a mad dash

USAGE SUMMARY

"a mad dash" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a rushed or hurried attempt to complete something. For example, "John made a mad dash to get to the airport before his flight left."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has been a mad dash.

The New Yorker

But I suspect a mad dash is far from likely.

Independent

You'd have had a mad dash for assets worldwide".

The New Yorker

"The whole city has become a mad dash to build".

The New York Times

So it was a mad dash between them.

The Guardian - Sport

It's not a mad dash into the dance-pop mainstream.

The New York Times - Arts

The day of the event is a mad dash where everything somehow comes together.

Harvard University

"Stranger Tides" focuses on a mad dash for the Fountain of Youth.

The New York Times

"Just in Time" was so fast it felt like a mad dash to a finish line.

The New York Times - Arts

"No one wanted to make a mad dash to an accord".

The New York Times

His options often are a long jump shot or a mad dash to the rim.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mad dash" to vividly describe situations where speed and urgency are paramount, such as escaping danger or seizing an opportunity before it's too late. This phrase adds a sense of excitement and immediacy to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a mad dash" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral or precise language to maintain a professional tone. Phrases like "rapid attempt" or "urgent effort" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mad dash" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sudden, hurried movement or action, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples, like "The day of the event is a mad dash where everything somehow comes together."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

14.28%

Wiki

14.28%

Science & Research

8.33%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mad dash" is a common noun phrase used to describe a hurried and often chaotic attempt to do something quickly. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While suitable for many situations, it's best to avoid this phrase in formal writing in favour of a more neutral alternative. Consider synonyms like "a frantic rush" or "a hurried sprint" for similar meaning. Remember, the most effective choice depends on the context and the tone you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a frantic rush

Replaces "mad dash" with "frantic rush", emphasizing the chaotic and uncontrolled nature of the movement.

a wild scramble

Substitutes "mad dash" with "wild scramble", highlighting a disorganized and competitive effort.

a hurried sprint

Changes "mad dash" to "hurried sprint", focusing on the speed and urgency of the movement.

a frenzied race

Replaces "mad dash" with "frenzied race", stressing the intensity and competitive nature of the endeavor.

a chaotic scramble

Combines "chaotic" and "scramble" to convey a sense of disorder and urgency.

a headlong rush

Uses "headlong rush" to suggest a reckless and impulsive movement.

a breakneck pace

Emphasizes the dangerous speed involved in the activity.

a desperate dash

Highlights the urgency and potential consequences of failure.

a whirlwind sprint

Combines "whirlwind" and "sprint" to convey a sense of rapid and disorienting movement.

a lightning-fast run

Emphasizes the extreme speed of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "a mad dash" in a sentence?

"A mad dash" describes a hurried or frantic attempt to do something. For example, "There was "a mad dash" to get the project completed before the deadline".

What are some synonyms for "a mad dash"?

Alternatives to "a mad dash" include "a frantic rush", "a wild scramble", or "a hurried sprint". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a mad dash" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a mad dash" is generally more suited for informal or journalistic writing. More formal contexts may benefit from phrases like "an urgent attempt" or "a rapid effort".

What's the difference between "a mad dash" and "a mad rush"?

Both "a mad dash" and "a mad rush" imply hurried movement, but "dash" often suggests a shorter distance or time frame, while "rush" can imply a more sustained or chaotic movement.