, it's a correct and usable expression. It intensifies the meaning of "insane", emphasizing the extreme nature of the described state or idea, as seen in many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utterly insane" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something as completely irrational or absurd. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the formality of the setting, opting for alternatives like "entirely irrational" in more formal situations. The phrase’s strength lies in its ability to convey strong disapproval or disbelief, adding emphasis to the speaker's assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely crazy

Emphasizes a total lack of reason or control, less formal.

totally absurd

Highlights the illogical or nonsensical nature of something.

absolutely ludicrous

Conveys extreme foolishness or ridiculousness.

entirely irrational

Focuses on the absence of logical thought.

patently absurd

Indicates obvious and undeniable absurdity.

downright nonsensical

Stresses the lack of sense or meaning.

blithering mad

A more informal and somewhat humorous way to describe extreme insanity.

stark raving mad

Emphasizes a wild and uncontrolled state of insanity.

certifiably crazy

Suggests a level of insanity that could be clinically diagnosed.

plain bonkers

An informal British term for crazy or mad.

FAQs

What does "utterly insane" mean?

The phrase "utterly insane" means completely irrational, absurd, or crazy. It intensifies the adjective "insane", indicating a high degree of foolishness or lack of reason.

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

You can use "utterly insane" to describe ideas, actions, or situations you find extremely unreasonable or foolish. For example: "The suggestion to cut funding for education is "utterly insane"."

What are some synonyms for "utterly insane"?

Synonyms for "utterly insane" include "completely crazy", "totally absurd", or "entirely irrational". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "utterly insane" in formal writing?

While "utterly insane" is widely understood, it may be too informal for some formal writing contexts. In such cases, consider using more formal alternatives like "entirely irrational" or "patently absurd".