get carried away

USAGE SUMMARY

"get carried away" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who allows their emotions or enthusiasm to take control of them and to go too far. For example, "My dad always gets carried away whenever his team wins a hockey game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't get carried away".

The New York Times

People get carried away.

The Guardian - Film

They get carried away.

The New York Times

But don't get carried away.

Forbes

Ward can get carried away.

The New York Times - Books

Don't get carried away, though.

The New York Times

And don't get carried away.

The Guardian

"You can't get carried away.

The Guardian - Sport

You can get carried away.

The New York Times

Sometimes I get carried away".

The Guardian - Sport

Lets not get carried away.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get carried away", ensure the context clearly indicates what someone is losing control of or exceeding limits in. For example, "He got carried away with his spending" is clearer than simply "He got carried away".

Common error

While "get carried away" is common, avoid using it excessively in formal or professional writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get carried away" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It describes a state of losing control or becoming overly enthusiastic. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, confirming its idiomatic nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get carried away" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe someone who becomes overly enthusiastic or loses control. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, though it is best suited for neutral to informal settings. While it's a common expression, be mindful of the context and opt for more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing. The phrase frequently appears in News & Media sources, sports reporting, and general wiki content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go overboard

Indicates exceeding reasonable limits, often in enthusiasm or expense.

go too far

Implies crossing a line in behavior or action that should not have been crossed.

lose control

Implies a loss of self-restraint, either emotionally or physically.

get out of hand

Suggests a situation or behavior is becoming unmanageable.

overdo it

Suggests doing something to an excessive degree.

exceed limits

Refers to surpassing established boundaries or restrictions.

become excessive

Indicates an action or feeling has gone beyond what is considered normal or acceptable.

be swept away

Suggests being overwhelmed by emotion or enthusiasm.

fly off the handle

Suggests a sudden outburst of anger or loss of temper.

lose your head

Implies a loss of composure or rational thinking.

FAQs

How can I use "get carried away" in a sentence?

You can use "get carried away" to describe someone who becomes too enthusiastic or excessive about something. For example, "I always "get carried away" when I'm shopping online".

What's a more formal way to say "get carried away"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "become excessive", "exceed reasonable limits", or "lose self-restraint" instead of ""get carried away"".

Is it correct to say "gotten carried away"?

Yes, "gotten carried away" is a grammatically correct alternative, though "got carried away" is more commonly used. Both are acceptable as past participles of ""get carried away"".

What's the difference between "get carried away" and "go overboard"?

While similar, ""get carried away"" often implies a loss of control due to enthusiasm, while "go overboard" suggests exceeding reasonable limits intentionally or excessively.