become wild

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become wild" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a transformation or change into a more untamed or uncontrolled state, often in a figurative sense. Example: "As the party went on, the atmosphere began to become wild, with people dancing and laughing freely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

And cricket's become wild!

The Guardian

I had diverged, digressed, wandered and become wild..

The New York Times - Books

Otherwise I guess you will refund my permit to become wild, and receive me.

The New Yorker

In the killing, said another, "my heart has turned to stone and my eyes have become wild like a beast's".

The New York Times

Álvaro Negredo had come on and equalised, his deflected shot squirming in on 70 minutes, and the game had become wild, frantic.

The Guardian - Sport

The street dogs barking at two or three in the morning would wake him and he would become wild with panic.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

SoHo Through March 12 Flokati rugs, those fluffy white coverings traditionally handmade in the Pindus Mountains in Europe and prized by contemporary designers, become wild-and-woolly wall reliefs in Anna Betbeze's first New York solo.

The New York Times - Arts

And he promised that "The Chamber" would only become wilder.

The New York Times

Yet inwardly he seemed to become wilder, or harder to contain.

The Guardian

This untamed land will only become wilder, quieter and more remote than ever.

The Guardian - Travel

Take a landscape that has been fields and has stones walls running through it and has all this old millwork, and you just let it gradually become wilder and wilder and wilder and just study it or just appreciate it".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become wild" to vividly depict a transition into an uncontrolled or untamed state. Ensure the context supports this shift, providing a clear subject that undergoes this transformation.

Common error

Avoid using "become wild" literally when a more precise term is needed. The phrase is often figurative; using it in overly literal contexts can sound awkward or unnatural. For example, instead of saying "the garden became wild" when you mean overgrown, consider using "the garden became overgrown".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become wild" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as a predicate in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it describes a process of transformation or change into a state that is untamed, uncontrolled, or chaotic. This usage aligns with the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become wild" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that describes a transition to an uncontrolled or untamed state. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting its prevalence in news and media, and general writing. While versatile, it's best used in contexts where a shift towards chaos or untamed nature is being depicted, avoiding overly formal or scientific settings unless appropriate. Alternatives like ""turn feral"" or ""become uncontrollable"" offer nuanced options depending on the desired intensity and context. When writing, ensure the phrase aligns with the subject's transformation and avoid literal interpretations that might dilute its figurative power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become uncontrollable

Highlights the loss of control over something or someone.

become chaotic

Describes something transitioning into a state of disorder and confusion.

turn feral

Implies a reversion to a wild, untamed state, often with negative connotations.

get out of hand

Implies a situation is becoming difficult to manage or control.

grow unruly

Suggests an increase in disobedient or difficult behavior.

go rampant

Indicates something spreading or developing unchecked, often in a harmful way.

revert to nature

Indicates a return to a natural, less cultivated state.

run amok

Describes behaving disruptively and uncontrollably.

descend into chaos

Focuses on the negative transformation of a situation into disorder.

transform into wilderness

Specifically describes a physical transformation of an area turning into a wild or uncultivated state.

FAQs

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

You can use "become wild" to describe something or someone transitioning to an uncontrolled, untamed, or chaotic state. For example, "The crowd "became wild" with excitement during the concert."

What are some alternatives to "become wild"?

Alternatives include "turn feral", "grow unruly", or "become uncontrollable", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "become wild" and "go wild"?

"Become wild" suggests a gradual transformation into an untamed state, while "go wild" implies a more sudden and often exuberant burst of uncontrolled behavior. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the process or the immediate action.

Is it appropriate to use "become wild" in formal writing?

While "become wild" is grammatically correct, its informal tone might not always suit formal writing. Consider using a more precise or formal alternative like "become unruly" or "become uncontrolled" in academic or professional contexts.