get mad at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get mad at" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express anger or frustration towards someone or something. Example: "I can't believe she forgot my birthday; I'm really starting to get mad at her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Everybody used to get mad at me.

The New York Times

He didn't get mad at me.

The New Yorker

Don't make them get mad at you.

The New York Times

We can't get mad at Mr. Finley".

The New York Times - Sports

But I can't get mad at him.

The New York Times - Sports

And sometimes I get mad at him.

The New York Times - Style

"I can't get mad at the Army.

The New York Times

Don't get mad at the darn animal".

The New York Times

"I get mad at myself," he said.

The New York Times

And then they get mad at you.

The New York Times

And they don't get mad at the F.A.A., they get mad at us".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get mad at", consider the intensity of the emotion you want to convey. If you need to express a milder form of annoyance, consider alternatives like "be upset with" or "be annoyed with".

Common error

Ensure that it's clear who or what the anger is directed towards. Vague sentences can confuse the reader and weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get mad at" functions as a phrasal verb expressing the act of becoming angry or annoyed with someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its usage and provides numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

39%

Reference

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get mad at" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to describe becoming angry or annoyed with someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. While grammatically sound and frequently used in informal contexts like news articles and wikis, it's essential to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, as alternatives such as "get angry with" or "be upset with" may be more appropriate depending on the situation. When utilizing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the subject of your anger, and be mindful of the potentially informal tone it lends to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get angry with

This alternative is very similar in meaning, replacing "mad" with "angry" for a slightly more formal tone.

become angry with

This alternative is a more formal way to express anger towards someone or something.

lose your temper with

This suggests a loss of control due to anger, indicating a more volatile reaction.

be upset with

This phrase conveys a milder form of displeasure compared to "get mad at".

be annoyed with

This phrase suggests a milder level of irritation or displeasure than "get mad at".

be infuriated by

This alternative suggests a high level of anger caused by something.

become irate with

Similar to "infuriated," this suggests a heightened state of anger, though perhaps less intense than "rage".

fly into a rage at

This implies a sudden and intense burst of anger, which is a stronger reaction than simply getting mad.

be cross with

This is a more British English expression that conveys mild annoyance or displeasure.

take offense at

This indicates feeling insulted or aggrieved by something, which can lead to anger.

FAQs

How can I use "get mad at" in a sentence?

You can use "get mad at" to express your frustration with someone or something. For example, "I "get mad at" my computer when it crashes unexpectedly."

What are some alternatives to "get mad at"?

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

Is it more appropriate to say "get angry at" or "get mad at"?

"Get angry at" is generally considered more formal, while ""get mad at"" is more informal. The choice depends on the context and your desired tone.

What's the difference between "get mad at" and "be disappointed in"?

"Get mad at" implies anger or frustration, while "be disappointed in" suggests sadness or regret. The former is a stronger reaction, often directed at someone's actions, while the latter is a more passive emotional response.