be furious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be furious' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express anger or intense annoyance. For example, "My mother was furious when she found out I had stayed out past my curfew."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He'd surely be furious.

The New Yorker

Rojas would be furious.

The New Yorker

Hopkins would be furious.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'd be furious!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Smokers must be furious.

The Guardian

Shouldn't he be furious?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Turkey appears to be furious.

The Guardian

Mourinho was said to be furious.

Independent

"Why wouldn't they be furious?

The New Yorker

They are said to be furious.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Fran was furious.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be furious" to express a strong feeling of anger, especially when someone has done something that is considered wrong or unfair. For example, "She will "be furious" when she finds out you broke her favorite vase."

Common error

Avoid using "be furious" in overly passive constructions that weaken the impact of the statement. For example, instead of "It was decided that he should "be furious"", write "He should "be furious"."

Linguistic Context

Be furious functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing a state of intense anger. As Ludwig AI suggests, it expresses strong emotions, often triggered by perceived wrongdoings or unfair situations. Examples show it modifying subjects who are reacting to specific events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Lifestyle

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be furious" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express intense anger. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, although most frequently encountered in news and media. While it can be considered neutral in register, its usage implies a strong emotional reaction. To enhance your writing, avoid passive constructions and choose alternatives like ""be livid"" or ""become enraged"" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be livid

Uses a different adjective to describe extreme anger.

be incensed

Implies anger caused by something unjust or offensive.

become enraged

Uses a more formal verb "enraged" to convey intense anger.

go ballistic

A more informal and intense way to describe becoming extremely angry.

fly into a rage

Emphasizes a sudden outburst of anger.

lose your temper

Focuses on the loss of self-control due to anger.

boil with anger

Uses a metaphor to describe suppressed but intense anger.

bristle with indignation

Suggests a defensive anger, often in response to perceived unfairness.

seethe with resentment

Implies a slow-burning anger and bitterness.

be up in arms

Indicates collective outrage and protest.

FAQs

How can I use "be furious" in a sentence?

You can use "be furious" to describe someone's intense anger. For instance, "The boss will "be furious" if we miss the deadline." or "She will "be furious" when she finds out."

What are some alternatives to "be furious"?

Alternatives include "be livid", "become enraged", or "fly into a rage", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "be furious at" or "be furious with"?

Both "be furious at" and "be furious with" are acceptable, but "be furious with" is generally more common when referring to a person. For example, "She was furious with him" is preferred over "She was furious at him."

What does it mean to "be furious"?

To "be furious" means to experience or express intense anger. It suggests a strong emotional reaction to something perceived as unjust, offensive, or frustrating.