a wild thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wild thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is untamed, unpredictable, or free-spirited. Example: "She danced through the forest like a wild thing, unrestrained and full of joy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's a wild thing".

The New York Times

He is definitely a wild thing.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a wild thing to do.

The Guardian - Music

In her early years, she was a wild thing.

The New Yorker

He is what my parents would have called, in Yiddish, a vilde chaya, a wild thing.

The New York Times - Books

She was the greatest ballerina of the late twentieth century, and a wild thing.

The New Yorker

In the beginning, he had teeth; he makes a Wild Thing look like Shirley Temple".

The New Yorker

It was a wild thing to do but also entirely appropriate.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Oh look, a Wild Things game.

The New York Times - Arts

In August, a Wild Things camp immerses under-16s in the natural world.

The Guardian - Travel

The sasquatch in "Letters From the Big Man," a beguiling, Buddha-like figure who occasionally enjoys a wild-thing tantrum, offers Sarah — starving, the movie suggests, like the rest of us — companionship of a type, as well as a new, moving way of being.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a wild thing" to describe a person, ensure the context makes it clear whether you intend it as a compliment (highlighting their free-spirited nature) or a criticism (pointing out their lack of control or disregard for norms).

Common error

Avoid using "a wild thing" in formal or professional settings unless you are certain the audience will understand and appreciate the intended meaning. Its informal nature can sometimes be misconstrued.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wild thing" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes something or someone exhibiting untamed, unpredictable, or unconventional characteristics. Ludwig provides examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Arts

20%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Books

8%

Sports

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wild thing" is a noun phrase that denotes something untamed, unpredictable, or unconventional. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and wide-ranging use, particularly in news, arts and travel contexts. While its connotation can vary from positive to negative depending on the context, it generally conveys a sense of freedom or lack of restraint. When employing this phrase, writers should be mindful of the audience and setting to ensure the intended meaning is clearly communicated. Ludwig examples show that "a wild thing" can be used to describe a variety of subjects, from people to events, with varying degrees of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an untamed spirit

Focuses on the inner quality of being free and unrestrained.

a free spirit

Emphasizes independence and non-conformity.

an unconventional person

Highlights deviation from societal norms.

an extraordinary event

Shifts the focus to a remarkable or unusual occurrence.

a rebellious soul

Highlights a defiance of authority and norms.

a maverick

Implies independence of thought and action.

a loose cannon

Suggests unpredictability and potential for causing disruption.

a force of nature

Implies a powerful and unstoppable influence.

a diamond in the rough

Suggests hidden potential beneath a rough exterior.

a law unto oneself

Implies a disregard for rules and regulations.

FAQs

How can I use "a wild thing" in a sentence?

You can use "a wild thing" to describe someone or something untamed, unpredictable, or free-spirited. For example, "She ran through the fields like "a wild thing", completely carefree".

What are some synonyms for "a wild thing"?

Synonyms for "a wild thing" include "an untamed spirit", "a free spirit", or "an unconventional person", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a wild thing" a positive or negative description?

The connotation of "a wild thing" can vary. It can be positive, suggesting freedom and lack of inhibition, or negative, implying a lack of control or disregard for rules. Context is crucial.

What's the difference between "a wild thing" and "a wild animal"?

"A wild animal" specifically refers to an animal living in its natural, undomesticated state. "A wild thing" is broader and can be used metaphorically to describe people, events, or even abstract concepts that are untamed or unpredictable.