as mad as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as mad as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in expressions to describe someone who is very angry or irrational. Example: "After hearing the news, she was as mad as a hornet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And he's still as mad as hell.

The New York Times

He seems as mad as I am.

The Guardian - Sport

Is she as mad as she seems?

The Guardian - Books

Is he as mad as he looks?

The Guardian - Sport

I'm probably just as mad as any fan at myself".

The New York Times - Sports

It is not as mad as it seems.

Independent

But it might not be as mad as it sounds.

The Economist

This might not be as mad as it first sounds.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Maybe as mad as I've been in a long time.

The New York Times - Sports

It may be as mad as it pleases.

The New York Times - Arts

And briefly, though they didn't prise him from his ship, he went as mad as Tasso.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "as mad as", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the anger to provide a more complete understanding for the reader.

Common error

While "as mad as" is a common phrase, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "furious", "enraged", or more descriptive sentences to convey anger effectively.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "as mad as" is to act as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to intensify the description of a noun (usually a person) by comparing their state of anger to a known standard. Ludwig AI supports this by showing its use in describing emotional states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Social Media

1%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as mad as" is a common and acceptable expression used to describe a state of intense anger or frustration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in News & Media. When using "as mad as", consider the specific context and explore synonyms like "furious", "enraged", or "livid" to avoid repetition and add nuance to your writing. Be mindful of the potential for overuse and strive for clear and descriptive language to effectively convey the intensity of the emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as angry as can be

Replaces "mad" with "angry" and adds emphasis with "can be".

enraged

A single word expressing a high degree of anger.

furious beyond words

Indicates extreme anger that is difficult to express.

livid with rage

Uses "livid" to describe intense anger, implying visible physical signs of rage.

incensed

Formal synonym for angry or enraged.

outraged

Implies a sense of moral indignation along with anger.

hopping mad

Uses a more informal idiom to describe intense anger.

seeing red

Employs a visual metaphor to describe sudden and intense anger.

beside oneself with anger

Indicates being overwhelmed by anger, losing control.

seething with anger

Suggests suppressed or building anger.

FAQs

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

You can use "as mad as" to describe someone's extreme anger. For example, "He was "as mad as" a hornet after finding out about the betrayal".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "as mad as"?

Some alternatives include "as angry as", "furious", "enraged", or "livid". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "as mad as hell"?

Yes, "as mad as hell" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to express extreme anger. It's often used for emphasis, but it might be considered slightly informal in some contexts.

What does it mean to be "as mad as a hatter"?

"As mad as a hatter" is an idiom meaning completely insane or eccentric. While "mad" can mean angry, in this context, it refers to mental instability rather than just anger. The phrase has origins in the mercury poisoning experienced by hatters in the 18th and 19th centuries.