be mad with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be mad with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express anger or frustration towards someone or something. Example: "She was mad with her friend for canceling their plans at the last minute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

We are said to be "mad" with grief.

The Guardian - Books

"I had a perfect right to be mad with them," Magdalena Santillan said through an interpreter.

The New York Times

"We got a lot of people who were uninterested in U2 to be mad with U2.

The Guardian - Tech

"I working Mommy or my editor will be mad with me," he said.

The New York Times

But Bryant, the pastor, told the crowd at Watson's funeral: "You can't be mad with the messenger.

The Guardian

Birdy takes a moment to write his Uncle Richie in Harlem: "I used to be mad with you when you wouldn't talk about Vietnam.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

I was mad with excitement.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I was mad with God.

The New York Times

Hamadi said Tahar was mad with grief.

The Guardian

I think people are mad with fashion".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We are mad with summer, chafing and irritable with sex.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be mad with", consider the context and ensure that it accurately reflects the intensity of the emotion you are trying to convey. It can sometimes imply a slightly irrational or uncontrolled state of anger.

Common error

Avoid using "be mad with" when a milder term like "angry at" or "upset with" would be more appropriate. Overstating the emotion can weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be mad with" functions primarily as a predicate adjective describing a state of intense anger or another overwhelming emotion. Ludwig indicates that this expression is grammatically correct and can be used to convey strong feelings, as shown in several examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be mad with" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express strong feelings, primarily anger or frustration. According to Ludwig, its usage is correct, albeit relatively rare, appearing most often in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. While similar to phrases like "be angry at" or ""be furious with"", it can imply a more intense or irrational state of emotion. When writing, consider the context and the desired level of intensity to ensure accurate and effective communication. Keep in mind, however, that the phrase is valid and correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be angry at

More direct and commonly used alternative to express anger.

be furious with

Implies a higher degree of anger or rage compared to "be mad with".

be livid at

Indicates a state of extreme anger, often to the point of visible agitation.

be enraged by

Signifies extreme anger, often triggered by a specific event or action.

be consumed by

Indicates being completely taken over by an emotion, whether anger, grief, or another strong feeling.

be indignant at

Implies anger mixed with a sense of injustice or unfairness.

be incensed with

Suggests a formal and intense form of anger or indignation.

be exasperated with

Signifies frustration and annoyance, often due to repeated or ongoing issues.

be cross with

A milder, more colloquial term for being angry or annoyed.

be wild with

Can indicate being overwhelmed by an emotion, like excitement or joy, not necessarily anger.

FAQs

What does it mean to "be mad with" someone?

To "be mad with" someone means to be very angry or upset with them. It suggests a strong emotional reaction, often fueled by frustration or disappointment.

Is it better to say "be mad at" or "be mad with"?

Both "be mad at" and "be mad with" are acceptable, but "be mad at" is generally more common and direct. "Be mad with" can sometimes imply a slightly more intense or irrational state of anger. Consider also "be furious with".

What are some alternatives to saying "be mad with"?

Some alternatives to "be mad with" include "be angry at", "be upset with", or ""be furious with"", depending on the level of intensity you want to convey.

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

You can use "be mad with" in a sentence like this: "She was mad with her brother for breaking her favorite toy." It shows a strong feeling of anger towards someone because of something they did.