be driven mad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be driven mad" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a state of extreme frustration or annoyance. Example: "The constant noise from the construction site began to drive her mad." Alternative expressions include "be driven crazy" and "be pushed to the brink."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Some people would be driven mad by the happy caterwaul — it's almost a permanent sound installation.

The New York Times

You could be driven mad trying to figure out if nine goes in the top right or bottom left square.

The Guardian - Money

If you try to avoid such hazards by sticking to DVDs, you'll be driven mad by unskippable, preliminary admonitions.

The Guardian - Film

The wily detective Porfiry warns him that the law of nature dictates that he will either be driven mad or obliged to confess.

The Guardian - Books

In H. G. Wells's 1897 classic, "The Invisible Man," the title character dedicates his life to discovering the secret of invisibility — only to be driven mad by it and use it to launch a "Reign of Terror" against humanity.

The New Yorker

In H. G. Wells's 1897 classic, "The Invisible Man," the title character dedicates his life to discovering the secret of invisibility only to be driven mad by it and use it to launch a "Reign of Terror" against humanity.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

M had been driven mad by grief.

The Guardian - Opinion

Have all these people, to some degree, been driven mad?

Independent

Many Republicans are being driven mad by hope.

The Washington Post

Animals and people are driven mad and then die.

The New York Times

Women psychiatrists: they're driven mad by love.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be driven mad" to describe a state of intense frustration or mental anguish caused by external factors. Ensure the context clearly identifies the cause of this state.

Common error

Avoid using "be driven mad" vaguely. Be specific about what is causing the extreme frustration or mental distress to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be driven mad" functions as a passive verb phrase, typically used to describe a state of extreme mental distress or frustration inflicted upon someone by external circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be driven mad" is a grammatically sound and valid expression used to depict a state of extreme frustration or mental distress caused by external factors, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not overly common, it frequently appears in news and media contexts to convey strong emotional responses. Alternative phrases, such as "go insane" or "lose one's mind", offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using "be driven mad", ensure the cause of the distress is clearly identified to avoid vagueness and maximize impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go insane

Focuses on the process of becoming mentally unstable rather than an external force causing it.

lose one's mind

Emphasizes the loss of mental control and rationality.

become deranged

Suggests a severe mental disturbance, often implying erratic behavior.

be pushed to the brink

Highlights the stress and pressure leading to a breaking point.

reach the end of one's rope

Focuses on reaching a limit of endurance or patience.

be at one's wit's end

Indicates a state of helplessness and confusion due to overwhelming stress.

crack up

Implies a sudden and dramatic mental breakdown.

go off the rails

Suggests a deviation from normal behavior due to stress or mental instability.

be driven to distraction

Highlights a state of extreme annoyance and inability to focus.

succumb to madness

Emphasizes the yielding to a state of insanity or irrationality.

FAQs

How can I use "be driven mad" in a sentence?

You can use "be driven mad" to describe someone experiencing extreme frustration or mental distress due to external circumstances. For example, "The constant noise from the construction site began to drive her mad."

What can I say instead of "be driven mad"?

You can use alternatives like "go insane", "lose one's mind", or "be pushed to the brink" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "be driven mad" or "be driven crazy"?

"Be driven mad" and "be driven crazy" are similar, but "be driven mad" might be perceived as slightly more formal or literary. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

What does it mean to "be driven mad"?

To "be driven mad" means to be pushed to a state of extreme frustration, annoyance, or mental instability by something or someone. It implies an external force is causing a significant negative impact on one's mental state.